Let Knysna take you somewhere unforgettable.

Knysna is a coastal town and the flavours of the ocean influence much of its cuisine. Expect the freshest seafood – from the catch-of-the-day to coastal and cultured Knysna oysters. You can be sure we will recommend only the best places to you (we do not accept bribes)!

Knysna’s natural beauty and cosmopolitan community inspire a unique creativity in artists – both local and international – making it the art capital of the region. Various rambles and craft routes allow visitors to enjoy the local craftwork, its history and its people.

Zulu, English, Xhosa, Afrikaans and even Rastafarian are just a few of the languages you’ll hear on the streets and with them come an extraordinary mix of cultures – all with their own rich stories to tell.

Oyster Festival – July

With 26 years of fun and games to celebrate this year, the ten-day annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, one of the country’s longest-running festivals, will boast a jam-packed programme of sport, entertainment and 200 000 oysters!

More than 100 exciting events ranging from super-popular sports events and adventure challenges to wine and whisky tastings and gala evenings, are expected to draw a crowd of some 65 000 people to the beautiful Garden Route town.

The festival’s two main sporting events, the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, will give participants the unique opportunity to run and cycle through the ancient indigenous forests that have made Knysna famous. And if marathons are not your style, there’s a full programme of adventure and soft sports for the whole family to participate in, including paddling, golf, bowls, soccer, night biking and angling.

To live up to its name, the festival will present a variety of oyster-related events including the annual oyster-shucking (opening) competition, the ever-popular oyster eating competition and the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras – a fabulous evening of oysters and wine tasting.

Wild Oats Market

This multiple award-winning Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market is located on the outskirts of the tiny coastal town of Sedgefield, adjacent to the beautiful Swartvlei lake-lagoon. Now in it’s tenth year, this small, rustic but internationally famous farmers’ market continues to attract the enthusiastic attention of proud locals and discernng travellers who consistently return for more of its festive fare. What this initiative has achieved is the blending of people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix where important educational experiences about local food sources, nutrition, environmental awareness and agricultual issues all blend into an unusual festive spirit of community.

Knysna boasts more than 240 terrestrial and marine species, 40 pelagic species and some of the rarest and the most beautiful birds you’ll ever see. African black oystercatchers, Knysna warblers, Knysna loeries and malachite kingfishers. Although you will probably not encounter an elephant on a nature walk through indigenous forests, there are a number of wildlife sanctuaries in and around Knysna that are of great interest and worthy of your support. The Elephant Park, Eagle Encounters and Monkeyland to name a few.

The Elephant Sanctuary

The Elephant Sanctuary is a family orientated operation catering for both young and old. We focus on education through interaction, so you will not only learn a lot about elephants, but also get to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and even ride these magnificent animals. Elephants are highly intelligent and delightful – when meeting them you will discover that each one has a different character, personality and temperament.

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre

Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre at Plettenberg Bay offers a truly unique Wildcat Experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines, living in a semi-natural environment.

Knysna Elephant Park

Join the southern most elephants in the world at the Knysna Elephant Park where our resident family of African elephants and world-class guides will unravel the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route.

Monkeyland

Monkeyland is the worlds first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. Monkeyland has as one of its aims, to create awareness about the plight of primates and to show that with a greater understanding of our primate cousins, that we can all live in harmony.

Birds Of Eden

Birds Of Eden, Is The Garden Route’s Very Own World Class Free Flight Bird Sanctuary. The unique two hectare dome (the World’s largest) spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. The sanctuary has its own mysterious ruin, which incorporates a walk-behind waterfall. Another feature is its amphitheatre, which has the ability to seat over 200 visitors. The sanctuary’s dome incorporates the ability to synthesise thunder and create short spells of rain from an irrigation system in the dome structure. Roofed viewpoints within the gorge have been erected for use during these brief rain storms.

Plettenberg Bay Private Game Reserve

Plettenberg Bay Private Game Reserve is the Southern Cape’s biggest game reserve and is home to Africa’s Big 4 (rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). The reserve is situated on over 2200 hectares of indigenous beauty and is malaria free. There are over 250 different species of game and birdlife. Join us on a horseback safari to interact closely with the wildlife, or simply relax and enjoy a 2 hour game drive in an open landrover with our experienced and well-informed guides and see our large variety of wildlife up close.

Ocean Odyssey: Your Knysna Ocean Adventure

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking marine world of Knysna with Ocean Odyssey. Join the luxury whale-watching tours, where majestic Southern Right and Humpback whales steal the show, or opt for our summer Eco Marine Tours, exploring the vibrant life of the Indian Ocean, from playful dolphins to curious seals. With expert guides and eco-friendly vessels, they are committed to delivering unforgettable, responsible marine experiences.

