Things to do in Knysna: A Guide to the Garden Route’s Jewel

Knysna is a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, located on the banks of a picturesque lagoon and surrounded by lush forests and mountains. It is one of the most popular destinations on the Garden Route, a scenic route that runs along the coast and showcases some of the country’s most diverse and beautiful landscapes.

Knysna is a place where you can enjoy nature, culture, history, and adventure in one trip. Whether you want to explore the lagoon by boat, hike through the forest, visit a museum, or try some local delicacies, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Knysna that will make your stay memorable.

Nature and Wildlife

One of the main reasons to visit Knysna is to experience its stunning nature and wildlife. Knysna is surrounded by diverse natural habitats, such as forests, fynbos, lagoons, rivers, and beaches. You can explore these habitats by foot, bike, boat, or car, and encounter a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the places or activities you can do are:

Featherbed Nature Reserve: This is a private reserve on the western head of the Knysna Lagoon, where you can enjoy a scenic ferry ride, a 4×4 drive, and a guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos. You can also see the ancient Khoi-Khoi sea caves and enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant.
Prince Alfred Pass: This is a historic mountain pass that connects Knysna with Uniondale. It offers spectacular views of the valleys and gorges, as well as opportunities for wildlife watching, fishing, and mountain biking.
Goukamma Nature Reserve: This is a CapeNature reserve that protects a coastal lake system and a marine protected area. You can hike along the trails, kayak on the lake, swim on the beach, or spot birds and animals such as bushbuck, honey badger, otter, and whale.
Pledge Nature Reserve: This is a hidden gem in the heart of Knysna town, where you can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a tranquil walk through the indigenous forest. You can also see a variety of birds, butterflies, and flowers.
Gerickes Point: This is a rocky outcrop on the coast near Sedgefield, where you can admire the rock formations, tide pools, and fossils. You can also see dolphins, seals, penguins, and whales in season.
Knysna Forest: This is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa, where you can immerse yourself in the greenery and mystery. You can hike along the trails, visit the Big Tree (an 800-year-old yellowwood), or look for the elusive Knysna elephants.
Knysna Lagoon: This is a large estuary that connects Knysna with the Indian Ocean. You can enjoy activities like sailing, fishing, snorkeling, or stand-up paddle boarding on the water. You can also see the iconic Knysna Heads (two sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon) and the endangered Knysna seahorse.

Water Activities, Sports and Boating

Knysna is great for water lovers, as it offers a range of boating and water activities to suit every taste and skill level. Knysna Lagoon is a large estuary that connects Knysna with the Indian Ocean, and it is one of the most bio-diverse lagoons in South Africa.

You can enjoy activities like sailing, fishing, snorkeling, or stand-up paddle boarding on the water. You can also see the iconic Knysna Heads (two sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon) and the endangered Knysna seahorse. Some of the places or activities you can do are:

Knysna Sunset Cruise: This is a relaxing and romantic cruise that takes you across the lagoon and out to sea through the Knysna Heads. You can enjoy the views of the sunset, the mountains, and the coastline, while sipping on a glass of bubbly and tasting fresh oysters.
Knysna Dolphin Watching: This is an exciting and educational cruise that takes you along the Garden Route coastline to look for dolphins, whales, seals, penguins, and other marine life. You can learn more about these amazing animals and their habitats from the knowledgeable guides.
Featherbed Nature Reserve: This is a private reserve on the western head of the Knysna Lagoon, where you can enjoy a scenic ferry ride, a 4×4 drive, and a guided walk through the coastal forest and fynbos. You can also see the ancient Khoi-Khoi sea caves and enjoy a buffet lunch at the restaurant.
Knysna Lagoon Boat Cruises: This is a fun and informative cruise that takes you around the lagoon and shows you its history, culture, and ecology. You can see the Thesen Island Harbour Town, the Knysna Waterfront, the Knysna Quays, and the Knysna Yacht Club.
Magic Lagoon Charters: This is a unique and adventurous cruise that takes you on a wooden vessel to explore the Knysna Heads and the coves beyond. You can experience the thrill of sailing through the narrow channel and see the spectacular rock formations.
Knysna Adventures: This is a company that offers various water sports activities on the lagoon, such as kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and water skiing. You can choose your own adventure and enjoy the water at your own pace.
FlyTime Paragliding South Africa: This is an activity that lets you soar above the water and see Knysna from a different perspective. You can paraglide from Brenton-on-Sea or Sedgefield and enjoy the views of the lagoon, the ocean, and the mountains.
Knysna Houseboats: This is an activity that lets you stay on a houseboat on the lagoon and enjoy its beauty and tranquility. You can relax on your own private deck, cook your own meals, fish from your boat, or explore the lagoon by dinghy.

Food and Drink

Knysna is a foodie’s delight, as it offers a variety of cuisines, flavors, and experiences to suit every palate and budget. Knysna is famous for its oysters, which are harvested from the lagoon and served fresh at various restaurants and festivals.

