Featherbed Nature Reserve

About Featherbed Nature Reserve

For many of the Garden Route travellers, staying in Knysna is a highlight; thanks to its scenic lagoon, breathtaking mountains, and laid-back vibe. And, as one of its oldest attractions, it is no wonder that the Featherbed Nature Reserve is an important Natural Heritage Site.

This is an utterly unique, privately-owned reserve that lies on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as 'The Heads', which are two prominent mountain outcrops that stand like pillars on either side of a narrow, wild passageway from the ocean to the estuary. The reserve is accessible only by ferry. What makes it extra special is that it was completely destroyed in the great fires of 2017.

Did you know? The number of visitors is restricted and visits to the nature reserve are only allowed if you are with one of the reserve's guides.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve is best enjoyed on a formal tour. Catch the ferry at the Knysna Waterfront, sail across the lagoon while a guide keeps you entertained with fun facts and interesting info, and then hop off at the Featherbed jetty on the other side.

A Unimog vehicle transports you to the top of the mountain via a narrow path. From one side, views of the lagoon and the little town below are breath-taking. From the other, the ocean stretches on to the horizon, and spectators can sometimes spot whales in its blue waters.

Then, visitors can choose to head back to the restaurant for a delicious buffet lunch on the truck, or to walk the 2.5 kilometres down the mountain and along the coast.

The walk is really lovely, and includes beautiful rock formations, caves, greenery, wooden bridges, pathways, and a generous dose of the local fauna. Look out for the vivid colours of the Knysna loerie or the endangered Garden Route icon that is the blue duiker.

After a hearty lunch under the milkwood trees of the modern restaurant, where the only thing that rivals the food is the awesome view of the lagoon, head back to the Waterfront for some excellent shopping.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve was the property of the well-known television teacher, William Smith, for a long time. It has since been sold, and its current owners are committed to its ongoing rehabilitation and to maintaining the variety of its biodiversity. This commitment shows in the utmost care that is taken to keep Featherbed exquisite, pristine, and true to the South African ecology.