Ocean Blue

Ocean Blue offer a rare a powerful experience through the only permitted boat based whale & dolphin encounters. From a deep sea adventure to a relaxing river cruise through the Keurbooms river nature reserve, we strive to offer a unique variation of activities to suit you. We also offer an “at one with the ocean” kayaking tour. All tours are guided with expert crew and tour operators who are internationally qualified. Ocean Blue is a licensed SABBWWA permit holder, which enables us to approach whales from 50 metres instead of 300 metres. Should the whales approach our vessel we do not have to move away. The guests therefore get an up close experience with these majestic mammals in the bay.

The Garden Route, South Africa’s capital of golf, boasts more than 20 golf courses. All within driving distance of Knysna. Book your golf at Simola or Pezula at the reception.

Knysna provides endless opportunity for a wide variety of sports. High-speed mountain biking through indigenous forests or dive the Indian ocean or the lagoon. Hire a kayak or abseil above the ocean’s crashing waves. Quad bike, horse riding, fly fishing, rock-and-surf angling or deep-sea fishing, sand-boarding, kite-surf on the waters of the lagoon or paraglide over the hills and lakes.

Mountain Biking Tours

Discover the beauty of the Garden Route with our guided mountain bike trail rides tailored for riders of all levels. From scenic forest trails to adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, we offer a variety of rides to suit every adventurer. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

Bungee Jumping

This is the ultimate thrill! Recognised by the Guinness World Records as the highest commercially operated Bungy Jump in the world. We secure you in a full body harness and proceed to walk along a specially designed catwalk (216m long), which is suspended beneath the road surface, which will then lead you to the top of the arch – 216 meters above the Bloukrans River. Here you will be given final instructions by highly experienced staff, a countdown and off you go! Bloukrans utilizes pendulum bungy technology ensuring you the smoothest, most comfortable bungy jump possible.

Flying Fox: This is our newest adventure at Bloukrans! A 200 m cable slide (“foofie slide” for our South Africans!) out onto the archway of the bridge! The quickest way to get to your bungy jump destination. But if the bungy is not for you – this is a great alternative adrenalin rush all on its own. This is a great option for groups and families.Bridge Walking Tours See one of Africa’s marvels up close. Bloukrans is the highest and largest bridge in Africa; the third highest in the world and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. Come and learn about the incredible engineering feats that went into building this amazing bridge. Walk along a spectacular and specially designed catwalk to the top of the arch from where you look out over the Gorge to the mountains and the sea in the distance. Informative guides will introduce you to the enchantment of this special place. This is the perfect way to watch the live “bungy show” up close and personal and is an ideal alternative to jumping off!

Skydive Plett: Live life to the full! Experience the thrill of free fall over one of the the most scenic drop zones in the world. Start the experience with a short briefing. Then enjoy a 20 minute, scenic plane ride to 10,000 feet, over the Plettenberg Bay coastline. Now the pleasure flight stops and the adrenaline starts to pump as you exit the plane with your Tandem Master and experience the rush of a 35 second free fall at 220KPH!

Blackwater Tubing: The ultimate Storms River Gorge experience in Tsitsikamma Garden Route South Africa! Storms River’s high fern clad gorge walls cascade down from the Tsitsikamma Mountains to meet the pool & drop black water of the Storms River. Tsitsikamma, the Khoi San word for place of abundant waters, an area known for its majestic mountains, deep indigenous forests fairy-tale waterfalls and wild rocky coast line is a place of infinite beauty. What better way to experience the magic of the Tsitsikamma than by floating through this forested beauty in the deep cut Gorge of the Storms River with Blackwater Tubing?

Puzzelpark: Plettenberg Bay now has a fabulous new and unique attraction, the Plett Puzzle Park. It features the first amazing life size 3-D Maze in South Africa, as well as an exciting Forest Puzzle Walk which meanders through the natural forest, and a fun Rope Maze for the kids.

• Plettenberg Bay (Road trip: 60-100 km) – Forests, fynbos, beaches, nature reserves, animal sanctuaries, shopping.
• Oudtshoorn (Road trip: 250-300 km) – Via George and the Outeniqua Pass into the dry hinterland of the Klein Karoo. Ostriches, caves, nature reserves and sweeping mountain vistas.
• Uniondale (Road trip: 300-350 km) – Over the Outeniqua Mountains on the untarred Prince Alfred’s Pass and return on the tarred Outeniqua Pass – a dramatic drive through the region.

Below are some of the many outdoor activities in the area.

Catamaran Cruises through the Knysna Heads

Sail along the Knysna lagoon, through the iconic Knysna Heads and out into Indian Ocean beyond.

Forest Walks

One of the most spectacular attractions in this area is the Knysna Forest. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage. The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making it impenetrable. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie.

