The inclusive Blackwaters River Lodge package

Knysna Eco Tour: (3 nights)

Day 1:

Arrive at Blackwaters. Welcomed by your host. Depart to Goukamma Nature Reserve for a 8 km hike. Enter the Reserve, walk to the Pont and pull ones self across the river. Walk on the highest vegetated sand dunes in the area with spectacular views of the estuary and river mouth, traverse the sand dune ridge for about 3 km and than descend into the Milkwood forest for the return loop.

OR

• For the Golfers 18 holes golf on the Lodges very own challenging 9 hole Mashie Golf Course.
• Drive down to the Wild Side Back Packers parking - 1 km from Goukamma and walk down onto the beach to have sundowners and watch the awesome sunset.
• Pre dinner drinks in the bar and 30-min spiritually stimulating wild life presentation.
• Dinner under African skies (a small telescope available to look at some of the stars and planets). Three course Table D’ Hote dinner consisting of local, freshly caught sea fish on the coals.

Day 2:

Meet for tea and coffee and a walk around the Lodge grounds for the early risers to look at the bird life and indigenous trees. Full continental breakfast.

OPTION A:

Depart for the Knysna Elephant Park - meet the gentle giants of Africa first hand. Depart Knysna Elephant Park and head for Storms River, where you have several options:

Tree Top Canopy Tours:
Two Hours of gliding through the forest canopy in harnesses from tree to tree. Min age 7 yrs.

OR

• Waterfall Walk along the rugged coast line, which is the start of the famous Otter Trail, +/- 2 hrs - not recommended for children under 10 yrs and not over 60 unless a regular hiker. Lunch at Storms River restaurant. Walk across the 70-m long bridge over the river mouth.
• Depart for Monkeyland, Birds of Eden via the old road and Natures valley. Back to Blackwaters.
• Dinner under African skies (a small telescope available to look at some of the stars and planets). Three course Table D’ Hote dinner consisting of local, stuffed beef or marinated ostrich fillet over the coals.

OPTION B:

• Depart for the Kranshoek Walking Trail 9 km moderate difficulty 3.5 hrs along the coast between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay, not recommended for under 10 yrs and over 60 yrs of age unless a regular hiker. (Very good spot for Whale watching in season August - December). Depart to Plettenberg bay for Lunch. Depart for Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. Dinner Under African Skies (a small telescope available to look at some of the stars and planets). Three course Table D’ Hote dinner consisting of local, stuffed beef or marinated ostrich fillet over the coals.

Day 3:

• Meet for tea and coffee and gear up for a canoe trip to Goukamma (Max. 8 people)(More canoes may be hired should there be more than 8 participants.)
• Depart for Goukamma (providing the river if not flooding)[Alternatively is to drive around the lakes on the back roads of the Swartvlei & Wilderness and stop at the Kingfisher Bird Hide for one hour.

OR

An early morning trip to the Knysna Heads view point.

OR

• Horse Riding on the beach (Max 6 people).
• Collection at Goukamma and transported back to the Lodge for breakfast.
• Depart for Plettenberg Bay for a 2 hr Dolphin/Whale watching tour with a licensed company who is permitted to approach whales to within 50m. Lunch in Plettenberg Bay on return from tour.
• For those who choose the Kranshoek Walk they now have the opportunity to visit the Elephant Park on there return trip to Blackwaters

OR

• Depart for Timber Village for a fascinating tour to see what the raw and worked timber of the Forests looks like, Yellow wood, Stink wood, Iron wood, Candle wood, etc.
• Sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon.
• Dinner at one of the best seafood Restaurants in Knysna at the Waterfront OR sample a variety of game meats like Kudu, Spring Buck, Crocodile at a Restaurant in Knysna OR enjoy a 6 course meal in a Restaurant overlooking the Knysna lagoon.
• Alternatively return to Blackwaters for a traditional South African Barbecue consisting of T-bone steaks, "Borewors" and "Karoo" Lamb chops. Sample the staple diet of Africa "Mielie Pap and Sous" and home made "Melk Tert".

Day 4:

For the early risers meet for tea & Coffee. Drive to Goukamma/Groenvlei Nature Reserves protected beach and walk along the most beautiful beach with high sand stone cliffs. This beach is where one may be able to catch a glimpse of breeding Oystercatchers. Return for breakfast. Check out.

Some alternatives for the not so physically active:

• A trip to Featherbed Nature Reserve - a 4 hour trip from the Knysna Quays going across the lagoon in the "Paddle Steamer" and a conducted tour of the Reserve and view points at the Heads and includes a good buffet lunch. Morning or afternoon trip.
• A Forest Explorers trip in a 4 x 4.

Rates:

ZAR 1786.00 per person sharing (High season 01/10/05-30/04/06)

ZAR 1494.00 per person sharing (Low season 01/05/06-30/09/06)

Including:

• 3 nights accommodation in a standard room in the garden complex, with twin or double bed, full bathroom en suite and veranda to the garden.
• Continental Buffet Breakfast
• River frontage
• Canoes and 12 km canoe trip one-way into Goukamma Nature & Beach Reserve
• Pool table/pub & board games
• Private pub
• Library
• Swimming pool
• Lush gardens
• Abundant birdlife (100 species seen or heard)
• 9 hole Mashie Golf Course (pitch & putt) (Longest hole 140 m’s, shortest 52 m’s).
• Braai facilities
• Peaceful, quiet safe surroundings
• Personal attention by owners
• Mountain bicycles
• 30 min. Wildlife presentation
• Small telescope for star gazing
• Pets permitted by arrangement

All rates inclusive of VAT and Conservation Fees.

Excluding:

• 3 course dinner & lunch
• Entrance fees and toll fees to different sightseeing’s
• Transfer from Goukamma Nature Reserve
• Airport Transfers & tours
• Golf equipment