Pezula Golf Estate has an exceptional environment which is rich in bird, plant and animal life. It is home to no less than 119 species of birds and over 240 varieties of fynbos (fine bush), the Afrikaans name given to the type of vegetation which only occurs in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Knysna
Pezula Golf Estate is just 10 minutes drive from the thriving cosmopolitan town of Knysna.
History of Knysna
The word Knysna comes from a word in the Khoi language. It is thought that the word refers to the Knysna Heads, two sandstone monoliths which guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean.
The Khoisan people who inhabited the Garden Route were displaced in the 17th century after the arrival of Dutch settlers. The town of Knysna was founded in 1804 by George Rex who was thought to be the illegitimate son of King George III, and settled his family on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon. The land was covered in indigenous forests and so began Knysna's famous timber trade.
It was difficult to move timber by ox-wagon so George Rex proposed building a harbour and in 1817 the 188-ton Royal Navy brig Emu made the first attempt to enter the lagoon through the Knysna Heads. Unfortunately she struck a submerged rock in the channel and had to be beached to stop her sinking. Later that year the ship Podargus arrived to fetch the cargo and crew of the Emu and managed to find a safe passage through the Heads into the lagoon thus paving the way for a shipping industry in the area.
In 1817 Knysna became a port for naval and commercial ships. Ships entering the lagoon brought in goods and shipped out timber. In 1820 George Rex ceded some of his land to the British Admiralty to allow them to build a port in the lagoon. Unfortunately this project was never completed as fires destroyed the buildings.
In 1830 the first ship built in Knysna using local stinkwood was launched. The ship weighed 140 tons and belonged to George Rex.
In 1885 gold was found in Millwood, about 25 kms outside of Knysna, deep in the indigenous forest. But the gold rush was short-lived and 10 years later it had petered out.
In 1881 Knysna was declared a town, but the use of the harbour had ceased and goods and supplies were transported by steam train.
Knysna Today
Knysna has grown enormously and today accommodates a population of over 60,000. It has excellent schools, including Knysna Primary School, Oakhill Private School and Knysna Montessori as well as various pre-school facilities.
The state-of-the art Knysna Private Hospital (just five minutes from Sparrebosch) has an adjoining Retirement Village and Frailcare Centre. The medi-clinic accommodates a number of medical practitioners including GPs, dentists and specialists.
Knysna boasts many excellent eateries offering a variety of dining experiences from coffee shops and bakeries to fine-dining restaurants. The Knysna Waterfront and Thesen Harbour Town provide many specialist shops and restaurants and the opportunity to dine alfresco while you watch the activities in the small harbour and on the lagoon.
Activities and Attractions
Knysna is a thriving tourist destination and was twice voted South Africa's Favourite Town. There are many attractions for residents and visitors alike. A plethora of excellent accommodation establishments includes four hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and camping facilities.
The town is built around an enormous estuary and surrounded by indigenous forests and pristine beaches which provide a natural playground for sports enthusiasts. Mountain biking, hiking, surfing, fishing, sailing, swimming and canoeing are popular activities. Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head is an international tourist attraction and ferries provide regular excursions across the lagoon to the reserve.
Knysna's famous oyster industry is celebrated every year in July with a 10-day sport and lifestyle festival, the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. Two other festivals, the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and the Gastronomica draw thousands of visitors to Knysna annually.
The area is a golfer's paradise and there are a number of excellent golf courses between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.
There are myriad gift shops, art galleries, pubs and clubs as well as a well-stocked library, a modern cinema and an excellent theatre. Or you can go back in time and visit the Old Fort, the Old Gaol, churches, the museum and Millwood goldmine to discover Knysna's history.
Nature Trails
A number of nature trails are maintained and managed by Pezula Golf Estate Home Owners Association. The trails take hikers into the Sparrebos Nature Reserve, a 45-hectare Afromontane forest with many animal and bird species, located at the south-eastern corner of Pezula Golf Estate. Self-issuing permits are available at the kiosks stationed at the start of each trail.
Sparrebos Trail is a moderate 1.1km trail along the eastern edge of the estate starting at the public parking area in Lagoon View Drive and ending at the Forest Loop in Sparrebos Nature Reserve. A bench next to a small waterfall makes a secluded hideaway for hikers. Give yourself an hour to complete the trail.
Fisherman's Walk is a more strenuous walk of the same distance and should take the same time to complete. It starts from the Forest Loop in the Sparrebos and leads over a fynbos ridge down to secluded Cove Beach which is visible from a view site halfway along with its stunning view point and down to the beach.
