Knysna, the jewel of the garden route, boasts million-dollar views, land and water-based experiences, and unrivaled natural views of stretches of beaches, indigenous forests, and glittering lagoons
This Western Cape coastal town has a vibrant tourism industry, partly due to its picturesque scenery. The oyster industry, outdoor activities, and scenic drives, as well as its cultural and historic attractions all make for the perfect getaway. Try out these 15 things the next time you visit Knysna.
1. Marine eco-tour
Picture: Ocean Odyssey Knysna
This tour will take you over the calm waters of the Estuary, through the Knysna Heads, and out onto the Indian Ocean.
You will learn about the diverse marine environment, and may even get to see Bryde’s whales, seals, penguins, dolphins, and many kinds of pelagic birds.
- Location: TH22 Long Street, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna
- Times: 3 daily departures at 9.30 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Adults: R1,040 | Kids under 12 years: R780
- Contact: 082 852 9402 | [email protected]
- Website: oceanodyssey.co.za
2. SUP around Thesen Island
Picture: GettyImages
Adventure around Thesen Island on a stand-up paddle (SUP) board or paddle further out to explore the lagoon’s hidden inlets and coves.
If you’d rather go out on your own, hire a SUP for R240 per hour.
- Location: TH22 Long Street, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna
- Hours: 4 daily departures at 8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, and 2 pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: R375
- Contact: 082 852 9402 | [email protected]
- Website: oceanodyssey.co.za
3. Scootour through Knysna forest
Picture: Scootours Knysna
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience on the Monster Mountain Scooter. Experience an exhilarating descent through indigenous forests and sleepy bends. Take a scenic minibus and start your descent in the Garden Route National Park. Keep an eye out for the Knysna loerie, the bushbuck, and the wild boar who all live in the area.
All tours are led by professional and qualified guides.
- Location: 23 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island, Knysna
- Hours: 3 daily departures at 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: R600
- Contact: 079 148 3751 | [email protected]
- Website: scootours.co.za
4. Oyster Tour
Picture: GettyImages
A must when in Knysna is trying their world-famous oysters. Enjoy cruising the tranquil Knysna Lagoon while being introduced to the salty delicacy, complete with descriptions of the distinctions between farmed and wild oysters. For an extra fee, you can enhance the experience with some delicious champagne.
- Location: 23 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island, Knysna
- Hours: Daily departure at 3 pm
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Adults: R700 | Children under 13: R375 | Snack platter: R100 | Bottle of MCC Paul Rene: R320 | Extra oysters: R120 | Kids’ activity pack: R50
- Contact: 082 892 0469 | [email protected]
- Website: knysnacharters.com/oyster-tour
5. Sparrebosch Fisherman’s Walk
Picture: Alltrails
This walk will take you through sections of mountain, forest, and beach. The first ascent on the way back is quite steep with some loose rocks, but the challenge is only made sweeter by the stunning beach at the bottom of the hill.
Find out more about this trail and others here.
- Intensity: Moderate | There is quite a steep hill on the way back from the beach
- Duration and elevation: 4.2 kilometres | 203 metres of elevation gain
- Location: Sparrebosch, Knysna | Coordinates: S34 03.917 E23 06.193
- Permit and cost: Self-issue permit, no costs.
6. A scenic cruise on the Knysna Lagoon
Picture: Lorraine Kearney
Have lunch or an afternoon sail on the Knysna Lagoon where you can take in close-up views of the multiple famous sights as you go.
- Location: Sirocco Jetty Thesen Island | Sirocco, Thesen Island, Knysna
- Hours: 3 daily departures | departure times vary according to season
- Duration: 1 hour 4o minutes | 2 hours 10 minutes
- Cost: Adults: R790 – R890 | Children under 12: R640 – R740
- Contact: 076 761 0353 | [email protected]
- Website: oceansailingcharters.co.za
7. The Friday Market at Knysna Montessori School
Picture: The Friday Market at Knysna Montessori School
Hosted every Friday between September and May, you’ll be able to sample delectable goods from various food stalls and the drinks bar. Bonfires keep you warm in winter, and children can see the free-roaming bunnies or play on the jungle gym.
