KNYSNA Five hundred kilometres from Cape Town the surroundings of Knysna have for many years been the main tourist centre of this unique region, a breathtaking coastline, picturesque rivers and untouched forests which have given this magnificent area a unique and unforgettable charm. The Wilderness National Park begins just outside the village of Wilderness, west of Knysna. Because of its two thousand six hundred hectares the park has become an important refuge for many varieties of bird that are threatened by extinction. Located between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains it is an ideal refuge for two hundred and fifty different kinds of birds and small animals. The extraordinary beauty of Knysna Bay has many vantage points. Its eighteen square kilometre lagoon looks like a fantastic lake and the bay’s most striking landmark is two mountains that rise up from the sea, the Heads Of Knysna which look like two gigantic stone heads and are the gateway into the lagoon. The Heads Of Knysna are responsible for the fact that over millions of years a biotope was gradually created here that is unique throughout South Africa. In this coastal area there is much vegetation and sclerophyllous plants and these rich natural treasures would alone be good enough reason to visit the Knysna region. The landscape on the section between George and Knysna is one of the finest in South Africa. The long railway bridge that spans the lagoon is a famous architectural landmark of this region and after two and a half hours the trains of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe arrive at Knysna Station. In Knysna it is possible to continue the journey by way of the many excursion boats and ferries that, when the weather is good, travel to the Heads and various islands. After having experienced the many wonderful natural sights of this magnificent region it is easy to understand why so many refer to it as, The Garden Of Eden, because, like paradise, there is no finer ‘garden’ than that of South Africa’s Knysna!