Knysna
Fast Facts
The word Knysna comes from a word in the Khoi language and it is thought that the word refers to the Knysna Heads, perhaps the most famous feature of the town. From the stone age era, the Khoisan people inhabited the Garden Route and were displaced in the 17th century after the arrival of Dutch settlers.
South Africa's Favourite Holiday Village
Knsyna is a magical destination. The Knysna Heads guard the entrance to the lagoon, while clifftop castles guard secluded beaches, and thick indigenous forests hide the legendary Knysna elephants. A truly fantastic holiday destination, Knysna appeals to everyone that visits its vibey town, and the luxury lodges and guesthouses around the area are located in incredibly beautiful forest and beach surroundings.
Knysna is a place of beauty and combined with some of the friendliest locals you are welcomed to join in the festivities of the town. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery, and the oysters are reputedly among the tastiest oysters in the world. With this in mind, there is nothing better than eating oysters and sipping champagne whilst watching the action on the Knysna lagoon.
With an entire range of restaurants from slick and happening spots to quaint boutique coffee shops’ there is a taste to suit all pallets. Activities to keep you entertained include lagoon cruisers, playing a round of golf, curio shopping, walking in the impressive forest, boarding the John Benn or enjoy the many adrenaline-thumping extreme sports. Alternatively, if you are a more ‘read a book’ kind of person, you can simply enjoy relaxing and take in the beautiful views.
Knsyna is a magical destination. The Knysna Heads guard the entrance to the lagoon, while clifftop castles guard secluded beaches, and thick indigenous forests hide the legendary Knysna elephants. A truly fantastic holiday destination, Knysna appeals to everyone that visits its vibey town, and the luxury lodges and guesthouses around the area are located in incredibly beautiful forest and beach surroundings.
Knysna is a place of beauty and combined with some of the friendliest locals you are welcomed to join in the festivities of the town. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports an oyster hatchery, and the oysters are reputedly among the tastiest oysters in the world. With this in mind, there is nothing better than eating oysters and sipping champagne whilst watching the action on the Knysna lagoon.
With an entire range of restaurants from slick and happening spots to quaint boutique coffee shops’ there is a taste to suit all pallets. Activities to keep you entertained include lagoon cruisers, playing a round of golf, curio shopping, walking in the impressive forest, boarding the John Benn or enjoy the many adrenaline-thumping extreme sports. Alternatively, if you are a more ‘read a book’ kind of person, you can simply enjoy relaxing and take in the beautiful views.
The most distinctive attraction in the town is the Knysna Heads. This is where two mighty cliffs guard the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. There are gorgeous views from the lookout above the Heads. Another major attraction is the ancient Knysna Forest. This is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa and comprises of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species; including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood and Cape chestnut. The forest is immense and very think creating a really enchanted feeling with the most beautiful local bird to match – the Knysna Loerie. Once a home to large herds of Knysna elephants, it is believed that a few of these legendary giants still remain.
It is no surprise that Knysna was voted South Africa’s favourite town! The friendly locals, pure beauty, range of activities and world-class cuisine make this a top holiday destination for anyone travelling along the Garden Route.
Ask one of our Travel Experts for tips and ideas on how best to combine a visit to Knysna with the other exciting destinations along the Coastal Route. Knysna is their weekend playground so they will be able to give you some valuable insider tips and help you put together an amazing itinerary. They have an intimate knowledge of all the top accommodation in the area so dont be afraid to pick their brains as much as you want.
Highlights
Knysna Lagoon Cruise »
Two of Knysna’s biggest draw cards are the Knysna Lagoon guarded by two cliffs known as the The Heads and the new Waterfront complex. The lagoon, popular amongst boating enthusiasts, water-skiers and fishermen, harbours a variety of fish and waterbirds, crabs, prawns and the very rare sea horse. A cruise on one of the many leisure boats that ply the Lagoon is highly recommended.
Oysters and Fine Dining »
Knysna is famous for the quality of its oysters. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect setting to sample this Knysna specialty than at the Waterfront. Simply spice your oysters with a touch of Tabasco, a squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of pepper. Sip on a glass of champagne and take in the views- life doesn’t get a lot better than this. The Waterfront hosts a number of excellent restaurants offering avariety of cuisine.
Insider tips
Take a cruise on the John Benn in Knysna. This legendary floating restaurant is for eating, drinking and having fun!
Eat Oysters at the Knysna Oyster Company - make sure they are the wild oysters.
Have lunch at Firefly in Knysna- delicious food!
Go shopping at the Knysna Waterfront.
Sip on a Sundowner overlooking the stunning Knysna Heads.
Play a round of Golf at the nearby Pezula or Simola courses, two of the best in the country.
Steam Train
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is a steam train that plies between George and Knysna, crossing the spectacular Kaaimans River bridge to run through lovely wooded country, along the shoreline and over the lagoon.
The journey takes just over three hours and you can enjoy a pub lunch before the return trip. This is a great day trip- highly recommended!
Getting there
Knysna, the so-called 'hub' of South Africa's Garden Route coast, is easiy accessible by land and air.
Most travellers take in Knysna as part of an extended self-drive tour of the region. The road network is excellent and easy to navigate.
The closest domestic Airport is George Airport, roughly a 45 minute drive away.
George can be accessed by air from Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.
Recommended Regional Accommodation and Tours
Pezula »
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa delivers a whole new world of luxury in elegant African Style. Located in Knysna, on the exquisite Garden Route the hotel is surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests, sheltered beaches and has sweeping views of the 18- hole Championship Golf Course.
Read more »Garden Route Explorer »
A fantastic self drive tour option incorporating the best of the Whale Route, Route 62, Garden Route and an African safari. Your own vehicle allows you to explore these amazing areas at your own pace while staying at some lovely accommodation en-route.
Read more »The Very Best of the Coast »
Staying at the cream of the crop, this exceptional self drive trip allows you to explore Cape Town then onto the Whale Route before traveling up the Garden Route. Your tour finishes with a big 5 safari at one of the top safari lodges in South Africa.
Read more »Kanonkop Guest House »
Kanonkop Guest House in Knysna is an exquisite owner managed five star retreat situated on the edge of Kanonkop hill with uninterrupted views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads. Kanonkop Guest House prides itself in their personal service and attention to detail ensuring a truly memorable holiday experience.
Read more »Leisure Isle Lodge »
Leisure Isle Lodge will delight you with luxury and sophisticated elegance. Savour the sights and sounds of Knysna from Leisure Isle Lodge, perfectly positioned on Bollard Bay near the majestic Heads. It is an exceptional retreat offering superb accommodation and uncompromising levels of service.
Read more »South Africa in Style »
A perfect honeymoon in South Africa combining luxurious accommodation with a variety of different locations and experiences, from Cape Town right through to a Big Five safari experience via the stunning Cape Winelands and the beauty of the Garden Route.
Read more »Phantom Forest »
The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve is privately owned Garden Route lodge, within 137 hectares of nature reserve on the Knysna River. Fill your senses with the enchantment of the Phantom Forest, take a picnic paddling up the river, soak in the bubble barrel or relax in your evocative 'tree suites'.
Read more »Boutique at its Best »
This delightful itinerary features some of South Africa’s finest boutique hotels. As well as fantastic accommodation, this itinerary is a veritable highlights package that offers rest and relaxation, spectacular scenery and a variety of memorable experiences.
Read more »






