Things to Do in Knysna
Knysna Overview Knysna based on 37 Reviews 4.5
 |
You are currently searching for availability in all of
Knysna. To refine your search locations
Click here |
If there is such a thing, Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route. This medium-sized town on the banks…
Read More
Hiking Trail
in
Knysna Following an old mining path along the Forest Creek, the Circles in a Forest Hiking Trail beckons hikers to explore the loveliness of the Goudveld Forest. This genuine forest experience is suitable for families and people of all ages, offering two trail options starting at Krisjan-se-Nek.
Feel dwarfed as you pass the towering 600-year old Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. You can almost hear them whisper Oupoot, the name of the long lost heroine and matriarch elephant made famous by Dalene Matthee.
This is truly the heart of the Knysna indigenous forest typified by giant Yellowwood trees, three-metre high tree ferns, Red-billed Wood-hoopoe, babbling streams, ancient ironwood trees, arum lilies, colourful mushroom and bracket fungi. Evidence of baboon, bush pig, porcupine and bushbuck can be seen everywhere. Keep glancing up to the treetops and you might spot a Knysna loerie.
Formerly called the Woodcutters Trail, this route is named after one of Dalene Matthee’s famous novels. The three and nine kilometre trails range from easy to moderate and are manageable for anyone over the age of five.
Galleries and Museums
in
Knysna This fine art studio focuses on original art, locally sourced, as well as works from abroad. Regular exhibitions, as well as exposure for new artists, puts the Knysna Art Studio and Gallery at the forefront of the creative scene in the area. A framing service is also offered.
Popular Attractions
in
Knysna Quays Ocean Odyssey offers a wide range of boating activities in Knysna, South Africa.
From close encounter whale and dolphin watching cruises, to sunset lagoon cruises, there are options for everyone and every occasion. If you are more keen for a relaxing cruise, Ocean Odyssey will be more than happy to take you out for a lovely cruise through the Knysna lagoon.
Advance bookings are essential for all cruises.
Bars
in
Knysna Knysnarians know about good watering holes and you'll certainly find plenty of them at the vibey Bosun's Pub and Grill, lips curled around a frosty or tucking into a hearty meal. This old style English pub serves locally brewed ale and value-for-money scrumptious pub grub! You'll find all the local Mitchell‘s Brewery products here – on tap and bottled, ranging from Bosun‘s Bitter, Foresters and the new Mitchell‘s Gold. So get down there and sluk a pint or two in this comfy, cosy pub and be warmed by the great atmosphere and friendly people.
Hiking Trail
in
Knysna The Garden of Eden is a walking route set in the lush, green Knysna indigenous forest.
The trail is easily marked on the side of the N2. The route is a short board walk through the forest in a circular shape. The major attraction is the forest itself; absolutely beautiful yellow wood trees, thick green foliage and streams. The garden itself comprises smaller trails, so it's up to you if you wish to do the short walking trail, or meander off to explore further. There is also a 800 m board walk suitable for wheelchairs.
Distance: 1 km, level throughout.
Fee: R10 per person.
Nature Reserves
in
Knysna Quays Only accessible by ferry, Featherbed Nature Reserve is a privately-owned unspoiled headland at the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon. Visitors young and old will thoroughly enjoy embarking on a spectacular four-hour eco-experience to this exquisite little corner of the Garden Route. This outdoor experience includes a return ferry trip, nature drive, guided walk and a lavish buffet lunch at the Food Forest Restaurant. Access to the reserve is strictly controlled and visits are only permitted in the company of the Featherbed Nature Reserve's specialist guides.Starting with a 25-minute ferry cruise, your local guide will share intriguing tales about the Knysna Lagoon, early shipping industry and Knysna’s oyster cultivation.The cruise is followed by a 4x4 drive to the top of the Western Head where supreme views of the lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be seen. After the drive, you have the option of walking a 2.2 kilometre downhill guided nature trail. This fun family outing ends with with a blowout buffet lunch at the popular Knysna restaurant under the milkwood trees.The four-hour excursion departs daily from Knysna Waterfront. Bookings are essential.
