Everybody loves boats because they give you a wonderful sense of freedom and fun. What I always find disappointing though is when the sun starts to head towards the horizon, you have to disembark and head home with a sense of longing to remain aboard. This was not the case when we spent a weekend with Lightleys Houseboats on the Knysna Lagoon because these boats are like a home away from home.
We board Evening Star on a beautiful sunny day in late August and started up the two stroke for our maiden voyage as captains of our own houseboat. The petrol tanks are full and so is the little fridge tucked neatly away inside the boat’s kitchen. We putt-putt up the river and anchor in a secluded spot to sample some of our lunch and test the pillows for an afternoon nap on the water. If you have never had the opportunity to fall asleep in the afternoon sun, with the sound of water lapping beneath you as you lie on a comfy bed with a duvet and soft pillows, then you are missing out on one of life’s little luxuries.
We float about for two days and two nights. Fishing, bird watching and eating are the only pressing matters on the agenda. Gliding along the carefully marked channels, we take in our surroundings and marvel at the tranquility of the Knysna Lagoon. Sophisticated, lavish houses grace the edges of Thesen Island and fishermen of every shape and size litter the edges of the pier hoping for a Sunday afternoon bite. The only speed on these boats is a gentle cruise so we take our time and scud towards the magnificent heads and mouth of the lagoon. We ooh and ah at the few lucky homes on the feather bed side of the lagoon and stop at the last buoy before turning around waving at the passing yachts and tourist boats. On the way we are treated to a close up of a regal looking fish eagle perched on the sand bank marker, eyes scanning for his lunch. The sun is soporific and I lie sprawled on the roof of our cabin as my other half dutifully drives us safely under the railway bridge and up to Belvedere Bay where we have planned to anchor for the night.
The sun quickly disappears behind the hills and it is replaced by glittering stars above, while the shoreline dances with the night lights of Knysna. We sit outside wrapped in windbreakers relishing the feeling that we are alone out on the dark water. While braaing out under the stars our fishing rods are kept busy by the cuttlefish who keep sucking on our mud prawn bait but letting go as soon as we bring them near the surface. One particularly brave one has me shrieking and nearly going overboard, camera and all, as it sprays my legs with a jet of water. Lamb chops, chicken wings and a few glasses of Chardonnay are a perfect end to a Utopian day. Rocked to sleep by the gentle swaying of the boat around the anchor we feel as though we are living the life of the rich and famous.
We are sad when it comes to and end and we have to dock our beloved Evening Star, to which we have become quite attached, at the Lightleys jetty. Luckily the staff are there full of smiles and helping hands and make the parting a lot easier as we head up to our car feeling like true sailors. While choosing to go on a houseboat weekend seems to be much more of a summer activity, down here in the Garden Route the sunny winter days are mild and the lagoon is a lot quieter. This is what made our time with Lightleys more special and the cosy interior of the houseboat is addictive, making you feel at home the instant you step on board. I will certainly return and advise it for anyone who is after a self catering luxury weekend with a difference. As far as I am concerned, sailing around on the water is very close to a true sense of freedom – so give it a try.
Contact
Lightleys Holiday Houseboats Knysna
Tel +2744-386-0007
Fax +27-44-386-0018
Email [email protected]
Lightleys Holiday Houseboats, Phantom Pass Road, Knysna
PO Box 863, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
Looking for things to do in Knysna? Why not try a self-guided heritage walk, or check out the ellies at the Knysna Elephant Park.
Six of the best houseboats in Southern Africa.
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