The Heads (Knysna) Accommodation

The Heads, is the name given to both the cliffs on either side of the the Knysna River Estuary channel where it meets the sea and to the channel itself. The word Heads is a shortening of the word Headlands and it is this that describes these two great spits of land that embrace and enclose the body of water that everyone knows as the Knysna Lagoon (although it is, more correctly, an estuary - since the mouth is never closed).

Although The Heads are magnificent to behold, The Eastern Head has had a lot of development over the years and has cafes etc to visit but it is the Western Head which has been more preserved and is home to the South African Heritage Site, The Featherbed Private Nature Reserve. This Head is only accessible by ferry and visitors are ferried across for guided walks on the reserve.

The East Head is populated by spectacular homes, with views of the town, the Heads and the open ocean, and it is a lovely easy walk to explore the East Head. Visitors should stop at the East Head parking lot for a drink or a bite to eat, its the best place to relax and enjoy the views. Interestingly, the most famous wreck of the Knysna Heads is the Paquita Wreck which lies directly in front of the East Head parking lot. On a clear day, it is said that visitors can actually make out the outline of the wreck and it is a popular site for both scuba divers and snorkellers. Be aware, though, that the currents of the Knysna Heads can be treacherous and it is advised to only dive on the turn of the tide, when the currents are at their most gentle. The Coney Glen viewpoint is situated atop the cliffs of the Eastern Head and offers a sweeping vista of the channel, the Indian Ocean, the Lagoon, and the Outeniqua Mountains; it is for precisely this reason that the local station of the National Sea Rescue Institute (Station 12, Knysna) chose to build its observation room here.

Climate
Knysna has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 8 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. The annual average rainfall is 750mm which is distributed throughout the year with 75% of this falling at night and peaks in October and November. During summer daytime temperatures average 26 degrees Celsius. The winter temperatures average 21 degrees Celsius during the day and seldom fall below 6 degrees Celsius at night.

The Heads in Knysna, located along the beautiful Garden Route in South Africa, is a stunning natural landmark where the Knysna Lagoon meets the Indian Ocean.

Here are five things to do or see in and around The Heads:

1. Viewpoints and Scenic Drives:
   Eastern Head: Drive or hike up to the Eastern Head to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon, the town of Knysna, and the rugged coastline. There are several lookout points, such as the well-known "View Point," which offer stunning vistas perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
   Western Head: Although less accessible, the Western Head is part of the privately-owned Featherbed Nature Reserve and can be explored through guided tours.

2. Featherbed Nature Reserve: Take a ferry across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. The reserve offers guided eco-tours that include a boat ride, a 4x4 drive to the top of the headland, and a guided walk down through coastal forest and fynbos, ending with a delicious lunch at the reserve's restaurant.

3. Beaches and Tidal Pools: Explore the small beaches and tidal pools around The Heads. Coney Glen Beach, located near the Eastern Head, is a secluded spot perfect for picnicking, relaxing, and exploring rock pools at low tide.

4. Knysna Lagoon Cruises: Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, which offers stunning views of The Heads from the water. Various options are available, from luxury yacht charters to eco-friendly boat tours that highlight the area's rich birdlife and marine ecology.

5. Dining with a View: Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes that offer spectacular views of The Heads and the lagoon. East Head Café, situated near the Eastern Head, is particularly popular for its delicious food and unbeatable views, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a coffee break.

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply want to soak in the natural beauty, The Heads in Knysna provides a diverse range of activities and sights that cater to all tastes.