Knysna

Knysna is located to the east of Cape Town along the Garden Route, between the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains on the shores of a lagoon. The Knysna area is made up of beautiful coastlines, indigenous forests, rivers, lakes, fynbos, and mountains with a moderate climate throughout the year.

Knysna is also well-known for a striking geological feature known as “The Heads,” which are a pair of massive sandstone cliffs towering over the treacherous channel of water that flows into the Knysna lagoon, linking the sea with the estuary.

The areas that surround Knysna also offer visitors a number of interesting attractions to choose from, including the spectacular Knysna forest. The Knysna forest is made up of ancient tree species that include Yellowwood, Ironwood, Stinkwood, Cape Chestnut, Blackwood and White Alders, while the rest of the forest is made up of a variety of creepers, ferns, and wild flowers.

The forest is also the largest indigenous forest in the country and is so dense in places that it is completely impenetrable. The fauna in the forest consists mainly of a number of diverse bird species, a couple of small antelope and was once home to the Knysna elephants.

• Guided tours to explore the Knysna forest
• Play golf at a world class club like the Knysna Golf Course or Simola Golf Course
• Township tours
• Enjoy the day at one of the world’s best beaches – Brenton on Sea / Brenton Beach
• Take the family to swim at Bollard Bay Beach
• The Terblans Walk hiking trail
• Hike the Sparrebosch trail
• Visit the Knysna Fine Art and A Different
• Drummer galleries
• A trip to Knysna Heads
• Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve for a day long adventure
• Take a whale and dolphin watching cruise, sunset lagoon cruise or cruise through the Heads
• Take a forest night game drive
• Picnic in a secluded cove
• Diving in the lagoon
• Bird watching and tree spotting
• Visit the Knysna quays

There are a number of annual events taking place in Knysna. In July the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival attracts a large number of local and international visitors. Towards the end of April or the beginning of May the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras takes place with an incredible parade. In September the lifestyle festival Gastronomica is held, which aims to help promote organic principles and healthy eating habits. At the end of July the Rastafarian Earth Festival takes place and celebrates this cultures lifestyle and religion.

Knysna’s temperate climate makes it a great holiday destination all year round. During the summer months from October until March temperatures can reach as high as 38°C, while during the winter months from June until August temperatures drop to around 18ºC, however sporadic snowfalls on the nearby Outeniqua mountains can bring the temperature down considerably further.

Please note: During the summer school holidays, which last from mid-December until mid-January, the area can become very crowded and prices can almost double.

• Incredible views
• Fresh sea air
• Clean white beaches
• Lots of exercise
• Excellent surfing conditions
• A mix of restaurants, cafés, pubs and clubs
• Rest and relaxation
• A wide range of activities
• Friendly locals

Pick a Garden Route destination to explore:

• George
• Mossel Bay
• Oudtshoorn
• Plettenberg Bay
• Wilderness