Knysna

The Garden Route

South Africa’s Garden Route is a stunning 300km road trip that spans the Western and Eastern Cape. With its picturesque lagoons, pristine beaches, towering mountains and charming towns, it’s a must-see destination for self-drivers. Although it can be done in a day, we highly recommend taking your time to fully appreciate the diverse landscape and soak up the beauty of the region. Whether you spend a few days or a few weeks exploring, you’ll find something to captivate your heart on this unforgettable journey.

More about Knysna

Knysna is a captivating destination and one of the most popular spots along the Garden Route. Offering diverse attractions, and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Knysna is a place where mountains, forests, and the sparkling Knysna Lagoon meet the Indian Ocean, creating a picturesque setting and relaxed coastal atmosphere

Due to Knysna’s endless array of attractions and activities, the town caters to a wide range of travelers, including families, couples, adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a more peaceful getaway, keen to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tourists flock here, seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure and natural beauty.

When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, Knysna is a treasure trove of culinary delights, from succulent fresh oysters to mouthwatering seafood straight from the ocean. And don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of local wine, perfectly complementing the coastal flavours

To watch the sun sink behind the Knysna Heads is an unforgettable and must-do experience. As it happens, one of our favourite local guest houses (Head Over Hills) has a front-row seat and will happily serve you a delicious sundowner drink while you catch that final glow. Alternatively, why not hop on a yacht or cruiser towards the Heads, or find a secluded spot on one of the nearby sandy beaches and watch as the sky transforms into a breathtaking palette of colours.

Attractions

Accommodation

Knysna Attractions

Here are some reasons to visit Knysna

There is no shortage of activities in Knysna. It’s a paradise for all nature lovers, offering a wealth of outdoor activities, such as exploring the indigenous forests, miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, or discovering hidden waterfalls amidst the lush greenery.

The lagoon itself provides a tranquil haven for water enthusiasts, where you can enjoy boat cruises, kayaking, and paddle boarding amidst serene waters.

Knysna is also home to several excellent golf courses, attracting both local golfers and visitors who wish to combine their love for the sport with the natural beauty of the area.

Visitors can frequent the various shops, local art galleries, organic markets or sample local cuisine and wine Whatever your vibe, this delightful little town along the Garden Route ensures its attractions will showcase Knysnas natural beauty and rich cultural heritage at its finest.

Picture a place where time slows down, and the worries of the world fade away amidst breathtaking natural beauty and a laid-back coastal vibe

Golf

Boasting world-class golf courses, stunning landscapes, and a mild climate, Knysna is a popular destination for golfers, ensuring an exciting and rewarding golf experience. Simola Golf Estate combines challenging fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, whilst Pezula features lush fairways, indigenous flora, and strong coastal winds, but each one with a welcoming atmosphere, breathtaking views and top-class facilities.

Knysna Heads & Featherbed Nature Reserve

A visit to the Knysna Heads is a must-do when in town. You can take a boat trip towards the Heads and gain a unique perspective of the cliffs and vast Indian Ocean beyond. The nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve, a pristine and protected natural area accessed by boat or ferry offers guided walks, eco-tours, and a stunning restaurant with the most incredible views of Knysna and the lagoon.

Nature

Knysna is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and nature reserves, providing numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. Explore the various scenic trails in the Knysna forest, farmlands and coastal areas, all catering to different skill levels and offering miles of exhilarating terrain in the most stunning environment. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, with hidden waterfalls, sweet scents of fynbos and the melodies of chirping birds. Scenic drives will take you on a journey of lush forests, rolling hills, coastal views and panoramic vistas, passing through diverse ecosystems and showcasing the regions natural splendour.

The Knysna Lagoon

The Knysna Lagoon is a definite highlight of the town, and offers a tranquil haven for water enthusiasts. Embark on boat cruises, kayaks or paddleboard across its calm waters, or simply relax on the sandy shores. The lagoon is also home to diverse birdlife, and birdwatching enthusiasts will find it a paradise for spotting various species.

Whale Watching

Although Knysna is not necessarily known for being a major whale watching destination, it’s possible to get up close and personal with these majestic giants between June and November. These migratory mammals, Southern Right and Humpback whales, grace the area with their presence annually, showing off their acrobatic skills while nurturing their young. So take an exhilarating trip through the Heads and soak up the marine wildlife of the Indian Ocean, from dolphins and seals playing in the surf, to seabirds overhead.

Wine and Dine

Although renowned for its delicious and freshly caught seafood, Knysna also embraces South African flavours, offering plenty of local dishes. Throughout the town you will find options ranging from fine dining establishments offering gourmet cuisine, to casual eateries serving pizza, burgers, and pub-style fare, and many of these restaurants will surprise you with magnificent views over the lagoon or ocean. While Knysna itself is not a wine-producing region, it serves as an excellent base to explore nearby wine farms where you can enjoy wine tastings complemented with delicious cuisine. In recent years Knysna has seen a rise in the popularity of craft beer and artisanal gin so you will find some local breweries and distilleries which are definitely worth a visit.

Knysna Accommodation

Accommodation in Knysna is plentiful, with a variety of possibilities for every budget.

Luxury hotels more often offer amenities such as restaurants, pools,and spas, catering for bigger numbers, whereas the guesthouses and bed & breakfasts are typically smaller, family-run accommodations that provide a more intimate and homely atmosphere.

Self catering villas are a popular choice for holiday makers, especially those who are spending a bit longer in Knysna. African Travel Services manages two luxury homes in the prestigious Pezula Golf Estate, these properties are fully furnished and are equipped with private pools, gardens, and barbecue facilities. They are ideal for golfers, larger groups or families who desire more space and privacy, preferring a home-like experience.

On the whole a stay in Knysna is very affordable, ocean view, lagoon view, forest, mountain or golf course, take your pick, the area is simply stunning!

Kanonkop Guest House

This beautifully designed luxury guest house located only a 5-minute drive from town offers boutique accommodation in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The suites are exquisite, all individually decorated and offering their own unique character and viewpoint.

Head over Hills Luxury Retreat

Perched on edge of the Knysna Heads with uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon, this 5-star exclusive retreat is spectacular. It’s a ticket for couples and honeymooners, offering a tranquil setting, striking views and beautifully decorated bedrooms.

Sosa Lagoon View

This chic self-catering villa enjoys a superb location, hanging on the edge of the Pezula Golf Estate offering sumptuous views over Knysna and the Lagoon. With 4 tastefully decorated ensuite bedrooms, a spacious open plan living area and a private garden with sundeck and pool, this is an entertainer’s paradise.

A captivating destination, known for its natural beauty, diverse attractions, and relaxed coastal atmosphere