How Well Do You Know Knysna?

The town of Knysna was founded in 1804 by George Rex who was thought to be the illegitimate son of King George III.

This quaint town was once the centre of the timber industry - when George Rex settled in the area, the land was covered in indigenous forests which began the famous timber trade.

The correct answer is Pansy Shell or Sand Dollar. The common misconception with these beautiful shells is that they are sedimentary - they are, in fact, a type of burrowing urchin that live in shallow bays and estuaries. When alive, the Pansy is purple in colour and covered in furry bristles. When it dies, it takes around a week to be bleached by salt and sun.

It is, in fact, the Knysna Seahorse which was named after the town. The species is said to have survived for around 40 million years so far and steps are being taken to ensure it lasts many more!

The British Royal Navy once dubbed the Heads as the most dangerous harbour entrance in the world. Due to rocks and unpredictable conditions, the Heads are a notorious resting place for many fisherman and seaman that unsuccessfully tried to navigate through.

The Knysna Oyster Festival has been a roaring success since its inception in 1983 as the 'Knysna Winter Festival'. Since then, it has evolved into a festival of sporting events, good food, and family-friendly activities.

What was once a herd of a thousand strong, the last Knysna Elephant, Oupoot, now meanders the footpaths alone.

Thesen and Leisure Island can both be found in Knysna and are popular places for residents and holiday-makers alike.

This beautiful indigenous woodland is known to be the largest closed-canopy forest on the continent.

Deep within the forest is a creature known only to this part of the world - the elusive Phantom Moth. Phantom Pass is named after this ghost moth and pays tribute to the wild spirits that dwell in this delicate eco-region.