Knysna

The Knysna forrest is apparently known for its mysticism and magic that has lured people to it and enchanted millions over the years.Its famous for its once great herd of Cape bush elephant.
In 1876 it was estimated that between 400 and 500 of these giants roamed the forests of Knysna. The numbers declined partly due to poaching and ivory smuggling. In 1908 when the elephants were declared royal game only 20 were counted, and today, of the original females, only one remains.

Its this one that you'll probably see passing you on doing the Knysna marathon without training, so I'm told.It came as no surprise then that I reacted with a nervous twitch as soon as any living creature of greater stature then myself passed us on the way to the finish line.I had no intention of becoming a statistic, and made sure that the lycra cladded pachyderms (large thick skinned mammal according to Encarta)stayed at a safe distance.

Brenton on sea, just a few kilometers away, is the perfect base camp for a weekend adventure, and the tranquil beauty makes one wonder what it must have looked like 200 years ago when our pachyderm friends had the same peace in this place that we now stole from them.