Massive bush fires swept through the Garden Route holiday towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (early June 2017) because of very strong Berg winds (hot winds from the interior), burning down at least 350 houses and numerous  prominent guest houses and hotels.  It has razed whole streets of suburban houses that normally wouldn’t appear to be in danger.

As the fires die down Knysna Tourism have told us they are open for tourism and the July Pick n Pay 2017 Knysna Oyster Festival is going ahead as planned. This town needs your encouragement now more than ever, so please go to the festival and show Knysna your support.

During the fire, a number of well-known guest houses and hotels burned down. The tourism industry have made sure tourists are safe and provided with alternative accommodation. If you have bookings in any of these Knysna/Plettenberg Bay accommodation establishments, consult your tour operator.

Immediate emergency numbers for stranded tourists needing accommodation should call Sedgefield Tourism Offices on 044 343 2007. International tourists in need of help can also contact Ilze Jacobs, Safety and Security Officer of the Eden District Municipality on 082 9722 507.

Guest Houses/Hotels that have been lost:

1. Phantom Forest Lodge
2. Knysna Hollow
3. Guadeloupe Guest House
4. Bradach Manor
5. Kanonkop House
6. The Big Tree House Lodge
7. Four on Faure
8. Coral Tree Cottages
9. Kanonkop Guest House has not burnt down, but there is some damage
10. Plettenberg Park Hotel and Spa (Mantis Collection)
11. Cliff Lodge in Plettenberg Bay

Our thoughts go to all those who’ve lost lives, lost homes and to the brave firefighters who have battled the blazes.