The history of Knysna began in 1804, when Englishman George Rex bought the estate known as Melkhoutkraal on the shores of a lagoon near Knysna Heads, which is one of the prettiest geological coastal features in all of southern Africa. Knysna remains a hot holiday destination in South Africa, snuggled between a dense forests and the shores of the tranquil lagoon. A rich variety of flora and fauna can be spotted here.