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EXPERIENCE KNYSNA
Overview
The charming coastal town of Knysna is nestled between the <>Outeniqua Mountains and the magnificent Indian Ocean, two of its biggest characteristics are the sparkling Knysna Lagoon and The Knysna Heads. It is a great base for exploring the scenic surroundings and is the perfect compromise for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Knysna is often referred to as the “Jewel - Pearl of the Garden Route” and the culinary capital of oysters, the town is very well known for its oysters and wooden furniture. The landscapes in this region are verdant green thanks to its Mediterranean Maritime climate with rain falling throughout the year. Knysna is mantled by indigenous forests that extend into the Tsitsikamma National Park area.
The famed Knysna Lagoon is situated in the heart of the city and protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone Knysna “Heads”. These iconic sandstone cliffs dramatically separate the tranquil blue lagoon from the pounding surf of the mighty Indian Ocean. The area is great for hiking, biking, boating, watersports, fishing, kayaking, swimming, diving, sailing, kloofing, and abseiling. Knysna is also home to the largest ancient Indigenous forest in the country, and the scenic Featherbed Nature Reserve, where visitors can follow trails through milkwood forests.
The charming tree-lined streets of Knysna are brimming with quaint cafes, colorful galleries, independent shops, and seafood restaurants. It is a popular resort town on South Africa’s famous Garden Route, the huge lagoon attracts migrant birds and is home to an endemic species of seahorse. Knysna is a great base for outdoor enthusiasts including walkers looking to explore the coast and for hikers and bird lovers in the nearby forest and reserve. The coastal town of Knysna boasts a laidback vibe coupled with exciting adventure making it a great destination with something for everyone.
Things to see and do
Knysna is home to plenty of adventure along the famed Garden Route, it is nestled in the heart of the Garden Route National Park. This park is set amongst a network of rivers, lakes, and estuaries that are waiting to be explored. Visitors can explore these waterways by canoe, kloofing, water-skiing, stand-up paddle boarding, and wakeboarding - Knysna is a water sports adventure wonderland.
The beautiful beaches of Knysna offer miles and miles of stunning coastline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and much more in the wonderful warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The iconic Knysna Heads are known for their excellent scuba diving and snorkeling sites as well as whale watching, and Buffalo Bay is a world-class surfing destination.
There are miles and miles of single cycling tracks that weave through the verdant Indigenous forests. Cape Fynbos is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the country and is the host of six annual MTB events. There are private operators in the region that adrenaline pumping adventures as well as leisure rides for all ages.
Sedgefield is the unofficial paragliding Mecca of South Africa, nestled on the Garden Route. Brenton also offers an alternative site for take-off.
Go Golfing! Knysna is a preferred destination among avid golfers and is home to several world-class golf courses including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course, and Knysna Golf Course nestled right on the lagoon.
Visit Pledge Nature Reserve boasting just over 2 miles of pathways that weave through the verdant scrub forest and hillside fynbos with fine views over the spectacular lagoon. This beautiful reserve is located just 0.3 miles from the heart of Knysna town.
Take a cruise on the spectacular lagoon or on the sparkling Indian Ocean for sunset. There are many cruises offered at Knysna Waterfront which include drinks and dinner and stunning sunset views. Day cruises can also be taken especially over to Featherbed Nature Reserve which spreads across the top of the western Knysna Head.
Visiting the Featherbed Nature Reserve has to be done with a guide, they will lead visitors through the forested trails down to the hidden sea caves which were used by the indigenous Khoikhoi people. outdoor enthusiasts including walkers looking to explore the coast and for hikers and bird lovers in the nearby forest and reserve. The coastal town of Knysna boasts a laidback vibe coupled with exciting adventure making it a great destination with something for everyone.
Victoria Bay is a beautiful scenic cove, a surfer's paradise, and one of the best surfing destinations found along the Garden Route. The surfing spot is enclosed by rocky cliffs on both sides with a blissful beach setting in the middle There is some stunning spectacular scenery in the area, beachgoers can relax and bask in the sun, splash around in the rolling waves, or try some surfing. There are onsite facilities including picnic tables and barbeques (braai) found near a quaint cafe.
Whale watching is a huge attraction when visiting the Garden Route and Knysna is one of the most popular spots to see these massive creatures. The town is surrounded by the stunning, sparkling blue Indian Ocean where whales love to frolic and play. There’s no shortage of excellent whale-watching tours on offer, with many of the companies found down by the Waterfront. Whale watching is one of the top activities to enjoy in Knysna and the best time to do this is from May to December when Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate to the area.
Visit the beautiful, welcoming Thesen Islands in Knysna, 19 man-made islands linked by bridges to the mainland. These islands are known for their 500-some colonial maritime-styled houses and the rare Knysna Seahorse, one of only two endangered seahorse species in the entire world. Explore the local culture, and participate in fun activities like swimming, boating, canoeing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, and sailing. Visitors are free to stroll around the charming main square and grab a bite to eat, go shopping, and browse the galleries.
Hike The Garden of Eden is a great hiking trail that leads to a wooden walkway through the forest and over streams for just under a mile. There are two loops; the Red and Green loop, with benches and tables dotted along the way. There are information boards with great information about the rich local flora and fauna including indigenous yellowwood trees. The garden is great for bird watching.
