Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route
The Pledge Nature Reserve features several easy walking trails that wind through forested areas, fynbos, and along streams. These trails are well-marked and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. (image adapted). © Visit KnysnaPledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route
The Pledge Nature Reserve is a tranquil haven located in the heart of Knysna in the Garden Route, Western Cape. This small but diverse nature reserve offers a peaceful escape into nature, providing a sanctuary for local flora and fauna while offering visitors scenic walking trails and beautiful viewpoints over Knysna town and its lagoon.
The Pledge Nature Reserve was established in 1991 to rehabilitate an area that had previously been used as a brickfield, quarry, and dumping ground. Local conservationists and community members worked together to restore the land to its natural state, transforming it into a thriving nature reserve. The reserve was named after Arthur Pledge, a local resident who contributed significantly to the conservation efforts.
The reserve covers an area of approximately 10 hectares and features a variety of plant species native to the Knysna region, including indigenous fynbos, forest vegetation, and wetlands. Its unique location allows it to support both forest and coastal vegetation, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Garden Route.
Visitors to the reserve can spot a variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species such as the Knysna turaco (also known as the Knysna loerie), a bird symbolic of the region. The reserve is also home to small mammals, reptiles, and insects, making it a valuable ecological area within the town of Knysna.
Activities and Trails:
- Walking Trails: The reserve features several easy walking trails that wind through forested areas, fynbos, and along streams. These trails are well-marked and suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
- Scenic Viewpoints: There are several lookout points within the reserve that offer panoramic views of Knysna, the lagoon, and the surrounding mountains.
- Birdwatching: Due to its rich birdlife, the Pledge Nature Reserve is a popular destination for birdwatchers. The peaceful environment and the diversity of plant life attract many bird species.
Pledge Nature Reserve provides an accessible nature experience right in the heart of Knysna. It's a peaceful spot for a morning or afternoon walk and offers a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the region without needing to venture far from the town.
The reserve is committed to environmental education and awareness, often hosting school groups and events to promote conservation.
Contact details for the Pledge Nature Reserve:
Phone Number: +27 (0)44 382 3712
Email: see website
Website: https://www.pledgenaturereserve.org
Address: Main entrance on Main Road, Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa.
Parking: -34.03353072133095, 23.04460993353127
Accommodation Near Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route
Inyathi Guest Lodge Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
0.6km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteInyathi Guest Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Our fully equipped self-catering chalets are situated in a highly convenient central location, but down a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
1km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route36 Ridge Dr Knysna is a stylish self catering holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Perched on the hillside of Paradise/Knysna Heights, it is only a few minutes drive from the town centre with its endless array of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Breeze Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
1.1km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Breeze is a lovely luxury guest house, with magnificent views of the lagoon and Knysna heads and the ocean beyond. Situated in Knysna on the Western Cape's garden Route and conveniently on the N2 alongside the Knysna lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
1.7km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Salt River Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
1.9km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteSalt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oniro on Thesen
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
2km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteOniro On Thesen offers self catering accommodation on Thesen Island in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in Thesen Islands and designed for relaxed, easy indoor/outdoor living with large veranda with uninterrupted view of Knysna lagoon and wetlands. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
B My Guest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
2.6km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteB My Guest offers visitors to Knysna, Garden Route with self catering accommodation. Voted South Africa's favourite town, Knysna lies on the shores of an estuary between indigenous forests, Outeniqua mountains and a breathtaking coastline. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
3km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteOyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Villa Leisure
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
3.8km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteVilla Leisure is a charming two-story self catering villa that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort. The villa features three spacious ensuite bedrooms and three bathrooms, sleeps 6, ensuring ample privacy and convenience. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Greens Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
4.2km from Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden RouteThe Greens Guest House offers guests bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of the lush Garden Route greenery in the picturesque and popular town of Knysna. An elegant single storey architectural jewel, housing a large open plan living area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Knysna (0.19km)
- Westhill (Knysna) (0.49km)
- Heuwelkruin, Knysna (0.72km)
- Knysna Central (0.90km)
- Paradise (Knysna) (0.97km)
- Knysna Heights (1.42km)
- Costa Sarda, Knysna (1.61km)
- Flenters, Knysna (1.91km)
- Thesen Island - Knysna (1.95km)
- Kanonkop (Knysna) (2.31km)
- Old Place (Knysna) (2.69km)
- Simola Golf and Country Estate (3.20km)
- Brenton, Knysna (3.28km)
- Fisher Haven, Knysna (3.72km)
- Leisure Island (3.78km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (0.81km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (0.84km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (2.20km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (2.49km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (2.57km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (2.83km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (3.90km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (4.98km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (5.14km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (5.88km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (12.33km)
- Prince Alfred's Pass - Garden Route, Western Cape (13.39km)
- Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route (15.07km)
- Groenvlei Lake - Sedgefield, Garden Route (19.06km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (19.09km)
