Things To Do Knysna

South Africa

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Places To Visit In Knysna

Brenton on Sea

A serene resort town located a short drive west from Knysna, Brenton on Sea's blissful self-catering chalets are the ultimate place for relaxation. It is a 15-minute drive from Knysna and is known for its laidback vibes, endangered blue butterflies and breathtaking sunset. For the memorable family holiday, a weekend of relaxation or the picture perfect honeymoon that we all want, Brenton on Sea is a superb location. This tranquil little resort-town has a collection of self catering chalets, and it's amazing sea-side location is just perfect to cleanse yourself and your mind. The attractions nearby are sure to keep you engaged during your stay. The Brenton on Sea Beach Walk is a fabulous 2 hour long walk along the sandy beaches to Buffalo Bay, or head to Castle Rock for a great time fishing! If you have never seen dolphins and whales in the wild, head over to Fisherman's walk, where from the top of the cliff you will often see dolphins and whales playing around in the distant ocean. Or if you're looking to get some exercise in or some adrenaline pumping, the Garden Route has 12 scenic golf courses, and paragliding and tandem swings will definitely give you the desired blood rush! Make sure to book well in advance, because demands for chalets in the region is usually very high. Read More

Buffelsbaai is the super chilled out town about 20 km from Knysna Town. It is a popular holiday destination in the region with plenty of activities. It has one of the most popular beaches in the Western Cape, highly reputed for its great surfing and swimming spots. Buffelsbai is a brilliant holiday destination along the coast, located between Knysna and Sedgefield. Get your swimsuits on, dive into the waters, and then spend a day relaxing and getting that holiday tan on! Head out to the beaches during the mornings on a refreshing bicycle trip, and watch the whales and dolphins play in the distant ocean during the months from May to November. The Goukamma Nature Reserve is also located nearby, offering a variety of activities to keep yourself occupied and ensuring that your vacation is not completely lazy! Read More

Located on the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon, the Featherbed Nature Reserve is a stunning piece of paradise with a nature reserve, hiking trails, restaurants and boat tours. It is accessible only by a ferry. This South African Heritage Site is so beautiful, that active efforts are made to regulate the crowds, so as to preserve it's charming features. It is only accessible by ferry, number of visitors per day is limited, and even if you do visit you will always be accompanied by the reserve's expert guides. The educational 4 hour excursion is sure to get your blood flowing, and mood uplifted. You will be taken through the various terrains, absorbing the marvellous natural beauty of the park, and also picturesque views of the ocean. Even dining in the park is a fancy job, with the forest restaurant made under a canopy of milkwood trees, serving a delicious buffet along with some refreshing drinks. Remember to wear good walking or hiking shoes. Read More

The Garden Route is 300 km of unadulterated beauty. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Plettenburg Bay, the coastal road is adorned with several beautiful lagoons, beaches, lakes and forest parks. It has some of the best beaches along the coast, hiking trails, and 12 top-class golf courses. The Garden Route National Park is an experience to have. Its vast lands and lush greenery provide fantastic scenic views and activities. Many hiking trails will take you through the diverse flora and fauna and also across the various rivers and lakes. Many boating and fishing activities in the region are very popular. It's also a hotspot for birdwatchers. Besides that, along the forests of the Route, there are several hikes and trails of particular interest which you should check out, like the Garden of Eden and the Circles in the Forest, which are hugely popular among visitors. The Knysna Lagoon also is the region's most famous attraction, naturally protected by the two cliffs called the 'Heads'. You can enjoy picturesque views and a wonderful time at the lagoon through the various boat tours guiding you through the iconic location. Views from the head are some of the best in the region, stretching far into the Indian Ocean. The Knysna Elephant Park is also located along the Garden Route, and the elephant walks are a favourite family activity! Read More

