Knysna, Garden Route

/ About Knysna - Attractions, Destinations and Places of Interest in Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa
Garden Route Destinations

Knysna, Garden Route

Knysna
Knysna, Garden Route

Once you've booked your Knysna accommodation explore our pages for info on attractions and what to do in Knysna.

Knysna is a natural paradise of lush, indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches. She nestles on the banks of a breathtakingly pretty lagoon, now a protected marine reserve that is home to the extraordinary sea horse and over 200 species of fish.

Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cosy cafés beckon with small-town charm and hospitality. The area around Knysna is a veritable Garden of Eden. This is home of the only forest elephant in South Africa, the rare Pansy Shell, the brilliantly coloured, and elusive, Knysna Loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales.

The indigenous forests in Knysna constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in southern Africa, whilst the remarkable richness of the Fynbos vegetation contributes over 8000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom. Exploring the Knysna forests, along demarcated walks, with the occasional call of the Loerie, provides a complete escape into a former time when many elephants trod these paths, particularly if you’ve read Dalene Matthee’s ‘Circles in a forest’.

Today a mere three elephants are reputed to still roam the forest. The Knysna Elephant Park has brought the elephant back to Knysna and all the elephants are former orphans rescued from culling operations in the Kruger National Park, except for Thandi who was born in the park.

Knysna, Garden Route
A visit to Knysna would be incomplete without a trip to the heads - a striking geological feature made up of a pair of huge, brightly coloured cliffs lying at the mouth of the lagoon, flanking a channel of potentially treacherous water that flows into Knysna’s lagoon. The eastern head houses a lookout with spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna whilst the western head is a privately owned nature reserve called Featherbed Nature Reserve. Visitors can get to the reserve via ferry.

The main street of Knysna, lined with small boutiques and shops, is actually a part of the N2 highway, which passes directly through the center of the town en route to the Eastern Cape and beyond. Reached from the Cape Town direction by a narrow causeway, and built on a natural lagoon, virtually enclosed by the famed Knysna heads, this small town is bound on all sides by hills and mountains, covered with indigenous vegetation. Taking advantage of this lagoon setting are the houseboat operators, who offer these leisure vessels on lease to the public. Renting a houseboat ensures both a unique accommodation experience, and an opportunity to explore the town and surrounds in an entirely different way.

A part of the migratory route of the Southern Right and other whale species, it is possible to view these marine mammals during the months of August and September, while dolphins are year round visitors. For thrillseekers, options abound, with everything from paragliding over the coastline, abseiling and skydiving, to scuba diving and tree top canopy tours within easy reach of the town.

In times gone by, the area was home to large family groups of elephants. These herds have since disappeared, however, a visit to the elephant sanctuary will give visitors the opportunity to view these majestic beasts in their natural element. Another sanctuary that will attract animal lovers is the wolf sanctuary, located on the N2 heading out of town, towards Plettenberg Bay.

Along this same stretch of highway, several local crafters and artists have set up studios and galleries that are well worth a visit. For lovers of the good life, a visit planned during the annual Knysna Oyster Festival will provide opportunities to sample these locally farmed delicacies, however, during the year, these and other delights are still available from various eateries located in the harbour and elsewhere in town.

The harbour area and the Knysna Waterfront is also home to most of Knysna’s nightlife, with several bars, restaurants and clubs where patrons can enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the heads. Golf enthusiasts will find the area a treat, with several world-class courses on offer both in Knysna itself, and in neighbouring towns. Fancourt in George is within easy reach, and Simola, Pezula and the Knysna golf course are all located in the town itself.

Knysna, Garden Route
The Featherbed Nature Reserve provides scenic views of Knysna and The Heads from the opposite shore of the lagoon. Ferries depart daily. On arrival at the reserve, guests are taken in 4-wheel drive vehicles to the top of the Western Head. A foot trail leads through 2 km of coastal forest and along the water’s edge back to the Featherbed tavern, where a delicious lunch of grilled, fresh line fish can be enjoyed.

