A full morning excursion through the deep Knysna forest starting at 08h30 every morning just outside Harkerville and ending at approximately 13h00 at the Diepwalle Forestry Station, just outside the town of Knysna.
Please note: - Your vehicle must have high clearance to accommodate the middle mannetjie in the forest tracks!
Tea and Coffee mid way through the excursion in the forest. Lunch is not provided
There is a place on our doorstep that has been closed to all forms of traffic for almost a hundred years. It is a place which holds many secrets and abounds with life and beauty. The excursion begins when we enter the Bhejane concession area just north of the Garden of Eden where the guides will give a full introduction and a description of the morning's activities. Road conditions are safe, ecologically friendly and not at all detrimental to your vehicle. 4 x 4, 2 x 4 and SUV with good ground clearance are required. Participants of all ages are welcome as the forest offers something for everyone. Photo opportunities are many, so don't forget your cameras. You may also wish to bring a jacket, bird and tree books, binoculars and comfortable shoes (although we won't be walking any long distances).
Bhejane 4x4 Adventures with special permission from South African National Parks, have obtained the keys to enter this secret realm. We invite you to join us on a professionally guided 4x4 self-drive exploration of the deep Knysna forest to unlock some of the forest's secrets.
PLEASE NOTE: Bhejane offers FULLY GUIDED excursions ONLY into the Knysna Forest. Entrance cannot be made without a Bhejane Guide.
This is an all weather activity - even in the rain, just bring something warm to wear and we'll bring the coffee!
MINIMUM: 4 PAX in our groups
| STARTS FROM | Harkerville Sasol Garage (Just off the N2) |
| TOUR STARTS | Daily at 08h30 |
| TARIFF | Children under the age of 12 @ R250 Adults: R450 pp Hop-on & ride with the Guide: R550 pp |
| FREQUENCY | Daily (No tours on Christmas Day) |
| BOOKINGS | Booking is essential at least 48 hours prior contact us at bookings@bhejane.com |
Meet your Bhejane guide at the Sasol Garage at Harkerville on the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. After our safety briefing and distribution of two-way radios, we are on our way. Our route takes us into the deep Diepwalle Forestry section of the Knysna Forest.
The only unfenced, wild elephants in South Africa occur in this section of the deep Knysna Forest. These so-called ‘phantom’ elephants, that rarely get seen, have been living in the forest for over 200 years. They are a mystery to conservationists and scientists. There exists an ongoing argument about the number of elephants currently found in the forest. There could be as few as one or as many as eight elephants.
From here on, we meander slowly into the heart of the remaining indigenous Knysna forest, stopping en route to explore and discover many of the forest's secrets - its ecology, its history, its inhabitants, threats and its future.
Our journey takes us through tunnels of yellowwoods, cape chestnuts, stinkwoods and bracken ferns as our guides share their wealth of knowledge. Discover the delicate ecosystem of these forests, the lichens, fungi and pristine streams.
Much of the intrigue of these forests lies in its history, from the early Italian settlers to elephant hunters and timber harvesters. En-route we stop at one of the Fynbos islands and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and admire the magnificent views and calls of the forest.
The tour ends up at the Diepwalle Forestry Station which is an easy 30km drive back to Knysna on a good gravel road!
Harkerville Sasol Garage (Just off the N2)
Daily at 08h30
(No tours on Christmas Day)
Booking is essential at least 48 hours prior
Weekend & Monday bookings must be secured by midday on Friday!
Contact us at bookings@bhejane.com
