Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route, on the Southern coast.

Distances:
Cape Town 500km/ 5 ½ hours
George 70km/ 50 minutes
Port Elizabeth 300km/ 3 hours
Plettenberg Bay 50km/ 40 minutes

The farm is 12 km west of Knysna on the road to Buffalo Bay and the Goukamma Nature Reserve which is well signposted on the N2 main road between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

On leaving the N2 travel 2km and watch on the right for the sign “FARM 208/20” which is our entrance gate.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Oxbow Farm and the Goukamma river valley

The Goukamma (Go Karma) river is one of the minor rivers draining the Outeniqua (Owe ten ikwa) mountains which run just inland from the Cape south coast. It is not very long – probably only about 60km – but it always has water in it, and forms almost two kilometres of the boundary of Oxbow Farm.

The river enters the sea within the boundaries of the Goukamma Nature Reserve which is run by Cape Nature Conservation, who therefore take an interest in the river as a whole. It is clean and largely unspoilt with no outboards allowed, so good fishing, swimming, and canoeing.

Sadly the August 2006 flood took away the entrance road to the Reserve so the only way in at present is from the beach on foot.

The Beach

Buffalo Bay is the best beach in the area, and provides the only really safe sea swimming just in front of the parking area at the little shop and restaurant. Further along the beach towards Brenton-on-Sea there are often rip-currents which are dangerous, and this fact should be born in mind on all South-facing beaches on the Garden Route.

The bay on both the Brenton and Sedgefield sides provide the most glorious beach walks, and at most times of the year are wonderfully people-free. Dolphins often play in the waves, and if you’re lucky you might see a visiting whale or two.

Links for more Knysna Information: Knysna Tourism Bureau