The Iconic Knysna Heads are one of the most famous notable landmarks in Knysna as well as along the Garden Route. The pair of sandstone cliffs separate the Knysna Lagoon from the rest of the Indian Ocean, they are divided into the Eastern and Western Head. The Eastern is accessible by car and boasts beaches, rock pools, and stunning viewpoints, it's home to luxury resorts, quaint cafes, and fantastic restaurants. The Western Head is a privately owned nature reserve accessible only via ferry from the Knysna waterfront, home to the Featherbed Nature Reserve which is known for its rich wildlife, nature trails, and gorgeous viewpoints. Both Heads are equally fantastic for their views over the tranquil lagoon and ragain sea below
Partake in a unique experience at the Knysna Gin Distillery located on Uil Street serving up the traditional distilled Knysna Gin. The distillery is famous for practicing the traditional method of using copper pot and flame for its distillation process. There are detailed distillery tours where participants can taste the award-winning gin, made with nine natural botanicals with unique flavors such as honey, and blueberry, and seasonal releases like mulberry and plum. Friday nights can be spent at the distillery with a glass of gin and authentic wood-firest hand-made, sourdough pizza from Maillard Baking Co.
Shopping
There are a large number of shops located down by the waterfront in Knysna and along Gray Street. The Knysna Waterfront is brimming with restaurants and shops that line the promenade. In the shops here you can find the perfect gift, there are Knysna-themed items for sale as well as rare African jewels, clothing stores, boutiques, and curios.
The Knysna Mall is located just off Main Street and boasts international brand stores, some great restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options. Main Street is also home to some other great stores including Oaks on Main, a unique little shopping center that features a lovely outdoor deck surrounded by towering trees and tiny stores selling local paintings, woodwork, clothing, and handmade goods.
There is a Knysna Montessori Friday Market held each week which is known for its craft stalls, live music, incredible food, and great mixology. The market is a popular place to enjoy dinner on a Friday night, there is a designated children’s play area, which makes it one of the best things to do in Knysna on Friday evenings.
Thesen Island is a great place to visit and a good shopping destination in Knysna. The island is home to many wonderful, independent shops selling clothing, jewelry, and unique home decor.
Beaches
Knysna boasts some spectacular beaches, which are considered to be some of the best found along the famous Garden Route. This is the perfect destination for a beach holiday and to spend a day beach and island hopping through the town's sparkling coastline.
Bollard Bay Beach is located on Leisure Island offering beachgoers exceptional views of the Knysna Heads, a great place for families due to the shallow waters that are perfect for swimming. There are plenty of water sports and activities to enjoy here including snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and sailing.
Brenton-on-Sea is home to Brenton Beach situated west of the Knysna Heads. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Knysna and is awarded blue-flag status. There is some stunning natural scenery surrounding the beach which is a spectacular sight at sunset. There are some lovely eateries dotted around the beach and a quaint seaside village. There are rock pools to explore and sandstone features to be seen. The sandstone Castle Rock is a photographer’s favorite.
Sparrebosch Beach is a lovely secluded beach with a serene atmosphere. It requires a hike to reach this beach but it is well worth the walk, and there is a cascading waterfall and peaceful streams along the way.
Noetzie Beach is nestled in a secluded cove off the beaten path boasting a pristine beach and quiet estuary backed by a lush verdant forest. This beach is famous for its castles and rocky shoreline, the first castle was built here in the 1930s by Herbert Stephen Henderson. This beach is wild, natural, and spectacular, there are 116 steep steps of a cliff to reach it, and it is worth every step. The beach at Noetzie is great for sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and paddling. There are six sandstone castles that overlook the beach and jut out of the cliff face.
Buffalo Bay Beach is set just outside Knysna, it is part of a 9-mile stretch of white sand shoreline and dunes. This is another beautiful blue flag beach located in the Goukamma Nature Reserve between Knysna and Sedgefield. The beach is great for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and other water-based activities. There are some beachside restaurants and stores for a bite to eat and a nice refreshing ice cream.
Dining
Knysna has a great selection of good restaurants and dining opportunities, it has its very own foodie scene and Seafood is the king. Although Knysna is a small coastal town, it offers some of the best food options on the Garden Route. First of all, there are some absolutely spectacular views of the sea from many restaurants in town, others have great views of the famous Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. There are options for cruises on the lagoon which is a fun dining activity in Knysna where passengers can sample oysters and wine and explore the town on a boat. There are many restaurants lining Knysna Waterfront, Knysna Quays Harbor, and the popular Main Street in town. The coastal town of Knysna is home to a laid-back dining scene offering just about everything including seafood shacks, fine dining, beachside bars, cozy pubs, quaint coffee shops, and specialty eateries. Oysters are a popular item on the menu in Knysna, they are locally grown and are a delicious item to enjoy. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival is held in July where guests can devour mountains of locally grown oysters and take part in a myriad of activities at this lively event. Some of the top restaurants in Knysna are located on Thesen Island, there is a lovely little cluster of restaurants and bars located by the little island marina with great views over the Lagoon.
Nightlife
Knysna has some good nightlife options and is home to beachside bars and other hangouts, pubs, casinos, theatres, and nightclubs. After enjoying a day exploring the wonders of the famous Garden Route and surrounding region it's time to let your hair down and spend a night out on the town. There are many dining and drinking establishments located along the bustling Knysna waterfront. Take in the spectacular waterfront views and sip on a sundowner in true South African style while you watch the sunset.
The beaches in Knysna are bursting with beachfront bars and restaurants where visitors can enjoy dinner and drinks as well as live music and entertainment. The Knysna Marina is another hot spot in the evenings with some wonderful food and drinks on the menu and a great place to do some people-watching by the water and take in the lovely views. Watching the sunset over the Knysna Lagoon is a spectacular sight that should be enjoyed with a sundowner in hand. The nightlife scene in Knysna can be varied, visitors can celebrate the evening with pool parties, discotheques, DJ Nights, pub crawls, and a wide variety of festivals held throughout the year. There are many places offering happy hour drinks specials and some of the best DJs playing around town.