Lagoon: Paddle Cruiser, John Benn,

For a unique cruise and dining experience – with a modern, hip and trendy twist – The Paddle Cruiser offers both lunch time (12h30 departure) and evening (18h15 departure) cruises. This is the only paddle-driven vessel in South Africa and is a unique dining venue in Knysna. Turn your evening meal into a special occasion – depart at sunset, cruise to the famous Knysna Heads at twilight and return under the stars and twinkling lights of the town. Other boats available are: John Benn, Heads Explorer, Three Legs

Featherbed

Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only. This spectacular four-hour eco-experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive and guided walk, ending with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant.

The Featherbed Company gives visitors to the Garden Route ‘an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon’. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the ‘Knysna Heads’ – the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Lagoon.

Tsitsikamma National Park

The Tsitsikamma National Park is situated at the heart of the picturesque tourist region known as the Garden Route, found in the Southern Cape of South Africa. Tsitsikamma is a Khoisan word meaning, “place of much water”. The Park incorporates 80 km of rocky coastline with spectacular sea and landscapes, a remote mountainous region with secluded valleys covered in mountain Fynbos and temperate high forests with deep river gorges leading down to the sea. The Tsitsikamma’s spectacular scenery includes the Indian Ocean breakers, pounding rocky shores beneath 180 m high cliffs, ever-green forests and fynbos (proteas and heath) rolling down to the sea in a lush carpet where ancient rivers have carved their path to the ocean through rocky ravines. All this conspires to attract large numbers of international and local tourist to the Park.

Robberg Nature Reserve

Robberg Nature Reserve along with kilometres of glorious beaches, edges the “Bay Beautiful” – Plettenberg Bay. Robberg has it all – spectacular scenery, unimpeded vistas of ocean and shore, uniquely adapted vegetation, a thriving seal colony, caracal, grysbok, porcupine, rock hyrax sunbirds and seabirds and funny little lizards (agamas) who watch you quizzically wherever you sit. On top of all this are its other secrets – fossils of unimagined antiquity under one’s feet (if you know where to look): caves where stone-age man hunted and fished, lived and died; stories of shipwrecks more dramatic than any fiction, and of fishing tales from times when shoals of great game fish surged past its flanks. Even the rock faces have tales to tell of giant inland seas, rising and falling mountain ranges and sea levels – the birth and death of rocky beaches and quiet lagoons. Walk high above the water and view schools of dolphins, gamefish or shark as they pass by. From May to November the peninsula offers excellent land based whale watching when the Southern Right Whale comes into the shelter of the bay to mate and calve. Take one of three guided walks – especially tailored to suit your personal interests and fitness level.

Tree-Top Tours

Enjoy the unequalled experience of travelling 30 meters above the forest floor through the tree top forest canopy gliding along on a steel cable. A view once only seen by the many exotic birds of the indigenous forest. At each platform spend a few minutes relaxing as your guide enthusiastically explains the ecology of the forest around you, pointing out magnificent giant ferns and the many different exotic trees. An unusual experience which you are likely to remember forever. Recommended age groups 7 to 70 years. One of the many popular family activities you can enjoy on your backpacking holiday. An experience you may never repeat anywhere else.

Knysna’s coastline offers visitors endless opportunites to explore its natural beauty. Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle, Coney Glenn and the beach and estuary at Noetzie provide swimming, fishing, surfing and sunbathing.

The Indian Ocean make for pleasant sea temperatures in the summer months. Tides can be strong though, and bathers should take care with strong currents at specific beaches.

• Brenton on Sea will reward you with spectacular waves and vistas. The beach is 5km long and stretches all the way from Brenton on Sea to Buffalo Bay. It’s a beautiful white sandy beach with the ocean on the one side and fynbos covered dunes on the other. It’s safe to swim in certain areas but be careful of rip currents. Castle Rock is a well-known fishing spot.
• Buffalo Bay, known as ‘Buffs’ by the locals is a magnet for surfers
• Coney Glen is a hidden gem and one of Knysna’s most dramatic beaches. You have to hop over the Eastern Head. It’s nestled away in a small cove with one side opening to the sea and the other the giant ragged stone rock cliff of the Eastern Head.
• Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle is by far the most family Friendly beach. The beach runs the entire length of the island facing out towards the Knysna Heads, giving lovely views.
• Noetzie is arguably the most inaccessible beach (be prepared to climb many steps on your way back). It lies in a hidden bay bordered by the lush forest of the Sinclair Nature Reserve on one side and the fynbos landscapes of Pezula Resort Estate on the other. It owes its seclusion to the fact that it is accessed along a gravel road from Knysna’s N2 and a steep climb from the parking area down a narrow path and a flight of stairs hewn into the cliff.