ONE OF THE TOP 100 DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD

Knysna is one of the Garden Route´s best known travel destinations. Situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful estuary it offers many activities and attractions to a wide variety of people.

The Knysna area consists out of Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Noetzie, Rheenendal, Belvidere and Buffalo Bay. The area is one of the most scenic in the world and offers beaches, lakes and lush forests to play in.

After being South Africa’s favourite town of the year for a few years in a row, it has now received international recognition for the gem it is - it was named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa by the Trip Advisor, 2008 Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards.

With a rich history, gourmet restaurants and a variety of art & craft rambles to add, this is also the ideal base for exploring the rest of the Garden Route.

General Information

Size does matter at the Knysna Elephant Park. Be welcomed with a slurp and a smile and ride into the sunset with a trunk in your hand. Knysna is a treasure chest of Pampering options. You can tailor make your experience from a simple forest massage to an over the top makeover. Unwind your body mind and soul in the age old female tradition. Shopping shopping shopping!

With spectacular names like Jenna Babe, Hooligans, Indawo, Papagayo, Caramel and African Attitude who can resist retail therapy? Enjoy an Interactive Cooking Course with sparkling wine on the side. At Kilzers` Kitchen Basics you will become a gourmet queen and have lots of giggles getting the cherry on top! Knysna have lots of unsoiled fresh air. What better way to enjoy it than to visit one of our many al fresco Markets.

Choose between the Harvest Time Farmers Market, Scarab Village, Wild Oats Community Farmers Market, Thesen Harbour Sunday Market and the famous Friday Market. Time to party up a storm. Knysna`s Nightlife includes venues like Zanzibar & Club Thryst and HarryB`s.

Cruise the Lagoon. Catamarans, yachts, speed boats or canoes - take your pick! Oysters, Sparkling Wine & Spectacular Sunsets! Ladies, it only takes 50 oysters to make men eat from your hand. If you add Sparkling Wine, a beautiful sunset & feet dangling in the water to that it goes a whole lot faster.

Soak up the sun. Choose between spectacular beaches to enjoy the best views: Bollard Bay, Coney Glen, Buffalo Bay, Noetzie or Brenton on Sea. With three magnificent Golf courses you can never go wrong. If you just want to have fun with the girls enjoy the Mashie Golf course for a different experience. If fairies are your thing go and track them down in the Indigenous Knysna Forests. Pack a picnic basket and make a day of it. There are plenty of Forest Walks for every age, shape and size. Remember, only those who believe, see!

Explore the Knysna Heads up close and personal. Enjoy spectacular views from the Eastern Head viewpoint or take a half day excursion to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. If you choose to be transported in true Thai Tuk Tuk style, look no further. You will find these alternative means of transport parked at the waterfront. Thought you were too old for a treasure hunt? Think again! Be the captain of your own ship while you cruise the lagoon in search for those clues on a Lightleys Houseboat.

Girls just want to have fun - and this is the beginning of it! Art Galleries. Knysna have an impressive collection of renowned artists and their work is on display all over town. You will definitely find something to suit your style and budget.

You are in the Cuisine capital of the country! With 80 restaurants, deli`s and coffee spots to choose from who can resist piling on those kilojoules? Call in on the Millwood Goldmine and relive the days of newly discovered gold. No wonder Dalene Matthee chose this site as the background for her novel "Circles in the Forest".

Knysna is all about rich History and Culture. Be sure to walk back on the steps of the great names in the history of Knysna. Visit the Old Goal & Millwood Museums in Queen Street, the San Ambrosio Church in Gouna, Belvidere, Portland Manor and George Rex`s grave.

If you look good in red, green and yellow then you should visit the Judah`s Square Rastafarian Community. Their community tour will provide you with an insight into this astonishing lifestyle and you will take home with you spiritual souvenirs that will last you a lifetime.  

This is you unique opportunity to shop without male interference! Bushpig Fabrics, Armitage Crafts, Birds of Africa, Hot Art, House of Kelims, the Cornerstone Curio Shop and Leathers & Feathers will leave you spoiled for choice. If you do not want to pile up too many kilos, lay your hand on an Aqua Bike at Crabs Creek. These hydro bikes are great fun and excellent exercise.

Girls Guide To Knysna

Boys Guide to Knysna

Experience the thrill of a high speed mountain bike ride through indigenous forests. With some of the most spectacular cycle routes in the country you will have to have a rubber arm to resist the saddle twitch.

Boats, yachts, speed boats & ferries - whatever your sense of speed, choose your option. There is a "knot" for every taste and if you add a few oysters you will boost that libido the natural way!

Vintage Cars - shopping has never been better! Grab the opportunity to get your hands on one of these beauties.

Mitchells Brewery - Beer, more beer and then there is Mitchells. The only natural brewed beer in the region will have you begging for more. With no added preservatives you will have to go a long way to find fresher beverages.

Canoes, hire a kayak to tour the winding Knysna river and explore the magical surroundings while gliding with the tide. For a rougher approach take on the incoming tide at The Heads and release all that smoldering city stress.

Diving & Snorkeling. Dive the depths of the estuary to the wreck of the Paquita or experience the Knysna seahorse in its natural habitat.

Knysna`s Nightlife includes venues like Zanzibar, Crabs Creek, Thryst, the Old Watermill Pub, Long Barn Tavern and a Shebeen in the main street. Watch rugby at some of the oldest pubs in the country. Try The Bell, The Long Barn Tavern, Harry B`s or Portland Manor.

Size does matter at the Knysna Elephant Park. Be welcomed with a slurp and a smile and ride into the sunset with a trunk in your hand.

Paraglide over spectacular hills and lakes. The area is a veritable paragliding mecca, with no shortage of spots perfect for this activity along the adjacent coast.

Wakeboarding & kite surfing for the adrenalin junkies. Get the blood pumping while you take to the water. Buffalo Bay will provide you with the perfect wave, so bring your surf board.

With three magnificent Golf courses you can never go wrong. If you want serious ball action this is golf heaven or if you just want to have fun with the guys, enjoy the Mashie Golf course for a different experience.

Pack your kit & your cooler bag and head out to the fishing waters. With excellent rock-, surf-, and river- and lake fishing you have just arrived in a fisherman's heaven. Do not miss out on extraordinary fly fishing spots as well.

Hiking - lace up those boots and go hunting with your binocular for those illusive Knysna elephants. Choose between forest and coastal walks and tailor make your hike to your level of fitness. View some of the highest vegetated sand dunes in the world or explore the mystical indigenous forests.

lf "natural remedies" are your thing then you should visit the Judah`s Square Rastafarian Community. Their community tour will provide you with an insight into this astonishing lifestyle and you will take home with you spiritual souvenirs that will last you a lifetime. Be the captain of your holiday and overnight in a house boat.

Lightleys Holiday Houseboats is the perfect overnight option for the guys on their weekend away! Yes, there is even a braai on board!

Soak up the sun & recondition your touch rugby skills. Choose between spectacular beaches to enjoy the best views: Bollard Bay, Coney Glen, Buffalo Bay, Noetzie or Brenton on Sea.

Quad Bike all you want for days at a time. Choose between short courses and safaris taking you over mountains and down passes.