Shelling Out

Oyster lovers, here’s a South African date for your diaries. Over 200,000 of the scrumptious mollusks are marked for consumption at the Knysna Oyster Festival, scheduled from July 6 to 15 in Western Cape province. The perennially popular festival consists of over 100 events, including (naturally) an oyster-eating contest, two marathons, a forest cycle tour, displays of naval grandeur and plenty of boozy, foodie fun. But what else is there to see and do once all the shucking and slurping is done? Check out this selection of the area’s many other delights.

1 Goukamma Nature Reserve
A 20-minute drive from the Tabasco-crazed hordes of Knysna town lies a pristine beach of golden sands and legendary surf. Not so much of a water baby? Numerous hiking trails along 14 km of protected coast, through adjacent dunes and up the banks of the Goukamma River and its reed-lined estuary, will keep you happily occupied. Managed by Cape Nature (capenature.co.za), Goukamma also provides charming self-catering accommodation (think reeds and thatch on the outside, stainless-steel appliances and silky sheets inside) with great views.

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2 Garden of Eden
Care to see what’s inside South Africa’s lush forests without getting your feet dirty? Located 15 km from Knysna, directly off the N2 highway, the Garden of Eden offers a 1-km wheelchair- and stroller-friendly wooden boardwalk. It winds its way through a patch of ancient forest and burbling streams, providing a real-life snapshot of the majestic vegetation that once dominated this region. Numerous picnic spots, in dappled light under massive Outeniqua yellowwoods, and informative signage endlessly extend what would otherwise be a quick and effortless stroll. Any footwear other than stilettos will work.

3 Nature’s Valley
Driving about 50 km east from Knysna, keep an eye out for Monkeyland (monkeyland.co.za) and Birds of Eden (birdsofeden.co.za). Lovers of primates and fanciful plumage should pause there. After the menagerie, hang an immediate right on the R102. The road soon plunges into thick forest, delivering you to the most idyllic spot for kilometers around. Located at the mouth of the Groot (Big) River, Nature’s Valley is punctuated by fynbos-covered cliffs, a massive lagoon, beaches and rugged coastal trails. There’s also a quiet and unassuming village. Stay a few days to explore properly — numerous vacation rentals are on offer, including the aptly named Tranquility Lodge (tranquilitylodge.co.za).

4 Ocean Safaris
Was that a whale or a wave? Stop squinting and get up close to the bottlenose dolphins, Cape fur seals and even humpback and southern right whales that pass through the area from June to October. Ocean Blue (oceanadventures.co.za) launches open vessels into the surf at Plettenberg Bay, about 30 km from Knysna. You can also take a guided kayak tour. However you roll, at the end of the salt-sprayed day, you can enjoy knowing that proceeds are helping support a local school and conservation.

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