One of the top attractions on the entire Garden Route, the Choo-Choo steam train provides some of the best views of the coastline and hidden valleys inaccessible by car. First opened in 1928, the 68km Choo-Choo is the last fully operational steam train in South Africa and chugs across the Knysna lagoon into the verdant valleys and lakeside settings that lead to Wilderness, where it traverses the Kaaimans River gorge, past Victoria Bay to Knysna. Most locomotives date back to 1948 (though some are over a century old) with timber-and-leather-fitted carriages dating from 1903 to 1950. Grab a window seat, the views really are spectacular.

Knysna Elephant Park - This safari is undertaken in four-wheel-drive vehicles that depart from reception every half-hour. You are guaranteed an opportunity to touch the three elephants that roam the 75 hectare reserve. There are now seven elephants, most of whom were born in the Kruger Park, and have now been returned to "the home of their ancestors." You can walk with the elephants through the forests.

Additional Reading:
For more info see some of our articles about the town of Knysna on the SA Travel News Blog:
A few reasons to visit Knysna ...
10 Great things to do when next in Knysna
Knysna, South Africa's favourite holiday destination
A visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve

Get the Scoop

Knysna Reviews

average visitor rating: 5/5"Knysna is a must to visit, it is beautiful and there is so much to ..." - Amy, Cape Town

view or submit knysna reviews

Visitorials: We Love South Africa

Knysna Visitorial

I Love Knysna because ...

Featured in: Visitorials: We Love South Africa

We’ve asked those in the know to share their favourites things about Knysna. Find out where locals go for the best cup of coffee, lunch suggestions and much more. We’re letting you in on all of their secrets ... I Love Knysna because ...

Related Links

Featured Attractions in (or near) Knysna

Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary

The world’s largest single span aviary, just a few kilometres east of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route, where birds are free to fly free provides an incredible experience for those who visit, and a wonderful way of life for over 2000 previously caged birds.The completely unique venture of Birds of Eden is... more information

Eden to Addo Biodiversity Corridor

The Eden to Addo biodiversity corridor connects the Western Cape and Eastern Cape with a far reaching dream that underlies the project – that of restoring the ancient elephant migration paths across the Cape, and the effects this would have on the ecological balance of the region. The corridor links the Garden Route National ... more information

Featherbed Nature Reserve

A Natural Heritage site, the Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna is an utterly unique privately owned reserve that lies on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as 'The heads' in Knysna, accessible only by ferry. Many people make a day of it, catching the ferry across the lagoon, going on a drive or walk ... more information

Garden Route National Park

The new Garden Route National Park, established by SANParks and also known as GRNP, spans an impressive 121 000 hectares and includes the existing Wilderness and Tsitsikamma national parks, the Knysna Lakes area and roughly 52 000 hectares of newly proclaimed land. Still regarded as 'new' the ... more information

Garden Route Wine Estates

The Garden Route produces some fantastic wines. The cool, wet winters and temperate summers (with their own fair share of rains) make for the perfect conditions in which to cultivate a range of red, white and rosé wines. Popular wine farms include Jakkalsvlei Vineyards in the Langeberg ... more information

Goukamma Nature Reserve

The glorious Goukamma Nature Reserve is one of those unrivalled hideaways that, despite being on the popular Garden Route, manages to remain relatively obscure and unknown - a treasure trove near the mouth of the Goukamma River. Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve, just 20 kilometres west of Knysna... more information

Kaaimans River Pass

The Kaaimans River Pass connects the towns of Knysna and George on the Garden Route. It lies on the N2, a tarred pass that during the 2006 heavy rains in the area was placed under severe strain when a huge chunk of the pass slipped into the sea, forcing the N2 to close between the two major towns... more information

Keurbooms River Nature Reserve

Head off towards Nature’s Valley from Plettenberg Bay on the N2 and Keurbooms River Nature Valley lies roughly 8 km along the major route of the N2. The beautiful Keurbooms River nature reserve that stretches over a distance of 2500 hectares, is bisected by the Keurbooms River and overlooks the estuary... more information

Knysna Elephant Park

Get up-close-and-personal with nature at Knysna Elephant Park. With the help of our resident African elephants and our well-informed guides- you will learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The park offers a rare opportunity to get close to these gentle giants... more information

