The Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival holds its usual spot this year from the 6 to 15 July 2012.
If you love oysters you can devour as many as you like and if you don’t there are other fun activities that will keep you entertained and enthralled. Read Fatima Jakoet’s blog for more on the Knysna Oyster Festival here. Book your accommodation online and secure your place for this must-do event with these 10 options that will put you within spitting distance of the action.
1. Bay View Apartments
Escape to your home away from home located in Brenton-on-Sea. The three and two bedroom self-catering or B&B apartments are great for couples and families. The apartments have a private patio with outdoor dining facilities and braai area. You can wind down in the evenings by starting up a fire and enjoying a good bottle of red wine.
Prices: From R600 per unit (sleeps 2) to R1800 per unit a night (sleeps 6)
Special: Receive 10% discount on the two bedroom self-catering and one bedroom free-standing, self-catering apartments during the Knysna Oyster Festival.
2. Oyster Creek Lodge
Enjoy complete tranquillity and the picturesque view of the Kynsna Lagoon at Oyster Creek Lodge. This very spacious and comfortable lodge has 6 rooms and wonderful self-catering facilities for the whole family. Activities nearby range from bird watching to fishing and horseback riding, to name but a few.
Prices: From R275 per person sharing (self-catering) and R430 per person sharing a night (B&B)
Special: Stay for three nights or longer and receive a 5% discount at R395 per person sharing a night including breakfast.
3. Under Milkwood Resort
Head off to this resort of timber-log chalets in a forest of Milkwood trees, on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon. Each self-catering two bedroom chalet has a kitchen, sundeck and BBQ facilities. Three en suite B&B rooms are also available for those that prefer. The resort also provides sunloungers, umbrellas and canoes to guests at no extra cost.
Prices: From R305 per person sharing (room) and R1 440 per unit a night (sleeps 4)
Tel 044-384-0745, email [email protected], www.milkwood.co.za
4. Wayside Inn
In the heart of Knysna central you will be able to walk to and from the festival and to the many restaurants located in the town from this Victorian-style Inn. A tasty breakfast is served each morning, internet access will keep you in the loop and freshly brewed coffee is a nice wake-up call. 15 comfy en suite rooms to choose from.
Prices: From R335 per person sharing a night.
5. Cuningham’s Island Guest House
Accommodation situated on Leisure Island in the heart of the Garden Route. You can enjoy the panoramic view that surrounds this guest house. This bed and breakfast house is fully equipped with everything that you need and is suitable for 12 guests. The activities offered are golf, horse riding and spending the day out at nature reserves. There is plenty to do and all these activities are sure to keep you occupied during your stay.
Prices: From R390 per person sharing a night.
6. Phantom View Lodges
Seriously great log cabins on the Knysna Lagoon with uninterrupted views over the estuary and Outeniqua Mountains. There are two and three bedroom chalets to choose from, each with en suite bathrooms. Meals can be prepared in the kitchen and enjoyed on the decks. You will have easy access to the Knysna Oyster Festival, taking place just 6 kilometres from the lodge.
Prices: From R445 per person sharing a night (based on 6 people per chalet). Tel 0443860064, email [email protected], www.phantomview.co.za.
6. Abalone Lodges
Abalone Lodges not only offers a convenient location for you to enjoy the Knysna Oyster Festival, but also offers breathtaking views of the estuary and Knysna Heads. The unique wooden units are all self-catering with kitchenette, en suite bathroom with spa-bath, television with selected DSTV and a balcony for those lovely sunsets.
Prices: From R900 per unit a night (sleeps 2). Tel 044-382-2934 email [email protected], www.abalonelodges.co.za.
Knysna Tonquani Lodge & Spa
You will have everything you need at this lodge situated just outside Knysna central: great service, fantastic food, stunning chalets, friendly and helpful staff and wonderful massages. The 8 chalets accommodate two people each, with the family suites accommodating 5 people each. Healthy breakfasts are served each morning and units are serviced daily.
Prices: From R1040 per unit a night (sleeps 2)
7. Teniqua Treetops
Situated on the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountains is the Teniqua Treetops, an eco-friendly, self-catering resort. There are 8 tree houses to choose from, each kitted out with a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, gas cooker, large fridge and a Weber braai. After enjoying the festivities at the Knysna Oyster Festival, you can return to your lodge in the trees for a little nature fix.
Prices: From R1045 (sleeps 2) to R1 570 per unit a night (sleeps 4). Tel 044-356-2868, email [email protected], www.teniquatreetops.co.za.
8. Brenton on Sea Cottages
From the moment you arrive, you will be treated to unspoilt surroundings, Brenton hospitality and thoughtful amenities. Accommodation includes self-catering chalets, semi self-catering cabins, a honeymoon suite or a luxury chalet with a spa bath. There are a total of 6 units to choose from each with with a balcony and selected DStv channels.
Prices: From R680 per unit a night (sleeps two). Tel 044-381-0082, email [email protected], www.brentononsea.net