Featherbed Nature Reserve

The Featherbed Experience in Knysna

The Featherbed Experience in Knysna offers you a little taste of everything. It is great for couples or families. Featherbed Nature Reserve lies on the western side of the Knysna Heads. This excursion includes a boat cruise, tractor ride, short walk and great views. You can choose between the 3 hour excursion which departs at 8.30am or the 4 hour lunch excursion which departs at 10am, 11.30am and also 12.30pm in peak season.

From Knysna, you take a 20 minute boat cruise across Knysna Lagoon to the Featherbed Reserve. Then from the jetty, you are taken by tractor up to the top of the reserve with its stunning panoramic views. From there you enjoy a 2.2 km guided walk down through the reserve back to the lagoon. This is a fairly steep walk at first and may not be suitable for everyone. However, you can opt to ride back on the tractor again.

We recommend the 4 hour lunchtime trip at Featherbed which includes a delicious buffet lunch on arrival at the reserve. Pre-booking is essential as it is a popular excursion. The price given is for the lunch excursion.

Other Boat Cruises on Knysna Lagoon

The same company offers a variety of other sailing cruises on the Knysna lagoon.

• The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa’s only paddle-driven vessel. Choose between a 1½ hour lunchtime cruise with an a la carte and tapas menu on offer (lunch is extra) or a 2 hour evening cruise which includes dinner.
• John Benn Cruiser is a double deck floating restaurant. You can enjoy the lagoon over lunchtime or in the early evening with an a la carte and tapas menu on offer as well as a fully licensed bar.

Note: Both the John Benne and the Paddle cruiser are popular trips with tour groups, so the experience does seem to vary from trip to trip. However, if you are looking for an affordable cruise, these are good options.

Please contact their office for prices on the different Featherbed Experiences on offer.