Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route
The Goukamma Nature Reserve, stretches between Buffels Bay 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. (Image adapted). © CapeNatureGoukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route
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 Bay 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 Buffels Bay. 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.
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.
Contact details for the Goukamma Nature Reserve:
Phone: +27 (0)44 383 0042 / +27 (0)87 087 3001
Email: goukamma@capenature.co.za
Website: www.capenature.co.za
Address: Goukamma Nature Reserve, Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa
Accommodation Near Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route
Oribaai (Oppibaai & Bydibaai)
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
5.8km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden RouteThe 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... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
9.2km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden RouteCliffhanger 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.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
9.3km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, 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.
Salt River Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
10.4km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, 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.
Lagoon Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
10.7km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, 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.
Bayview Townhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
11.1km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden RouteBayview Townhouse offers self catering accommodation for 6 people, located in a secure complex in the small coastal village of Brenton-On-Sea, close to Knysna in the Western Cape's Garden Route. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Breeze Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
11.3km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, 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.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
11.3km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, 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.
Papillon Bleu
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
11.4km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden RouteWe have 4 self-catering suites. All are open-plan with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes,TV with M-Net and selected DStv channels. They are ideal for couples, however 2 suites are able to accommodate up to 4 people sharing... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kiewietjie Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
12.3km from Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden RouteKiewietjie 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.
- Buffels Bay (5.43km)
- Belvidere Estate, Knysna (7.44km)
- Phantom Acres (9.40km)
- Groenvlei, Sedgefield (9.85km)
- Kanonkop (Knysna) (10.03km)
- Brenton, Knysna (10.25km)
- Brenton-on-Sea (10.27km)
- Rheenendal (10.94km)
- Knysna Heights (10.99km)
- Smutsville (11.02km)
- Cola Beach (11.12km)
- Groenvallei (11.14km)
- Paradise (Knysna) (11.36km)
- Ruigtevlei (Sedgefield) (11.41km)
- Simola Golf and Country Estate (11.66km)
- Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route (7.55km)
- Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route (11.14km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (11.25km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (12.15km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (12.25km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (12.27km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (12.33km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (12.66km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (12.89km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (13.05km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon - Sedgefield, Garden Route (13.31km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (13.94km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (15.02km)
- Wild Oats Community Farmers Market - Sedgefield, Western Cape (15.35km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (16.66km)
- Swartvlei - Wilderness National Park, Garden Route (17.74km)
