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TThe origins of the town name Knysna are probably from the Hottentot words 'Xthuys Xna', which mean 'place where the wood is'. An entire industry sprang up around the beautiful yellowwood trees in the forests of the Tsitsikamma until South Africa's national tree became an endangered species.
Some of the trees that were felled for their pale, unblemished wood were over a thousand years old, and now, the largest remaining yellowwood is doesn't even approach this venerable age. Fortunately some of these ancients have survived. In the Tsitsikamma Forest, near Plettenberg Bay, you can catch a glimpse of the majesty that once ruled the forests on a short walk to the Big Tree.
Although visitors to Plettenberg Bay are drawn to the scorching white beaches crammed full of sun worshippers in the summer months, they can find respite from the heat and crowds on the forest path to the Tsitsikamma Big Tree.
This tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old, stands 36,6m tall and has a trunk circumference of 9m. From a parking lot on the side of the N2, the area's famed Garden Route that stretches from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, a boardwalk path leads visitors through the dappled light of the lush, cool forest.
The forest boardwalk is well maintained and visitors can walk the 1km round trip to the Big Tree in a comfortable 10 minutes. Two additional trails start from the same spot for the slightly more intrepid hiker - one of 2,6km and another of 4,2km.
For anyone who loves trees, there are any number of other activities in the area to appeal to the nature lover in you, from zipline canopy tours to tubing down a black water gorge, or even taking on the world's highest bungee jump off the Bloukrans River Bridge for the truly adventurous.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & planning info
How to get here
The well sign-posted path to the big tree is just west of the Paul Sauer Bridge on the N2. The walk to the tree takes about 10 minutes.
Best time to visit
The trail is open all year around, and unlike local beaches, isn’t only to be enjoyed in summer.
Things to do
The world's highest bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge.
What to pack
A sturdy pair of walking shoes and your camera. The Garden Route region is one of the highest rainfall areas in South Africa, mostly occurring in the winter months, so pack accordingly.
Where to stay
There is plenty of accommodation in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay to suit every budget.
Related links
- Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
- Tsitsikamma Forest Village Trust
- Black water tubing
- Bungee jumping Bloukrans River Bridge
- Knysna
- Garden Route National Park
- Tsitsikamma
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