Knysna Snapshot
A certain travel brochure puts it thus: "Every visit to Knysna is an adventure." And so it is, especially in peak season when bumper-to-bumper Gauteng traffic and shuffling crowds can trigger an adrenaline rush second to none. First things first, then: Knysna (495km from Cape Town) is no longer the drowsy village it used to be, a refuge for rat-race escapees, tie-dye T-shirt makers and aspiring artists – the Garden Route's tourist boom has put an end to that illusion. Although there's no immediate beach to call its own, Knysna reigns as the undisputed capital of the Garden Route. What the town lacks in sea frontage it makes up with an ethereal lagoon and ancient forests, and a Georgian and Victorian atmosphere you won't find in other Garden Route towns. Although the town has outgrown itself, the surrounding area still offers tranquillity. If this is what you're looking for, the best self-catering beds can be found away from the centre, either along or above the lagoon, or buried deep under the forest canopy.
Things To Do
- Ease into Knysna by paying a visit to the tourist office on Main Street and collecting your free Information Guide, a useful and detailed brochure containing a map, town background info, as well as restaurant and activity listings.
- Don't come to Knysna for a languid beach holiday: the closest waves are at Brenton-on-Sea, 20km away. However, for families with young children, the wave-free Knysna Lagoon is perfect. Leisure Island in particular has excellent swimming and a glimpse of ocean through the Knysna Heads. For a closer view, there's a dramatic little beach at Coney Glenn on the eastern Head, popular for picnics and fishing. Work your way up to the top of the Head and you'll be rewarded with a fantastic view out to sea and across the lagoon.
- Knysna is synonymous with indigenous forests and the reason to prolong your stay. Although only a splinter (65 000ha) of their former glory (200 000ha) and no longer home to Khoi clans and a vast array of wildlife (including elephant herds), the forests remain unique and are best experienced on foot along a number of marked walks. And yes, while you have more chance of winning the Lotto than spotting a famed Knysna Nellie, you could well see vervet monkeys, bushbuck, blue duiker and the Knysna lourie.
- Thanks to the devastating success of 19th century timber merchants, the forest reserves are some distance from town. About 30km away, the Goudveld Forest harbors the deserted mining town of Millwood (with its old mine shafts and rusty equipment), several hikes (Jubilee Creek is the most satisfying) and the 19km Homtini mountain bike trail. Diepwalle State Forest lies closer to Knysna (20km) and has an impressive number of huge trees, especially yellowwoods, which you can view close up on the circular Elephant Walk.
- Despite its interesting past as a timber town, Knysna falls a little short on the museum front. The Millwood House Museum has a display of old photographs; originally built for convicts, the Old Goal Complex houses an art gallery and a Maritime Museum; Belvidere’s Holy Trinity Church (circa 1855) is a fine example of 12th century Norman architecture, while St George's Church (1855) features broad yellowwood floorboards and other attractive timber touches.
- With close to 100 restaurants and coffee shops (we're thumbsucking here but you get the point), Knysna has something for every taste bud. Oysters are an obvious choice, with the Knysna Oyster Company holding marketshare, but trading more on name than quality and service, which we found shoddy to be quite honest. Most eateries are concentrated in the centre of town, or around the Knysna Quays Waterfront - head to the latter for that elusive holiday-by-the-sea vibe.
- Knysna offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, from the tame to the terrifying. Again, your best bet is a stroll to the local tourist office and grab a fistful of brochures.
- Join the icecream-lickers from Gauteng and trawl the craft and woodwork shops lining Knysna's main drag (Main Street). The Waterfront at Knysna Quays is slightly more relaxed, with a pleasant outlook and several decent restaurants.
Lazy Leopard Forest Retreat
Knysna, Western Cape
Situated just off the scenic Rheenendal country road, Lazy Leopard offers three very appealing options: two romantic 'bush huts' called Forest Moon and Starry Forest and the larger Blue Hills Cot...
Rate Guide
From R400pp to R550pp nightly; peak season rates apply.
Chorister Cottage
Knysna, Western Cape
Chorister Cottage is a fitting little adobe for this neck of the woods, and by woods we really mean it. Perched on a hillside in the off-the-beaten track area of Ruigtevlei, just inland from Groenvlei...
Rate Guide
R2000 nightly for the cottage. No children under 12 years.
Tree Spirit Cottage
Knysna, Western Cape
As the name suggests, here’s a getaway with plenty of spirit, coupled with a healthy dose of fresh forest air to rejuvenate those weary city bones. Nestled at the edge of the majestic Kny...
Rate Guide
R800 - R1200 nightly for a cottage
Lagoon Lodge
Knysna, Western Cape
Centrally located, just off the main lagoon road, Lagoon Lodge is an old favourite when it comes to good value, no-nonsense accommodation in Knysna. Apart from its easy access to the lagoon, Knysna W...
Rate Guide
From R595 to R2277, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Salt River Lodge
Knysna, Western Cape
A recent guest review of Salt River Lodge says it all, “The lodge is fantastic, in a beautiful location opposite the lagoon and very peaceful. Getting up in the morning is a real pleasure and th...
Rate Guide
From R950 - R1500 nightly for a cottage (Peak rates apply)
Elephant Rest Forest Cottages
Knysna, Western Cape
Down the Rheenendal road and nibbling a fringe of gorgeous Knysna forest, this pair of timber abodes on a smallholding has already generated its share of gushing feedback. But two examples: “Go ...
Rate Guide
From R850.00 nightly for two, and R180pp thereafter.
Beletage Leisure isle
Knysna, Western Cape
Tucked away on a leafy back lane on Knysna's Leisure Isle, Beletage (meaning beautiful space) is just that. Decorated in a mix of contemporary style with a touch of old-world France, you're surrounded...
Rate Guide
From R1300 to R1800, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Woodlands Self-Catering
Knysna, Western Cape
We admit, this is on the upper end of the Budget scale .. but ... perfectly located just outside Knysna, a unique haven of forests, lakes, dramatic cliffs and beaches, our gorgeous and entirely family...
Rate Guide
From R910 to R1725, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Cloud 9 Estate
Knysna, Western Cape
Set on a 4-hectare farm 7 km from Knysna, Cloud 9 Estate is perched on a “koppie” and is surrounded by a nature reserve with breathtaking views of the Knysna River and Valley. Facing north...
Rate Guide
From R1680 to R7475, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Island Villa (groups)
Knysna, Western Cape
Inspired by luxury and relaxation, the Island Villa was created for bigger groups, large families and friends to get together and enjoy the pleasures of Leisure Island and Knysna. Beautifully designed...
Rate Guide
From R14850, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
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