Knysna Travel Guide

Explore Knysna, a beautiful town in South Africa's Western Cape region, known for its stunning natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and cultural landmarks with our informative guide.


Introduction to Knysna

Welcome to Knysna, a picturesque town located in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Known for its stunning natural beauty, adventure sports, and cultural landmarks, this seaside town is a popular holiday destination for travelers from around the world.

List of Places to Visit in Knysna

Here’s a list of must-visit places in Knysna:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Knysna Museum: Featuring exhibits on the local history and culture of the region.
  • Old Gaol Museum: Built-in 1859 and served as a prison from 1867 to 1969, showcases the history of the Knysna Prisons.
  • Millwood House Museum: Formerly a gold rush-era home, now a museum, showcases what life was like in Knysna during the gold rush era.

Natural Attractions of Knysna: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Knysna Heads: It’s a pair of cliffs that guard the entrance of the Knysna lagoon.
  • Knysna Elephant Park: A rare opportunity to get up close to these magnificent giants in a controlled environment.
  • Knysna Lagoon: This picturesque estuary is perfect for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boating.
  • Featherbed Nature Reserve: An eco-experience tour that includes a ferry ride, a nature walk, and a buffet lunch with stunning views of the Knysna lagoon.
  • The Garden of Eden: It’s a beautiful forest area with tall trees, birds of all shapes and sizes, and occasional monkeys that one can enjoy on a leisurely walk.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Knysna

Knysna is perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Some popular hiking/biking trails in Knysna include:

  • The Knysna Forest: A popular destination for hikers and bikers, this forest boasts an extensive network of trails, including the 5km Elephant Walk.
  • The Harkerville Trail: A 12km hike or cycle that takes you through breathtaking coastal forests and dunes.
  • The Seven Passes Road: A historic route that takes you through seven breathtaking mountain passes, with the route stretching between George to Knysna.

Best Things to Do in Knysna: Activities and Tours

Knysna has a plethora of entertaining activities and tours to offer. The best things to do in Knysna are:

  • Skydiving: Skydiving over Knysna is an unforgettable experience, with amazing views of the lagoon and surrounding landscapes.
  • Township Tour: A guided township tour will take you through the heart of Knysna, exploring the local culture and way of life in this vibrant community on a new level.
  • Knysna Sunset Cruise: Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise around Knysna Lagoon, watching the sunset over the Featherbed Reserve.

Week-Long Itinerary for Knysna

Day 1: Knysna Heads, take a Cruise on the Lagoon and explore the Knysna Waterfront. Day 2: Visit the Elephant Park, lunch on the Thesen Island or at île de païn (Wharf Streel), on the waterside of lagoon. Day 3: Take a guided township tour and visit local markets and artists’ studios. Day 4: Hike or bike to the summit of the Knysna Heads, and experience Bird Watching. Day 5: Explore the Garden Route National Park and go on a picnic. Day 6: Take a Day Trip to nearby Plettenberg Bay or Storms River Mouth. Day 7: Relax at the spa or sit back and relax with a sunset cruise.

Food and Drink Scene of Knysna

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kingklip or Yellowtail: These are popular local seafood dishes with a must-try flavorful twist.
  • Oysters: Knysna is known for its world-class oysters. These fresh oysters are grown in the lagoon and can be enjoyed accompanied by a good wine.
  • Bobotie: A traditional South African dish with a spicy and sweet flavor, made with minced meat, spices, and dried apricots, served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • Local Wines: South Africa is famous for its excellent wines, and Knysna provides easy access to the Cape Winelands.
  • Mampoer: A type of distilled brandy made from fruit grown around the Knysna vicinity.
  • Milk tart: A sweet and soft cake-style dessert that is a must-try if you have a sweet tooth

Where to Stay in Knysna: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The choice of where to stay in Knysna depends on the tourist’s budget and preferences. There are several accommodation choices – from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels and guesthouses.

Budget Friendly

  • Island Vibe: This hostel is perfect for budget travelers, with amenities like a bar and a restaurant.
  • Peace of Eden: A budget-friendly eco-lodge featuring scenic views of the Knysna forest.

Mid-Range

  • The Lofts Boutique Hotel: A chic and stylish mid-range hotel situated at the edge of the Knysna Lagoon.
  • The Turbine Hotel and Spa: A luxurious hotel that used to be a power station turned into an elegant and sophisticated hotel.

Luxury

  • Conrad Pezula Resort and Spa: A five-star hotel offering endless views of the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
  • The Plettenberg: A luxury hotel overlooking the beach and the bay with excellent facilities.

What to Buy in Knysna: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Knysna has a variety of locally produced souvenirs and products you can take back home. The recommendations include:

  • Unique ceramics and art pieces from local artists.
  • Handcrafted wooden bowls, vases, and sculptures that one can find at the various shops in the town.
  • Indigenous Rooibos Tea or Honey bush Tea, which is native to the area.
  • A variety of locally-produced spirits, such as artisan gin, whiskey or brandy.

Local Culture and Customs of Knysna

South African culture is unique due to its diversity with the prevalence of various ethnic groups such as Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana amongst others. Customs and cultures vary in different areas, and Knysna is predominantly English-speaking set in the Western Cape region.

Best Time to Visit Knysna

The best time to visit Knysna is during the summer months from December through February. This season offers longer daytime hours and amazing weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Knysna

Do:

  • Eat local food and drink local beverages. This will help you experience the unique flavor of Knysna.
  • Stay to the right in the multi-lane national roads, and stay left in the single-lane national roads when driving.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and other important documents.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter in public areas, trekking trails, or other natural scenic spots.
  • Do not forget to carry sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen lotion or insect repellent.

Safety and Health

Safety in Knysna

Knysna is generally a safe place to visit, but travelers should take precautions as petty theft and burglaries are not uncommon. Here are some safety tips:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night
  • Do not leave valuables in plain sight in parked cars.

Health in Knysna

While in Knysna, ensure that you are up to date with your routine vaccinations. It is also advisable to carry a good insect repellent as mosquitos can be quite a nuisance in the summer months.

Getting to Knysna: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Knysna

The two closest airports to Knysna are George Airport, 60km away, and Port Elizabeth Airport, 260km away from Knysna.

Bus Stations Near Knysna

The George or Mossel Bay bus station offers long-distance bus services to Knysna.

Other Options

One can take a train to George, a nearby city, and then take the bus to Knysna. Alternatively, one can hire a car or book a shuttle service to Knysna.

How to Get Around in Knysna

Visitors can find several transport options in Knysna that include taxis, car rentals, bikes, and buses. The easiest mode of transportation is by car rental.

Where to Go Next from Knysna: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Plettenberg Bay

A 30-minute drive from Knysna will take you to Plettenberg Bay, another popular seaside town known for its beaches, nightlife, and vineyards.

George

George is a 40-minute drive from Knysna, and one can find several attractions, such as the botanical gardens, the George Museum, and the Outeniqua Transport Museum.

Conclusion

Knysna is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers visitors an excellent combination of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and scenic natural beauty. With so much to see and do in Knysna, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for travelers.

Map of Knysna Map of Knysna The Heads The Heads The Western Head The Western Head Knysna lagoon Knysna lagoon Knysna waterfront Knysna waterfront