Steenbok Nature Reserve

The Reserve was established in 2006, with the signing of a joint Management Agreement between LIRA the Municipality. Our objectives are to preserve this area of natural beauty, encouraging indigenous flora typical of the Garden Route, for the enjoyment of current and future generations.

The Reserve is situated on 17ha of municipal land on the northern shores of the Island. It comprises a popular landscaped park in the east, and an unspoiled area with the Kingfisher Creek saltmarsh and Land’s End coastal dune forest on the western side.

The Reserve is a safe, tranquil and beautiful Island asset. It is extremely popular, and attracts a wide range of visitors. Nature lovers, sportspeople, fisherfolk and dogwalkers visit the Reserve throughout the year.

The Friends of Steenbok Nature Reserve Trust was formed by LIRA to manage the finances and day-to-day activities of the Reserve, and a management committee established with the Municipality, LIRA, SANParks and the Trust as stakeholders. An annual Management Plan and budget are prepared, and a team of committed volunteers ensures that the Reserve is maintained in a pristine, natural condition.

The Steenbok website has detailed information on the fauna and flora found in the Reserve. Noticeboards, maps and signage keep visitors informed. Features of the Reserve include the Common - a large grassed playing area, and the Towpath – a grassed waterfront promenade with views across the lagoon. There is a children’s play area and boma, tree copses with trees common to the Tsitsikamma area, and a colorful indigenous garden. The Seedpod sculptured seating area commemorates the fires that devastated Knysna in 2016, and Roger’s Way is a landscaped passage named after Roger Voysey, who pioneered the Reserve.

Those wishing to support us can become Friends of the Steenbok Nature Reserve Trust. Your annual donation is tax-deductible, and you will receive regular Steenbok Newsletters keeping you informed of Steenbok activities.

Click here to visit the Steenbok Nature Reserve website.