Featherbed Nature Reserve Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 1 day
Best Time: April - September Read More
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"Unveiling Knysna's Hidden Treasures at Featherbed Nature Reserve"
Featherbed Nature Reserve Tourism
Located on the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon, the Featherbed Nature Reserve is a stunning piece of paradise with a nature reserve, hiking trails, restaurants and boat tours. The reserve is situated along South Africa's Garden Route on Knysna's Western Headland. It is accessible only by ferry. Featherbed's Eco-Tours, spanning a 4-hour duration, provide educational insights into diverse landscapes and ocean panoramas.
The Featherbed Nature Reserve is home to the Knysna Loerie and Blue Duiker, icons of the Garden Route as well as other wildlife like Cape Mountain Tortoises, Blue Cranes, Black African Oyster Catchers, White-breasted cormorants, and Bushbuck. The reserve also curates a variety of family-oriented activities, including lagoon cruises and hikes to Knysna Heads. Their fleet, including John Benn and Paddle Cruiser, caters to dining and charters while conserving daily visitors.
Entrance Fees to Featherbed Natural Reserve:
- For 3 hours excluding Buffet Lunch: Adults - $20, Children (ages 11 to 15) - $7, Children (ages 4 to 10) $4
- For 4 hours including Lunch: Adults - $29, Children (ages 11 to 15) - $14, Children (ages 4 to 10) - $7
- 08.30 am; 02.30 pm (3 Hour - Special Request Groups)
- 10.00 am; 11.30 am; 12.30 pm (4 Hour - Lunch Included)
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Things to do in Featherbed Nature Reserve
1. Featherbed's Eco-Tours
These educational 4-hour guided tours provide a comprehensive insight into the reserve's diverse landscapes and coastal beauty. Expect to traverse lush forests, dunes, and breathtaking viewpoints. The (Read More)se tours are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural splendour of the reserve. Mornings are recommended for optimal lighting and a comfortable temperature.
2. Guided Nature Walks
Visitors can embark on guided nature walks that explore the reserve's trails, revealing its unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Guides share insightful information about the area's natural history. T (Read More)he duration of the walk can vary but typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours. Mornings are ideal for these walks when temperatures are cooler and wildlife is more active.
3. Hiking to the Viewpoint
A highlight of Featherbed Nature Reserve is the guided hike to a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Knysna Lagoon and beyond. The hike is moderate in difficulty and takes approxima (Read More)tely 2 hours. Morning or early afternoon hikes are recommended to enjoy the best lighting and views.
4. Scenic Boat Cruises
Glide across the Knysna Lagoon's tranquil waters on a boat cruise. The cruise offers enchanting views of the lagoon's shores and the surrounding landscapes. The duration is typically around 1 to 1.5 h (Read More)ours. Late mornings or early afternoons are great times to enjoy these cruises.
5. Bird Watching
Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the opportunity to spot local avian residents, including the iconic Knysna Loerie. Visitors can visit during the early morning hours for optimal bird watching.
Must Know Before You Travel to Featherbed Nature Reserve
- Pre-booking: It's advisable to pre-book activities at Featherbed Nature Reserve on its official website to secure your spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Getting There: Note that Featherbed Nature Reserve can be only reached by ferry.
- Entrance Gate: Featherbed Nature Reserve has a single entrance point accessible via a ferry from the Knysna Waterfront.
- Ferry Departure Point: The departure point for all ferry rides is at the Featherbed Ferry Terminus at Cruise Café Restaurant, Remembrance Drive.
- Ferry Schedule: Check the ferry schedule in advance as the only access to the reserve is by ferry, and weather conditions can impact departures.
- Weather Impact: Consider the weather, as ferries may not operate in bad weather conditions.
- Accommodation: The reserve doesn’t provide accommodation inside the reserve. Visitors can book their accommodation in Knysna or other surrounding areas on the Garden Route.
- Network Connectivity: Expect limited network connectivity on the reserve due to its natural setting.
- Local Transport: Explore the reserve on foot, as it offers guided tours, or opt for the provided transportation options.
- Water: The tap water might not be potable, so rely on bottled water.
- ATMs and Cash: Bring sufficient cash, as there might be limited ATM access on the reserve.
- Parking: The reserve's ferry terminal offers parking; consider arriving early.
- Malaria Precautions: As the reserve is located in a malaria area, take appropriate precautions, such as using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants during evenings, and considering antimalarial medication under medical guidance.
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Ferries/Cruises at Featherbed Nature Reserve
1. Paddle Cruiser: The Paddle Cruiser is a 4-star floating restaurant as graded by SA Tourism Grading Council, unique in South Africa. It provides distinctive lunch and evening cruises, offering delightful meals, cocktails, local beer, fine wine, and fresh Knysna oysters. Visitors can enjoy 360-degree views and fully enclosed decks while gliding across the serene Knysna Lagoon.