You can also taste other local delicacies, such as biltong, bobotie, koeksisters, and rooibos tea. If you’re looking for a drink, you can visit the Mitchell’s Brewery, the Knysna Gin Distillery, or the Sedgefield Craft Brewery. Some of the places or activities you can do are:

Freshline Fisheries: This is a casual and cozy seafood restaurant that offers a variety of dishes made with fresh and local ingredients. You can enjoy platters of seafood, mussels, calamari, cod fish, hake, and more.
The Drydock Food Co: This is a stylish and elegant restaurant that overlooks the Knysna Waterfront. You can enjoy seafood, sushi, salads, burgers, steaks, and more. They also have a cocktail bar and live music.
East Head Cafe: This is a popular and family-friendly cafe that offers stunning views of the Knysna Heads and the lagoon. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with dishes like eggs benedict, fish and chips, burgers, salads, and more.
34 South: This is a restaurant, deli, bakery, and oyster bar that offers a diverse menu of seafood, Mediterranean, sushi, pizza, and more. You can also shop for local products like cheese, wine, honey, and spices.
Anchorage Restaurant: This is a cozy and rustic restaurant that specializes in seafood and Portuguese cuisine. You can enjoy dishes like oysters, calamari, prawns, pork belly, sole, and more.
Upstairs At Rosie’s: This is a steakhouse and grill that offers delicious and tender meat dishes in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy dishes like ribs, ribeye, lamb chops, chicken schnitzel, and more.
Sirocco: This is a chic and trendy restaurant that offers a fusion of seafood and sushi with a touch of Mediterranean flair. You can enjoy dishes like kingklip and prawns curry, sushi platters, seafood pasta, salads, and more.
ile de pain: This is a bakery and cafe that offers fresh breads, pastries, cakes, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. You can also enjoy coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, and wine.

History and Culture

Knysna has a rich and diverse history and culture, influenced by the Khoi-khoi, the Dutch, the British, and the Malay people. You can learn more about the town’s heritage at the Knysna Museum, the Millwood Gold Mine Museum, the Belvidere Church, and the Thesen Island Harbour Town. You can also experience the local arts and crafts at the Knysna Fine Art Gallery, the Old Gaol Gallery, and the Knysna Art Society. Some of the places or activities you can do are:

Knysna Museum: This is a museum that showcases the history of Knysna from its early days as a timber town to its modern development as a tourist destination. You can see exhibits on the Knysna elephants, the gold rush, the shipbuilding industry, and more.
Millwood Gold Mine Museum: This is a museum that tells the story of the short-lived gold rush that took place in Knysna in the late 1800s. You can see the remains of the old mining town of Millwood, visit a replica of a miner’s hut, and explore an old mine shaft.
Belvidere Church: This is a historic church that was built in 1855 by George Rex, a prominent settler who claimed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. The church is a national monument and has a beautiful stained glass window and a graveyard with some interesting tombstones.
Thesen Island Harbour Town: This is a modern development that was built on the site of a former shipyard and timber mill owned by the Thesen family, who were influential Norwegian immigrants who settled in Knysna in 1869. You can see some of the original buildings and machinery, as well as enjoy shops, restaurants, and activities on the island.
Knysna Fine Art Gallery: This is a gallery that showcases contemporary South African art, with a focus on artists from the Garden Route region. You can see paintings, sculptures, ceramics, photography, and more.
Old Gaol Gallery: This is a gallery that is housed in an old jail building that dates back to 1859. You can see artworks by local artists, as well as exhibitions on various themes and topics related to Knysna’s history and culture.
Knysna Art Society: This is a society that promotes and supports local artists and art lovers. You can join workshops, classes, exhibitions, and events organised by the society.
Knysna Oyster Festival: This is an annual festival that celebrates Knysna’s famous oysters and other local produce. You can enjoy oyster tasting, cooking competitions, live music, sports events, and more.

Fun things to do in Knysna with kids

Knysna is a great destination for families, as it offers a variety of fun and educational activities for kids of all ages. You can enjoy nature, wildlife, adventure, history, and culture with your little ones in Knysna. Some of the places or activities you can do are:

Jubilee Creek: This is a family-friendly picnic site in the Knysna Forest, where you can enjoy the fresh air, greenery, and tranquility. You can also hike along the creek, swim in the natural pool, or braai on the lawns.
Knysna Elephant Park: This is a sanctuary for orphaned and rescued elephants, where you can interact with them in a safe and ethical way. You can feed them, walk with them, or even sleep next to them in a luxury tent.
Bollard Bay Beach: This is a lovely beach on Leisure Isle, where you can enjoy the calm and shallow waters of the Knysna Lagoon. You can also play on the sand, build sandcastles, or rent bikes and explore the island.
Paddle Cruiser Experience: This is a fun and scenic cruise on the Knysna Lagoon that takes you to the Featherbed Nature Reserve. You can enjoy the views of the Knysna Heads and the coastline, while dining on board a paddle-driven vessel.
Knysna Scotours: This is an adventurous and eco-friendly activity that lets you ride a scooter through the Knysna Forest. You can enjoy the thrill of downhill riding, while admiring the beauty of the trees and wildlife.
Buffalo Bay: This is a beautiful beach near Sedgefield, where you can enjoy the waves and the sun. You can also surf, swim, fish, or watch dolphins and whales in season.
The Motorcycle Room: This is a museum that showcases a collection of vintage and classic motorcycles from different eras and countries. You can see bikes from Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda, Yamaha, and more.
Knysna Oyster Festival: This is an annual festival that celebrates Knysna’s famous oysters and other local produce. You can enjoy oyster tasting, cooking competitions, live music, sports events, and more.

Conclusion

Knysna is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves nature, culture, history, and adventure. It has something for everyone, from families to couples to solo travelers. You can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the Knysna Lagoon, the Knysna Forest, the Garden Route, and the Indian Ocean.

You can also learn more about the town’s heritage and people, and taste some of the local delicacies. Whether you want to relax or explore, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Knysna that will make your stay unforgettable.