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Forest · Knysna, Cabo Ocidental
Knysna Forest - Diepwalle
Area of Knysna native forest within the Garden Route National Park, with trails among century-old yellowwoods and the King Edward tree.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Knysna Forest - Diepwalle
The Knysna forests are the largest continuous area of native forest in South Africa, between the Outeniqua mountains and the sea. For more than a century they were logged for timber, and the woodcutters who lived there inspired the novel 'Kringe in 'n bos' (Circles in a Forest) by Dalene Matthee. Today they are part of the Garden Route National Park.
Diepwalle, about 20 km from Knysna, is one of the most visited areas. There are colour‑marked trails there, such as the Elephant Walk, and the King Edward Tree, a giant yellowwood several centuries old. The forest contains stinkwoods, ironwoods and tree ferns, and the Knysna turaco is commonly heard.
The forest is famous for the Knysna elephants, the southernmost population of elephants in Africa. Very few remain today, and almost nobody sees them; they remain a symbol of the region.
Other forest areas, like Goudveld near the old gold settlement of Millwood, and Woodville, with a yellowwood of about 800 years, have short trails.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to half a day.
Best time
In the morning, when the forest is cooler. After rain trails become slippery.
How to get there
Diepwalle is about 20 km from Knysna via the N2 and the R339 road towards Uniondale by car. Park entry is charged.
Tip
Start at the King Edward Tree, near the parking area, and do a section of the Elephant Walk.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Knysna Forest - Diepwalle
Are there still elephants in Knysna Forest?
Very few remain, and almost nobody sees them. They are the southernmost elephant population in Africa.
Which trail to do in Knysna Forest?
At Diepwalle, the King Edward Tree and sections of the Elephant Walk, colour‑marked.
How long from Knysna to Diepwalle?
About 20 km, roughly a 25-minute drive.