Nature Reserves
in
Knysna A top spot for families, Jubilee Creek is probably the most beautiful picnic spot in the indigenous Knysna forest. Situated alongside a stream in two forest clearings, this site is very popular with young families. The stream is perfect for playing, exploring and walks along the river. Hidden in the forest, you might even sight a rare Knysna elephant - one of the Knysna elephants was actually seen here in March 2007!
Popular Attractions
in
Knysna Explore the famous Knysna indigenous forest with us and our knowledgeable guide for an unforgettable experience.
Birds that you could spot include the spotted gennet, cape spotted owl, night jarr and the famous Knysna Lourie. Potential wildlife encounters also include wild boar, blue duiker, bush baby, bush buck, chameleon, and on rare occasions you may get a fleeting glimpse of the Cape mountain leopard. Clients will ride in comfortable minibus vehicles with complimentary sherry. Advanced bookings are essential.
Price: R295 per person.
Minimum booking: 4 pax.
Maximum booking: 10 pax.
Hiking Trail
in
Pezula Golf Estate The Fisherman's Path Sparrebosch Hiking Trail is a scenic trail through indigenous forest and fynbos to a secluded bay where two streams run into the sea. During the rainy season there is a beautiful waterfall. Bushbuck and numerous birds can be spotted on this well-established route.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (steep hill)
Distance: 5 km
Beaches
in
Brenton on Sea Locals claim that one of the most wonderful beaches on the globe lies right on the other side of the Knysna Western Heads, at Brenton-on-Sea. There are rocks to clamber on, little pools to cool off in and a long bay for beach walks and shell seeking. Walk to Buffels Bay from Brenton-on-Sea, have lunch or an icecream, and stroll back.
Mountain Biking Trails
in
Knysna Get on your bike for an awesome 19-kilometre trip through Knysna’s Goudveld Forest.
Starting at the Goudveld Forest Station, the circular Homtini Trail weaves along fairly relaxed contours in the indigenous forest and plantation. With only one steep four-kilometre climb to make you gasp for breath, it is considered a moderate ride.
Starting and ending at Krisjan-se-Nek picnic spot, the route offers some lovely exhilarating single-track slip-paths, shady jeep tracks and sweeping elevated views of the mountainous landscape and distant Knysna Heads.
Permits can be obtained at the Goudveld boom before the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site.
Galleries and Museums
in
Knysna Heights The Knysna Old Gaol Art Gallery was founded and is run by the Knysna Arts & Crafts Society - a non profit organization. The aim behind the gallery is to provide local artists an opportunity to display their work - a new exhibition shows every 2-4 weeks.
Popular Attractions
in
Knysna Quays A trip to Knysna Heads is a prerequisite for first time visitors to Knynsa. Two dramatic sea cliffs guard the entrance to the lagoon from the surging ocean.The Eastern Head has a lookout with spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is primarily a privately owned nature reserve reached only by ferry – Featherbed Nature Reserve. Four-hour excursions depart daily from the Knysna Waterfront.An onboard excursion to Knysna Heads is a thrilling experience and there are various options available. The ultimate cruise is aboard a catamaran such as the Zakat, which cruises through the Heads while serving oysters and champagne. The perfect way to end a day!
Golf Courses
in
Knysna One of South Africa's best golfing destinations, Simola boasts overwhelming views and an outstanding Jack Nicklaus Signature course.
Breathtaking vistas of the Knysna Heads on one side and the Knysna River on the other make it difficult to focus on the game. But in the midst of all this beauty, the course offers challenging and rewarding golf amidst spectacular scenery.
Simola was one of the first Jack Nicklaus designs on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro's philosophy of adjusting the layout and design to the natural features of the landscape.
Fairways flow along the rising and falling natural landscape and every hole offers superlative views of the Knysna Lagoon all the way to the Heads or across the pretty meandering Knysna River and valley below.
Popular Attractions
in
Knysna Eco Afrika Tours offers a relaxing and enjoyable deep-sea fishing trip off the Garden Route town of Knysna.
All equipment and bait is supplied; all you'll need to bring is your fishing license, warm jacket and any refreshments and food you would like to snack on. There are 2 vessels that operate daily. You are allowed to take your catch home.
Daily tours depart at 7:00 and 16:30.