The magnificent Knysna forests were once home to herds of elephant, as well as a thriving forestry industry due to the great number of indigenous trees found here. Forestry and humans in general, forced most of the elephant out of the area, but it is thought that a few (very elusive) elephant remain today.

There are a number of hiking trails to be enjoyed which begin at the Diepwalle Forest Station, situated 23 km north of Knysna along the Uniondale road. Three different colour coded routes take hikers past soaring trees, fungi, tree ferns, lichens, pretty tumbling streams and a great variety of forest birds.

The circular red route is fairly easy and is 6.5km in distance, taking in two enormous 600-year old Yellowwood trees. Other routes follow longer distances of up to 15km.

Permits can be obtained at the Diepwalle Forest Station office, along with a map and a tree list – some of the trees are numbered for easy identification. There is also a lovely tea room which makes for a great stop-off after your walk.