THE ESCAPE

This environmentally conscious? property with a natural fynbos garden, a water harvester and energy raiser. The four modern, ultra-luxurious en suite bedrooms each with private sitting room and TV area. Bathrooms have showers & Palazzo baths overlooking the sea, a tastefully furnished, self-catering kitchen with modern bar and modern appliances, complemented by the wine cellar and fully equipped modern 8 seater bar with spectacular sea view. An elevator runs between all the floors in the house allowing easy access for people with disabilities.Luxurious 36m rim flow pool overlooking the ocean and a balmy 36°C jaccuzzi.Superb 5 seater home theatre featuring 127mm widescreen and Denon 1911 sound system. Pristine private beach used exclusively by the THE CAPE's residents. DSTV, ADSL line, underfloor radiant heating with one gas and one wood fireplace. Strict access control at the entrance to Pezula Estate as well as 24 hour security at THE CAPE's entrance & THE TEAM is on hand to look after all your needs plus the house will be serviced daily.

Situated along the famous South African Garden Route is an area well-known for its breath-taking scenery, rich cultural heritage and unspoilt natural landscapes. Regardless of the season, this location always remains a picturesque green. Coupled with a warm, temperate climate it's the perfect all-year-round holiday destination.Whether you are a adrenaline junkies seeking extreme sports and action packed adventures, nature lovers looking to bask in the great outdoors, or those simply looking to explore South Africa's rich cultural heritage and exquisite local arts.

The incredible wildlife of the area stretches to those at home in the Indian Ocean. Observe whales, dolphins, Cape fur seals and numerous sea birds up close from sea-kayaks, motors boats and yachts or even from the luxury of the deck chairs, pool and Jacuzzi at THE CAPE

The nearby Pezula Spa has world-class standards of luxury and excellence.The resort houses an award-winning Spa & Gym, Zachary's gourmet restaurant, the Pezula Designer Collection boutique, a 24-hour business centre, a Champagne & Whisky Bar, Cigar Lounge, library, games room and Championship Golf Course.

Shopping and Dining
The quaint streets of Knysna town reveal many boutiques, art galleries, gift shops as well as a formidable array of fine restaurants, seafood restaurants, pubs, delicatessens, coffee shops as well as a well-stocked library, a mall, modern cinema and a theatre. The restaurants offer anything from fusion food with an Oriental flavour to nouveau cuisine; from traditional South African dishes such as Cape Malay-inspired bobotie to a Xhosa delicacy known as umnqusho; from a meaty braai to a syrupy sweet koeksister. For the shopper, there are interesting outlets tucked away around every corner, including a quaint Waterfront shopping complex and authentic African traders.

The area abounds with unequalled landscapes; forests, lakes, mountains and rivers; all teeming with incredible wildlife and the unique "Fynbos" vegetation. Walks, hikes and trails along the coast or in the indigenous forests provide endless opportunities to enjoy the fauna and flora of the region, including many rare and protected species. Touch, feed and photograph the endangered Knysna forest "ellies" at the Knysna Elephant Park or visit one of the many other animal, bird or plant sanctuaries like Birds of Eden, Monkeyland or the Knysna Botanical Gardens; all within 20 km of THE CAPE. Marvel at the incredible creatures of the African bush flourishing in their natural habitat with a game drive through one of the local reserves. Here you have the chance to see leopard, giraffe, rhino, zebra, buffalo, kudu and much more.The Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head is a privately-owned, South African Heritage site and is only accessible by a short ferry trip across the lagoon. This pristine paradise is home to a breeding program of the rare Blue Duiker, one of the smallest antelope species in the world; the beautiful Knysna Loerie and the endangered Knysna Sea Horse.

A visit to this area would not be complete without tasting the delicious local oysters, farmed in the nearby lagoon. Oysters and Knysna are synonymous with the earliest records of the consumption and marketing of oysters dating back 1896. The annual Oyster Festival is not just an oyster festival – it's an introduction to the people of Knysna and surrounds, their way of life and the treasure trove of nature's gifts that the region has to offer.

Adventure Excursions and Sports
There is a plethora of adventurous activities, ranging from a relaxing balloon rides over the Klein Karoo to an unequalled adrenalin rush with cage diving with the Great White sharks in the bay. The Lagoon offers numerous watersports including skiing, canoeing, sailing, paragliding, kite surfing and fishing. There are also a number of marked trails in the surrounding forests for horse riding, hiking, mountain biking, quad biking and abseiling. Take a wild ride on the world's largest bird the Ostrich on a farm in Oudtshoorn, or combine the thrill of riding a "foefie" with spectacular scenery with a tree top canopy tour in the magnificent Tsitsikamma Forest near Storms River; both approximately 2 hours from THE CAPE.The world's highest commercial Bungy Jump at Bloukrans is less than an hour's drive away. For the avid golfers, there are a number of excellent golf courses in the area including the Pezula Championship Course - the Garden Route is a golfer's paradise!

Culture and Heritage
Knysna is steeped in history, from the Khoisan art of the Cango Caves dating back 10 000 years, to the Millwood Goldmines deep in the heart of the forest, where you can view the original mine shafts and equipment from Knysna's short-lived gold rush. The Knysna Art Gallery and Maritime Museum are situated in the Old Gaol Complex – a structure dating back to 1859 – and explain the fascinating origins of the town's timber and shipbuilding industries. Visit the grave of George Rex (1765-1839), considered to be the founder of Knysna or take a guided tour of Knysna's vibrant township for a truly African Experience. Discover real African hospitality, meet a "Sangoma", and experience local food and customs. There are also a number of historic churches in the area one of which being the Holy Trinity Church in Belvidere, a beautiful example of 12th Century Norman architecture.

Photo Credits Micky Hoyle & Mark Williams