For a moderately easy walk with a low gradient and wide path following an old track, try the 1km Woodcutter's Trail starting at the 18th tee on Pezula Championship Course in Martingale Road which takes you past an old gold digging site to the Forest Loop.
The 400m Forest Loop ties the three trails together in the middle of the Sparrebos Nature Reserve and is a 15 minute moderate circular walk past the river.
The estate has been planned to both conserve and enhance this unique natural resource. Over 50% of the estate will remain open and untouched. The architectural guidelines ensure that the homes blend in with the fynbos environment by using earthy colours, dark roofs, and natural materials.
This year Pezula Golf Estate together with its surrounding areas was officially registered with CapeNature as The Knysna Coastal Conservancy, comprising a total of some 880 hectares of land. The conservancy area has been identified as an important coastal corridor and ecosystem and the conservancy's main aims will be the conservation of natural resources and the creation of increased public awareness regarding wise management of the natural environment. Being part of a conservancy means that the Pezula Golf Estate HOA will be able to address ecological challenges such as conservation corridor management, fire management and alien species eradication more effectively.
Nearby nature
A variety of animal sanctuaries provide visitors with the opportunity to get close to Africa's wildlife, including the Knysna Elephant Park, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
Knysna is also home to a number of rare and endangered species including the Knysna Seahorse (Hippocampus capensis), the Knysna Turaco (previously known as the Knysna Loerie), the rare Knysna Dwarf Cameleon (Bradypodion damaranum), and the Brenton Blue Butterfly. It is believed that the Knysna Elephant which once roamed freely in large numbers in their natural habitat, have survived, and as many as five are believed to live deep in the Knysna Forest.
Wildlife
Knysna Elephant Park
http://www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za/
The Park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free-range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route.
Birds of Eden
http://www.birdsofeden.co.za/
Birds of Eden, is the Garden Route's very own World class free flight bird sanctuary.
The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors.
Like Monkeyland, the popular primate sanctuary next-door, Birds of Eden boasts its own canopy walk, while shorter than the 128m bridge at Monkeyland, it hangs above the clouds. The decision to develop Birds of Eden stems from the need to create a safe environment in which to release a large collection of free-flight African birds, miniature monkeys and the sanctuary also enables bird owners to apply to release their pet birds into the sanctuary, after undergoing rehabilitation.
Monkeyland
http://www.monkeyland.co.za/
Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland has as one of its aims, to create awareness about the plight of primates and to show that with a greater understanding of our primate cousins, that we can all live in harmony.
South Africa's Leading Spa Resort 2008 World Travel Awards
Transport yourself to another world, a calm sanctuary that reflects the soul of Africa with its natural elements and textures at the opulent Pezula Spa at Conrad Pezula.
Sailing
http://www.springtide.co.za/
Let Springtides experienced crew take you on a lagoon sailing cruise on the famous Knysna Lagoon in the Garden Route. Sail out past the Heads and towards Buffalo Bay. On return, anchor is weighed in the calm waters of the lagoon. Feast on a spread of delectable Mediterranean delicacies and enjoy a refreshing swim before returning to the quays. Witness incredible rock formations, caves, pelagic birds, whales & dolphins unique to this internationally acclaimed Eden
(Kite) Surfing & adventure
http://www.tonycookadventures.co.za
Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just want to experience the beauty of these surroundings at a leisurely pace, the've got the activity for you!
Tony Cook Adventures is owned and run by the legend himself, Tony Cook. Knysna is a superb base for an awesome array of soft and hard adventures. Tony himself is a self proclaimed adventure addict, and competes in mountain bike races, walks and hikes every trail possible, climbs mountains, paddles a canoe, races surf-ski's, runs, surfs, kiteboards, is fanatical about Stand Up Paddling, and has salt water in his veins!!
Tony's work is his passion and all activities are guided by either himself or his trusted guide - Ricky, a man with knowledge of every trail, tree, flower, insect and bird in our forests. We love to show the world and you our guests the beauty of out forests, the sea, our lagoon, and the surrounding mountains. We offer half day trips, full day trips, and multi day overnight mountain bike trips and walking tours into the mountains.
Both Tony and Ricky are fully qualified FGASA guides and registered with DEAT. (Department of environmental affairs and Tourism. We are members of Knysna Tourism. Tony has worked extensively overseas in tourism, sailing, and adventure.
Ocean Lodge - Pezula, South Africa