Knysna Golf Club

The Knysna Golf course is probably the only golf course in South Africa which can boast holes that are below sea level. The Knysna Golf Club is situated on the eastern shores of the tranquil Knysna estuary one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa. Nestled on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon... more information

Knysna Waterfront

The town of Knysna is exquisite, perched conveniently on the Garden Route. It is situated on the banks of a magnificent lagoon, which stretches out to the Indian Ocean at a dramatic point between the towering twin peaks known as The Heads. In the heart of this scenic beauty is the... more information

Lakes Area National Park

Formerly this national park consisted of the Wilderness National Park and Knysna National Lake Area. Because of their proximity and similarities they are currently managed as a single unit. The Knysna National Lake Area is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and a large diversity of marine... more information

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary

Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland, is unique in that the sanctuary caters for several species of primate, and they are not caged, they are free to move about the forest, and do so in harmony. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is a modern primate sanctuary... more information

Outeniqua Choo Tjoe

It is with great sadness that we need to report that the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is no longer in operation. Information supplied here for historical purposes only: One of the few remaining steam trains in the country. Steam enthusiasts are in their element and everyone enjoys the splendid views of lakes, forests, beaches ... more information

Pezula Golf Course

Situated in the very heart of the Garden Route, on sweeping coastal cliffs, east of the charming town of Knysna, Pezula encompasses a world-class Championship Golf Course and Club. The Championship Golf Course lies high above the Indian Ocean and the vast Knysna lagoon... more information

Pledge Nature Reserve

This 10 hectare local nature reserve functions as something of a green lung in Knysna, lying as it does just behind Main Road. Made up of forest, wetland and fynbos, Pledge Nature Reserve it is not only beautiful - filled with indigenous plants, cool ponds and streams and a ... more information

Prince Alfred Pass

The Prince Alfred Pass is another built by the indefatigable Thomas Bain, between 1860 and 1867. It was to be one of his biggest challenges, as the road cut through dense forest and climbs 700 metres in just 14 kilometres. The pass links Knysna with the little town of Avontuur on the R62. It is also fairly difficult ... more information

Robberg Nature Reserve

Just outside Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route is a beautiful, remote rocky peninsula touted as the most popular walking destination in and around Plettenberg Bay. Robberg Nature Reserve is a charged booster of outdoor living - incredible scenery, views over shoreline and sea, a thriving Cape fur seal colony... more information

Simola Golf Course

Keeping your head down at Simola can be a challenge; simply because the views around the course are awe-enspiring, and with this, it is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations. It's also the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the... more information

Related Links

Things To Do in Knysna

Buffalo Bay Beach

Where: Knysna
How much (per person): Free

Buffalo Bay Beach is also affectionately named Buffelsbaai and you’ll find it in the Goukamma Nature Reserve just a few kilometers drive fro ... more information

Harkerville Saturday Market

Where: Plettenberg Bay
How much (per person): Free to Browse

On the N2, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, the Harkerville Market has been going for 10 years now and is a market with a difference; not ... more information

Related Links

Restaurants in Knysna

34 South

Where: Knysna

Describing themselves as indefinable, not a deli, plain restaurant or just a bar, we like to think of 34 South as an ‘experience’. I can tell you personally that I never go through Knysna without stop ... more information

34 Tapas & Oysters

Where: Knysna

The origin of tapas is fabled to have been in ancient Spain, when King Alfonso X firmly believed that drinking wine accompanied by small dishes of food cured his illness. So convinced was he that he o ... more information

Related Links

Events and/or Festivals in Knysna

Knysna Oyster Festival

Location: Knysna
Duration: 10 days

More Information

event starts: 28 June 2013
June
Knysna Cycle Tour

Location: Knysna
Duration: 2 days

More Information

event starts: 29 June 2013
June

Related Links

On Holiday in Knysna

Knysna Map
Knysna Accommodation
Knysna Hotels
Garden Route Accommodation
Garden Route Hotels
Western Cape Accommodation
Visitorial - I ♥ Knysna because …
Knysna - A Visitors Perspective

View Garden Route Destinations

Visiting Knysna?
Also see Things To Do in Garden Route to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

Garden RouteGarden Route