Price: $28 per person, $14 per child (4-12) with a limited à la carte menu.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Daily Departures:
Price for Cruise Only: Adults - $21, Children (ages 4 to 12) - $11
Duration: 1.5 hours
Daily Departures:
Price: Adults - $15, Children (ages 4 to 7) - $6
Duration: 75 minutes
Daily Departure:
Price: $28 per person, $14 per child (4-12) with a limited à la carte menu.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Daily Departures:
- Midday Cruise - 12:30 PM
- Sunset Cruise - 06:15 PM
Price for Cruise Only: Adults - $21, Children (ages 4 to 12) - $11
Duration: 1.5 hours
Daily Departures:
- Lunchtime Cruise – 12:30 PM
- Winter Sunset Cruise – 05:00 PM
- Summer Sunset Cruise – 06:00 PM
Price: Adults - $15, Children (ages 4 to 7) - $6
Duration: 75 minutes
Daily Departure:
- Summer Times: 02:15 PM, 03:45 PM, 05:15 PM
- Winter Times: 02:30 PM, 04:00 PM
Featherbed’s Eco-Tours
Featherbed Nature Reserve, located on Western Head in Knysna, offers a premier eco-experience on the Garden Route. It features a return ferry trip on the Knysna Lagoon to the Western Head, a 4x4 vehicle & trailer drive to viewpoints, guided information on history, fauna & flora, and an optional 2.2km walk through coastal forest and fynbos to ancient sea caves. Guests can enjoy a world-renowned buffet lunch under Milkwood trees. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. All departures are from Featherbed Ferry Terminus on Remembrance Drive.
Price:
3-hour Eco Experience: Adults: $46, Children (ages 4-12): $19
4-hour Eco Experience (with buffet lunch): Adults: $59, Children (ages 4-12): $24
Duration: 3 Hours - Eco Experience 4 Hour - Eco Experience (Includes Buffet Lunch)
Daily Departure:
Price:
3-hour Eco Experience: Adults: $46, Children (ages 4-12): $19
4-hour Eco Experience (with buffet lunch): Adults: $59, Children (ages 4-12): $24
Duration: 3 Hours - Eco Experience 4 Hour - Eco Experience (Includes Buffet Lunch)
Daily Departure:
- 06:30 PM & 02:30 PM (3 Hour - Special Request Groups / Excluding Buffet Lunch)
- 10:00 AM & 11:30 AM (4 Hours - Lunch Included)
Flora & Fauna in Featherbed Nature Reserve
Featherbed Nature Reserve is situated within the Cape Floristic Region, known for its unique biodiversity. The reserve's landscape is defined by the presence of Knysna Sand Fynbos and coastal dune thicket vegetation. However, significant areas of the fynbos were affected by the 2017 Cape Storm and Knysna fires, which led to the destruction of invasive alien vegetation, particularly rooikrans (Acacia cyclops). In response, the reserve's management introduced a strategic eradication program to prevent the resurgence of rooikrans.
The reserve is home to a variety of fauna, including Cape bushbuck, blue duiker, African clawless otter, and several smaller mammal species. The avian diversity is also noteworthy, with inhabitants such as the Knysna turaco (also known as the Knysna loerie) and the African Black Oystercatcher.
The reserve is home to a variety of fauna, including Cape bushbuck, blue duiker, African clawless otter, and several smaller mammal species. The avian diversity is also noteworthy, with inhabitants such as the Knysna turaco (also known as the Knysna loerie) and the African Black Oystercatcher.
Best Time to Visit Featherbed Nature Reserve
How to Reach Featherbed Nature Reserve
How to Reach Overview
Featherbed Nature Reserve can be reached by road and ferry due to its unique location on Knysna's Western Headland. If travelling from George Airport, about 60 kilometres away, it's a 1-hour drive via the N2 route toward Port Elizabeth. Knysna can also be accessed from cities like Cape Town. A quick 4-minute ferry ride from the Knysna Waterfront takes you to the reserve.
How to reach Featherbed Nature Reserve by flight
The nearest major airport is George Airport, located approximately 60 kilometres (43 miles) away, which serves as a regional hub for domestic flights like FlySafair, AirLink, and CemAir. Travellers can opt for a rental car from the airport for a convenient journey to the Featherbed Ferry Terminus Building from where the Paddle Cruiser and Featherbed Nature Reserve excursions and John Benn cruises depart.
International visitors can fly to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport and then take a connecting flight to George Airport. Another alternative is to fly to Cape Town International Airport which is around 480 kilometres from Knysna and cover the rest of the distance by road in 5 hours.
Flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town can be booked through Skyscanner.
International visitors can fly to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport and then take a connecting flight to George Airport. Another alternative is to fly to Cape Town International Airport which is around 480 kilometres from Knysna and cover the rest of the distance by road in 5 hours.
Flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town can be booked through Skyscanner.
How to reach Featherbed Nature Reserve by road
Featherbed Nature Reserve is around 500 kilometres (311 miles) from Cape Town and approximately 260 kilometres (162 miles) from Port Elizabeth. From Cape Town, the journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours by car. From Port Elizabeth, the drive is approximately 3 to 4 hours. The Garden Route's N2 highway provides direct access to Knysna.
How to reach Featherbed Nature Reserve by waterways
The reserve's unique feature is the ferry transport to access the reserve itself. A ferry service operates from the Knysna Waterfront to Featherbed Nature Reserve. The ferry journey takes about 4 minutes and costs are generally included in tour packages.
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