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Kate and her family recently enjoyed a weekend in Knysna at Under Milkwood Chalets.
Packed and ready to go, my family and I bundled into the car and headed off to Knysna on a drizzly day – actually perfect driving weather, not too wet but cool enough for the journey to be pleasant. Knysna is a fantastic destination if you are travelling from Cape Town – being only five and a half hours drive away (plus a stop or two) means that you don’t have to leave home super early. The route is also beautiful and there are some great places to stop off at such as Ou Meul bakery in Riviersonderend, and the BP just outside of Swellendam. This is a firm favourite amongst families with its generous kids play area, grassy lawns and delicious rooster brood from the take away cafe.
Once in Knysna, Under Milkwood is just a short and picturesque drive from the town centre along the lagoon to The Heads. The rustic wooden bungalows are warm and inviting and even though we were in a middle cabin, the beach was just a stone’s throw away making it easy to unpack and head straight to the waters edge.
The lodge is divided into three types of chalets. The Waterfront Chalets are right on the water and have beautiful lagoon views, while the Middle Chalets are located just behind the Waterfront Chalets. These cabins don’t have views, but are so close to the water that you don’t feel like you are missing out. The Hilltop Chalets are perched above the Middle Chalets and also offer spectacular views out over the lagoon. The Milkwood Collection offers a selection of bigger units that can accommodate larger groups.
Our home for the weekend was called Captain Cat and was just perfect for us as it had an enclosed deck area which meant that we could keep the sliding doors open without having to worry about our toddler ‘escaping’. A big plus for families is that Under Milkwood can provide you with a camp cot on request and can organize a babysitting service for an extra fee – perfect for worn out parents!
The cabins were perfectly equipped with gorgeous Le Creuset Cookware, Wi-Fi, Dstv, luxurious toiletries and a fully stocked braai area. All these touches added to the top notch self-catering experience.
The beach at Under Milkwood is tidal which gives you such a unique experience. During our stay, the lagoon’s low tide was in the morning which allowed us to go on long walks almost all the way to Leisure Island with plenty of opportunity for splashing in the shallows.
By the afternoons, the tide would rise almost two meters and the water came all the way up to the deck area which meant that the conditions were perfect for jumping on a complimentary canoe or stand-up paddle board and enjoying the lagoon around the Heads. The beach seemed to be a popular spot for small boats to come and park which added to the festive, laid back atmosphere as we sat on loungers sipping our drinks in the warm afternoon sun.
The location of Under Milkwood is just great for exploring explore Knysna. You are within walking distance of the East Head Café which offers great views and fresh, tasty food. A word of advice - it’s very popular - so make sure you get there early.
Just a short drive or walk up the hill, you will find the View Point from the Eastern Knysna Head which gives spectacular views of the famous Knysna Heads and lagoon.
Other great holiday activities are wandering the shops and restaurants at the Knysna Waterfront, relaxing at Bollard Bay on Leisure Island and taking a boat cruise around the lagoon with the Featherbed Company.
Sedgefield, Plettenberg Bay, the Knysna forests, golf courses, wildlife parks and so much more are all just a short drive away if you feel like heading slightly out of town.
Knysna is a one of a kind destination providing an ideal place to relax and unwind - and Under Milkwood is the perfect base. To learn more about Under Milkwood Chalets and to book, click here.
