Knysna
Garden Route

From the beginning of tourism in South Africa, Knysna has been the one of the most popular and prestigious destinations in the country. Knysna's enchanting multifaceted natural setting is marked by the estuary called Knysna Lagoon and the two spectacular sentinels, the Knysna Heads, that guard the narrow entrance to the bay from the sea. An abundance of beautiful beaches and the ocean, dense indigenous forests, sweetwater lakes and the Outeniqua Mountains together form a paradise for the holiday maker.

Knysna's indigenous forests have been highly influential to the development of the town, which had started off as a small harbour town for the export of timber. Today, the forests – part of the original montane rainforests – are strictly protected. The Knysna Forest comprises 80,000 ha and is the largest remaining forested area in South Africa. They draw tourists from the entire country and nowadays from all over the world. One can appreciate what a treasure the indigenous forests are, when considering that most parts of South Africa are savannah. In the Knysna area huge ancient hardwood trees like Yellowwood, Stinkwood and Redwood can still be admired. Some believe that there are still a few elephants living in the forests, though none has been seen for a long time. An attempt to settle Kruger Park elephants here has failed.

The famous lagoon where sea and sweet water mix, sustains with its saltmarshes and sandbanks an unsurpassed wealth of bird and marine life, the Knysna Loerie and the Knysna Seahorse being the most famous examples. The visitor can spend time on the water in various ways: on a ferry or a paddle-driven vessel around the lagoon or venture out onto the ocean past the Heads, on a cruising boat or by sailing a catamaran. One can join an excursion on a sea going boat to watch dolphins, whales and seals. And even rent a houseboat.

A unique feature of Knysna are the oyster beds. They belong to the oldest and biggest South African oyster farm run by the Knysna Oyster Company. The town's main social event of the year, the Knysna Qyster Festival, is dedicated to this luxury mollusc. It attracts tens of thousands each year in the beginning of July and offer – besides the feasting on oysters – various cultural and sporting events.

The old town centre of Knysna with cosy cafés, boutiques, restaurants, cinemas and art galleries is dominated by quaint colonial architecture. On the former harbour quays, still called the Knysna Quays, a waterfront was built where tourists visit curio shops and eateries right at the water's edge.

Two islands in the lagoon offer a lifestyle close to the water. Thesen Island, a marina development of recent years lie just a few metres from the vibrant and touristic Knysna Quays and yet in a world of its own with lush gardens, a close-knit secluded community, a communal organic veggie garden, many waterways and jetties and a light, carefree atmosphere. Travellers are welcome here and have a choice of numerous hotels, guest houses and self-catering places.

Knysna Lagoon Leisure Island is a long established affluent residential settlement, where state-of-the-art luxurious mansions on the water prevail. Its attractive position in front of the eastern Head with stunning views of the lagoon and the mountains renders it attractive for visitors who can find some upmarket accommodation here.

While Knysna itself nowadays is quite developed, some kilometres west one can find three villages – Belvidere, Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea – in idyllic positions, boasting unspoilt sandy beaches, where the nature lover can enjoy tranquility, yet having the attractions of Knysna in reach. Further west, halfway between Knysna and Wilderness, lies Sedgefield, in a natural setting of fynbos, dunes, lakeside, seaside and forests. With its position between the Swartvlei Estuary and the Indian Ocean it boasts four beaches, the main one being stunning Cola Beach. Sedgefield borders on both, the Goukamma Nature Reserve and the Wilderness National Park. It is a paradise for holidaying families, watersports enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Numerous excellent hotels, lodges, B&Bs, holiday apartments, restaurants and cosy cafes are awaiting the visitors. For detailed visitor information and accommodation visit this page: Knysna Visitor Info

Top right: Aerial photograph of the Knysna Heads and the Knysna Lagoon. Bottom right: The Knysna Lagoon seen from the eastern head. Bottom left: The Outeniqua railway line crosses the lagoon. Top Left: Wheel-steamer on the Knysna Lagoon.

Knysna Garden Route

Knysna
Garden Route