- Location: Knysna Montessori School | Welbedacht Lane, Knysna
- Hours: September to May | Friday 4 pm – 8 pm
- Contact: 044 382 5316
- Website: knysnamontessori.co.za
8. Go for breakfast at African Bean
Picture: African Bean
This local gem on Knysna’s Main Street offers excellent Union roast coffee, freshly made meals, and friendly service. Have their brilliant barista, Max, make you one of the best coffees in town, along with a slice of carrot cake or apple pie.
- Location: 29 Main Road, Knysna
- Hours: Monday to Friday | 8 am – 4 pm; Saturday: 8 am – 2 pm
- Contact: 044 382 2845 | [email protected]
- Website: facebook.com
9. Go for lunch at East Head Café
Picture: East Head Cafe
With one of the best views in Knysna, you’ll be able to tuck into their delicious cheesecake. Their breakfasts and lunches are often made with ingredients sourced from environmentally-friendly vendors.
- Location: 25 George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday | 8:30 am – 3 pm
- Contact: 044 384 0933 | [email protected]
- Website: eastheadcafe.co.za
10. Go for dinner at Chatters Bistro
Picture: Chatters Bistro
Chatters, a restaurant and bar, is situated in the centre of Knysna and is loved for its delectable thin-and-crispy wood-fired pizza and ambient garden seating area.
In addition to providing gluten and wheat-free pizza bases, Chatters also offers a variety of daily specials.
- Location: 9a Grey Street | Entrance from Gordon Street, Knysna
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday | 12 pm – 10 pm
- Contact: 044 382 0203 | [email protected]
- Website: chattersbistro.co.za
11. Kayak on the Lagoon
Picture: GettyImages
Kayaking is undoubtedly one of the most exciting ways to discover the Knysna Lagoon. It allows you the freedom to go at your own pace and get closer to the environment.
No prior kayaking experience is necessary, and the kayaks are simple to manoeuvre.
- Location: 23 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island, Knysna
- Hours: Daily from 9 am to 4 pm
- Duration: 1 hour
- Cost: R250 | R300 with a guide
- Contact: 082 892 0469 | [email protected]
- Website: knysnacharters.com
12. Close encounter whale-watching
Picture: GettyImages
Experience a close encounter with Bryde’s whales and dolphins, as well as southern right whales and humpback whales between June and October.
Your chances of getting up close to these marine mammals? A solid 95% of cruises see whales during the peak season.
- Location: TH22 Long Street, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Knysna
- Times: 3 daily departures | departure times vary according to season
- Duration: 2 hours
- Cost: Adults: R1,170 | Kids under 13 years: R930
- Contact: 082 852 9402 | [email protected]
- Website: oceanodyssey.co.za
13. Visit Knysna’s Old Gaol Museum
Picture: Visit Knysna
The Old Gaol was the first building constructed in Knysna by the Colonial Government. It was built in 1859 to house convicts en route to work on the construction of Prince Alfred’s Pass. In 1992, it was designated as a national monument. The Old Gaol, located on the corner of Main Road and Queen Street, now houses numerous exhibits and collections.
- Location: 7 Main Road, Knysna Central, Knysna
- Hours: Monday to Friday | 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Contact: 044 302 6320
- Website: knysnamuseums.co.za
14. Explore Knysna on bike
Picture: Knysna Charters
A guided tour with Knysna Hike and Bike is a wonderful way to explore the town of Knysna at a leisurely pace. These fully-guided tours emphasise personal tastes and interests. Knysna Hike & Bike will meet your needs for leisure and fun, whether you prefer to stroll along beaches, hike through cool, misty forests, or pedal to a gourmet food and wine-tasting experience.
- Contact: 083 388 2424 | [email protected]
- Website: knysnahikeandbike.co.za
15. Knysna Lagoon fishing
Picture: GettyImages
Connected to the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon offers catches like white steenbas, garrick, white mussel cracker, cob or kabeljou, grunter, and a variety of skates. Many recommended baits, like prawns, mullet, bloodworms, cuttlefish, and moonshine, can be found fresh in the lagoon.
According to local fishermen, the best time to fish is at night, just before low tide, or at the end of high tide.
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