Goukamma Nature Reserve
Goukamma Nature Reserve
To many in the Knysna area, the words unspoilt beauty and bountiful nature describe one place. The Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area. The Nature Reserve, stretches between Buffels Baai and Groenvlei Lake near Sedgefield, covering an area in extent of 2500 hectares with the Marine Reserve extending a further nautical mile out to sea.
The reserve can be accessed from both sides, although the main offices and main entrance are just outside Buffalo Bay on the South African Garden Route. The reserve consists of dense coastal forest, consisting of amongst others, milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood trees. Some of the inhabitants which find protection here include the vervet monkey, bushbuck and bushpig, as well as porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok. Keen birders enjoy the area because the Goukamma River and estuary and the Groenvlei Lake provide a welcoming habitat for more than 220 bird species, including the rare African black oystercatcher. The rugged coastline is wild and features sizable oyster and mussel beds. Visitors to the reserve also enjoy the sight of the southern right whales between June and November each year. Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins can be spotted offshore throughout the year.
Set between the Goukamma River, which gets its name from the Khoisan word for Dark Waters, and the Groenvlei Lake you will find a coastal strip which comprises of a band of vegetated fossil dunes that have turned to stone over thousands of years, these include some of the highest vegetated dunes in the country. One of the reserves greatest attractions is based on something it lacks, no access for public transport in the main body of the Goukamma Nature Reserve. This means that the area can only be explored on foot, giving visitors the opportunity to experience unspoilt nature.
The park is filled with an array of trails, from lake trails to beach trails, and along the dunes, wherever you are you are sure to experience the beautiful surroundings which are Goukamma Nature Reserve. If you enter the reserve at Buffalo Bay Road and turn right at the gate, driving along the winding dirt road past the picnic site next to the Goukamma River and double back up a steep incline to reach the car park, you will find the secluded hillside offices where you will be able to purchase various permits for fishing and walking and maps to orientate yourself to the many hiking trails. At the picnic sites on the riverside you are also able to hire canoes which you can paddle up the river or use to explore the area towards the river mouth.
Although Goukamma is a year-round destination, some feel that the best time to visit is during September and October when the first spring rains create splashes of bright spring flowers amid the fynbos.
Kiewietjie Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
0km from Sedgefield
8.5 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveKiewietjie Cottage offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Sedgefield and offers guests three comfortable furnished self-catering units. The 2 bedroom units have a view on th …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elfransa Beach Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
0km from Sedgefield
8.5 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveElfranse Beach Cottage provides self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Situated on the front row of Myoli Beach, 150m from the main swimming area and whale-watching platform. This 90 square meter two-bedroom Sedgefield cottage is... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Knot 4 Sail
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
0km from
9.4 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveKnot 4 Sail self catering cottage in Buffelsbaai is ideally positioned to enjoy the waves crashing on the rocks while heavenly sunsets are enjoyed from the deck. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oribaai (Oppibaai & Bydibaai)
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
0km from
9.5 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveThe Beach Cottage has 3 units available - Oribaai / Oppibaai & Bydibaai in Buffelsbaai that is located in the heart of the Garden Route, 15km from Knysna and Sedgefield. This isolated tranquil village only 200 houses allowed, has supreme safe beaches for …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
40 Montage Village
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
0km from Sedgefield
10.2 Km from Goukamma Nature Reserve40 Montage Village offers self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. This is the perfect holiday house (8 sleeper) to spend a relaxed carefree holiday. Overlooking a bird sanctuary and in a secure complex this modern holiday house is central …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Chateau Anri la Mer
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
0km from Sedgefield
10.7 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveChateau Anri La Mer offers self catering house accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Our self catering home is situated on the banks of the Swartvlei lagoon at the lovely town of Sedgefield in the heart of the Garden Route. Sedgefield has three... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bird Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
0km from Sedgefield
11.2 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveBird Cottage offers self catering accommodation in Sedgefield in the Garden Route. Bird Cottage is spacious and comfortable with all mod-cons including an automatic washing machine. The bedroom has an en-suite bathroom. Also a lounge/dining room with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
0km from Knysna
11.6 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveCliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Vennebos Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
0km from Knysna
11.6 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveVennebos Cottages provides a selection of self catering cottages in a forest setting near Rheenendal, just 15kms from Knysna in the Western Cape's Garden Route. It is the ideal location for those wishing to wind down and get some peace and quiet. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Villa Castollini
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
0km from
12 Km from Goukamma Nature ReserveVilla Castollini is a five star Tuscan-styled Guest House that overlooks the beautiful Knysna estuarine bay. Perfectly positioned on the western Head of the famous Knysna Heads, in the heart of the Garden Route. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Groenvlei Lake (3.91km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon (9.53km)
- Westford Bridge Private Nature Reserve (9.76km)
- Homtini Pass (11.05km)
- Sedgefield Market (11.63km)
- Swartvlei Lake (14.00km)
- Knysna National Lake Area (14.57km)
- Skuilte Private Nature Reserve (14.74km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve (15.92km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays (15.96km)
- Simola Golf Course (15.97km)
- Pink Loerie Mardi Gras (16.38km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve (16.88km)
- Knysna Speed Festival 2015 (16.91km)
- Rondevlei (18.40km)
- Momentum Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon (18.61km)
- Wilderness National Park (18.63km)
- Knysna Golf Club (18.81km)