Prince Alfred Pass is a 68 km long mountain pass, the longest in South Africa. This weaving road through the mountains is one of the most scenic routes connecting Kynsna to Avontuur. Along the way, there are several picnic spots, and from Skitskop, you get spectacular views as far as the Garden Route. The pass was built by the famous Thomas Bain back in the 1860s. The Prince Alfred Pass is also not the easiest route in the world. For starters it's gravel, and it is full of sharp turns and hairpins and single-lane sections, so it's paramount to be careful while driving. Avoid the route altogether when it's raining. Once you've got that handled, the road offers you some absolutely beautiful views of the mountains and the valley, a perfect alternative for those who have seen enough of the sea. Prince Alfred Pass has fast become a favourite tourist attraction of the region. Read More

Located near Sedgefield, this famous Farmers' Market is a huge attraction for tourists and locals alike. Some Farmers' Markets around the world have become so popular, that they attract customers and tourists from hundreds of kilometres away, and this is just one of those. Wild Oats has played a major role in improving the home-grown food sector in the region, and it's efforts to ensure that locals get involved in this process have made it very popular. People from all walks of life can be found in market. The atmosphere is always lively and energetic, and the range of foods on offer will surely get your mouth watering. The food on offer also is of premium quality, fairly priced, and some of it also exclusive. The market is full of stools to sit and eat whatever you've just bought while the kids run around and have a good time. The market is open from sunrise till noon every Saturday, and you should definitely give it a visit. Read More

Bollards Bay Beach is a family-friendly located on Leisure Island in Knysna. It is popular for watersports like kite-boarding, boating, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and swimming and beach activities like ball games. The water is warm and safe even during the winter season. There is a 3-kilometre-long walkway that leads to the base of the Knysna heads from the beach. The golden sand and clear blue water of this beach make it a must-visit location. There are many resorts and hotels located nearby. Read More

Diepwalle Forest is South Africa’s largest indigenous forest located on the Garden Route in Knysna. The forest is largely populated with yellowood, stinkwood and cape pear trees. It is most popular for camping trips with a dedicated camping deck and for hiking. The Black Elephant Trail is an easy trek that leads across streams and the 600-year-old, 36 metres tall King Edward VII Big Tree. The White Elephant trail is slightly more challenging but ends at a stunning rock pool that makes the journey worth it. The Red Elephant trail is the most challenging of them all. Each of the trails takes from three to four hours. Make sure to visit the Forest Legends Museum to learn the history of the forest and see the complete skeleton of a Knysna elephant. There is also a lovely tea garden located in the Forest. Read More

The Garden of Eden is a hiking trail located next to the N2 in Knysna. The trails lead to a wooden walkway through the forest and over beautiful streams for over a kilometre. It is an easy trail, suitable even for beginners. It is also a good location for bird watching. You can opt for two small loops of about 500 metres, known as the Red loop and the Green loop, or you can make a large loop of about 1 kilometre. The entire walkway is wheelchair accessible and equipped with benches and tables. There are information boards on the diverse and rich local flora and fauna, including the indigenous yellowwood tree. There are toilets available at the site. Read More

Knysna indigenous forest offers over ten walks and trails ranging from between 2 to 10km. Explore Knysna’s diverse wildlife, including birds, fern trees, frogs, and more, through the scenic hiking routes filled with picnic spots and drinkable water streams. Tourists can visit the Forest Legends museum located in the heart of the forest dedicated to Woodcutters, Timber merchants, Botanists, Settlers, and the Knysna Elephant. The adjacent tea room is a popular eatery. Some of the popular hikes include the Woodville big tree hike, Brown Hooded Kingfisher hike, and the famous Circles in the Forest walk, where one can visit sites such as the Big Tree – an 800 to 900-year-old Yellowwood Giant and writer Dalene Matthee’s memorial. The Jubilee Creek picnic site and walking trail lead along the creek to a rock pool and waterfall. Several mining areas which were part of the 1800s gold rush can also be observed on these hikes. Read More