Knysna

The bustling town of Knysna, beside its beautiful lagoon, is known for its art galleries, boutiques and fresh oysters. Take a boat cruise to the Featherbed Nature Reserve or sail through the dramatic Knysna Heads.

Enquire Now

Scroll for more

Overview

Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s most appealing small towns, surrounded by a glorious lagoon and backed by an indigenous forest with abundant yellowwood trees. The sea approach to Knysna through The Heads (two cliffs) was so hazardous in the 19th century that the town was never able to develop as a major port. So, it was only in the 20th century that it grew as a waterside resort. Knysna is a charming town of year-round residents (rather than seasonal second-homers) so it's full of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques and art & craft galleries.

Thanks to its central location, no part of the Garden Route is more than an hour’s drive away, making Knysna an effortless base for exploring the broader region. Knysna doesn’t have a beach, but there are some lovely beach options nearby, with the nearest being about 15 minutes drive at Brenton on Sea.

There are also so many things to do on a Knysna holiday such as sailing on Knysna heads, boat cruises and walks on Featherbed Nature Reserve. Or why not try some water adventure options such as stand-up paddle-boarding or kayaking?

It also makes for a great base for a golfing holiday on the Garden Route with Pezula and Simola golf estates. As well as Fancourt, Oubaai and Pinnacle Point not a very distance away either.

Frequently Asked Questions on Knysna

What is the best time of year to visit Knysna?
Mild weather makes Knysna a year-round destination. Summer brings long beach days, while winter offers crisp, calm mornings on the lagoon and excellent hiking conditions.

Is Knysna a good base for families?
Yes, the calm lagoon waters, easy walking trails and nearby beaches suit families well, and most activities (from boat cruises to forest walks) are child-friendly.

Is Knysna a good base for golf?

Yes, there are two top-rated courses in Knsyna: Pezula and Oubaai whilst other highly acclaimed courses are an easy drive away such as Pinnacle Point, George Country Club or Plettenberg Bay golf course

Why We Love It

Drive (or sail) up to The Heads, the sandstone buttressed cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon.
Explore Knysna Quays waterfront with its restaurants, boutiques & lovely lagoon views.
Oysters and champagne at Knysna Oyster Company
Take a catamaran yacht cruise to sail the lagoon and through The Heads
Romantic slow yacht cruise at sunset, perhaps even taking a turn at the helm…
Explore the indigenous Knysna forest with its walking trails & old gold rush village
Visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve by boat for guided walks and sweepintg viewpoints
Enjoy the nearby beaches of Brenton and Noetzie

On The Map

Popular tours & safaris

Water Babies Family Self-drive

This 13 night self-drive is a classical family trip to Cape Town, the Garden Route and Eastern Cape with plenty of attractions along the way. Using premier accommodation, it's ideal for the South ...

WHEN Aug - May

DURATION 13 Nights

FROM ₤ 6,847

View

Cape Kaleidoscope & Kruger Offer

A captivating South African journey combining three contrasting areas: Cape highlights, the Garden Route, and a premier Kruger safari. It is a combo offer giving 13 nights for the price of 10 using ...

WHEN Mar - Dec

DURATION 13 Nights

FROM ₤ 2,965

View

Cape & Garden Route Walking Tour

This private walking tour from Cape Town to George Airport allows you to enjoy some of the classic walks of the Cape with plenty of time to enjoy the scenic highlights as well. This private tour is ...

WHEN Sept - May

DURATION 9 Nights

FROM ₤ 2,495

View

Accommodation

Simbavati Fynbos on Sea

Situated above the quaint town of Sedgefield, along South Africa’s Garden Route, this eco-paradise offers sweeping views over beaches, mountains, lagoons, and a fynbos wonderland.

RATING Premier

BOOK NOW

Kanonkop House

Kanonkop Guesthouse lies high above Knysna Lagoon with uninterrupted views of the Heads and the lagoon - a stylish and contemporary five star guest lodge. This little gem is one of the favourite ...

RATING Luxury

BOOK NOW

Villa Afrikana Guest Suites

Villa Afrikana is superbly located boutique guest lodge in the heart of the Garden Route at Knysna. It's perched high above the town in the aptly named Paradise area of Knysna and offers glorious ...

RATING Premier

BOOK NOW

Leisure Isle Lodge

Leisure Isle Boutique Lodge is a little gem of a place in the peaceful location of Leisure Isle on the Knysna Lagoon. If you enjoy luxury and sophisticated elegance, Leisure Isle Lodge will delight ...

RATING Premier

BOOK NOW

Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel

Amanzi Island Lodge balances comfort and luxury in beautiful surroundings on Leisure Isle in Knysna. There can be no better spot for relaxing and exploring all that the Garden Route has to offer. You ...

RATING Premier

BOOK NOW

Head Over Hills

Head over Hills is a small and exclusive retreat situated on the jagged edge of the famous rocky cliffs of the Knysna Heads and offers the unique and beautiful setting for a breakaway. The situation, ...

RATING Top of Class

BOOK NOW

View More Accommodations

Interested in booking a Safari or Holiday?

Chat to one of our experienced consultants that's here to help and guide you. We use our expertise to narrow down the choices and present feasible ideas, so you can relax and ENJOY the planning process! Contact us!

Experiences To Look Forward To

Sailing cruises through the Knysna Heads

This is a truly unique experience to be sailing on a 50 foot luxury yacht through the Knysna Lagoon and then out of the Knysna Heads. Springtide Charters offers the ultimate Indian Ocean sailing ...

VIEW

Featherbed Nature Reserve

The Featherbed Experience offers you a little taste of everything and so is great for couples or families. Choice of 3 or 4 hour boat cruises in Knsyna to Featherbed Nature Reserve with tractor ride ...

VIEW

View More Experiences