Location: Knysna
Top Things to do in Knysna
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The 10 Best Things to do in Knysna, Western Cape
Knysna stands out on South Africa's famed Garden Route thanks to the sandstone cliffs that dramatically separate its tranquil lagoon from the pounding surf of the Indian Ocean. It's also home to the country's largest indigenous forest. Hop aboard a ferry for a ride through the scenic highlights. The Millwood Mines at Jubilee Creek, site of a major gold rush in 1885, provide a picturesque spot for a picnic. Be sure to try some local oysters during the renowned annual festival.
Restaurants in Knysna
1. Featherbed Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 reviews
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.In order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides.
Reviewed By pierrek100 - Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is a highly recommended tour. After receiving a friendly welcome at the Featherbed Co ticket office and with our ticket and boarding pass issued, we made our way onto the ferry and a scenic cruise over the Knysna Estuary. We learned quite a bit about the history of the area from the tour guide as we cruised under a beautiful blue sky, with the Knysna Yacht Club, Waterfront and Thesen's Island on the north bank and the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the south bank. Interesting craft, from sailboats to houseboats, floating on the glassy surface of the estuary, added to kick off a day with many photo opportunities. When we landed at Featherbed there was a quick rest opportunity. Then we headed to the brand new 30 seater viewing vehicle that would transport us to the top of the reserve. The reserve had endured a devastating fire in 2017, but soon it was clear how nature and the owners responded as all about us it was green and beautiful and we could already begin to experience the great views over the estuary. Once we reached the top we disembarked for our 2,2km scenic walk through the beauty of the reserve with its indigenous plants and trees down towards the southern rocky edge of the port entry. One of the most dangerous port entries in Africa due to all the sharp rocks on both the northern and southern side. From the outset, it was clear that we would have many views of the spectacular meeting of the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. We made our way down all the way to the sea caves where ages of pounding waves bored huge openings in the rock creating 10m high caves. Spectacular pictures were taken. We walked to the Featherbeds Milkwood restaurant along the side of the water on a wooden path. The view across the estuary showed off the beautiful waterscapes and the mansions built among the trees on the northern head. The water in the estuary lay calm beside the path, here and there making small white beaches. The sailors who slept there in their seagoing vessels in times gone by used to say that the calm waters in the estuary made it feel like they slept in a featherbed. It became known as Featherbed Bay. When we reached the Milkwood restaurant a wonderful buffet-style meal of traditional South African fare was waiting for us. We could sit down in a beautiful setting under indigenous Milkwood trees at a beautiful indigenous Yellowwood tabletop and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Walking through the various areas of the large newly rebuilt restaurant I was impressed by its understated style and how such a large structure melts into the hillside in such an environmentally sensitive way. On the way back to the dock at the Cruise Cafe, I reflected that this tour should e a must on any visitors itinerary whether local or international. Don't miss this.
2. Knysna Elephant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,837 reviews
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Reviewed By carriannb2018
One for the bucket list, offers a intimate experience with these gentle giants where you can personally feed them and walk around with them and your personal guide. Will be back.
3. Knysna Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 647 reviews
Reviewed By brinylobster - Auchterarder, United Kingdom
We’ve come to Knysna a few times now and love the lagoon. We have stayed at Leisure Isle, up high overlooking the lagoon, the Waterfront and Laguna Grove. Watching the tides come and go as well as the associated wildlife, boats coming and going etc is a delight and a great way to relax. The Heads are spectacular, visit the viewpoints up high to get great views as well as the rocky bits at the lagoon entrance. Eat at one of the many restaurants at Knysna or Thesen which overlook the lagoon for sunset views too.
4. Wild Oats Community Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Wild Oats is a local farmers and food market open every Saturday morning until 12 noon. We are located on the western outskirts of Sedgefield at the turnoff to Sedgefield Island. An award winning Garden Route landmark we are not to be confused with the Scarab Craft Market to the far east of Engen Petrol Station or the Mosaic Flea Market across the road from Wild Oats. As a food market, our open times are limited due to the short shelf-life of many of our LOCALLY PRODUCED products which include: Free-range chicken, beef, pork and lamb, free-range eggs, multiple cheese, dairy and baked products including fresh gouda, cheddar, blue-cheeses... milk, fresh fish, fruits, free-range & organic vegetables in season, many traditional and exotic bottled goods, organic olives, berries, rusks, koeksisters, biltong & wors, famous artisan breads, award-winning cheesecakes and goats cheeses... and on and on and on. Also a fabulous range of hot-off-the-grill breakfasts, coffees, teas and fresh-squeeze juices and smoothies. FOOD HEAVEN! Come face-to-face with our local food producers every Saturday morning, come rain or shine.
Reviewed By DexperienceReview - Singapore, Singapore
We Love Otis Oat Milk! Otis Oat Milk Made With New Zealand Oats Pairs Perfectly With Coffee Or Granola Vegan Friendly! Save Our Earth With Sustainability. Let's Do Our Part. Dex Ng Mong Meiyan Dexperience
5. Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,245 reviews
Reviewed By katied953 - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom
Incredible scenery, so much to do around here, walking, kayaking, bungee jump, waterfalls. Keep an eye out for all the wildlife as well!
6. Knysna Heads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,546 reviews
Reviewed By Geert_De_Belie - Merchtem, Belgium
Best view at Coney rd view point if you have a car. Fantastic view on the Heads and the ocean breaking on the rocks. Two small beaches and shell collection.
7. Buffalo Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 478 reviews
Buffalo Bay is a family beach with safe swimming and great surfing conditions. It is also ideal for walking (all the way to Brenton on Sea) and fishing.
Reviewed By 51PJR - Bognor Regis, United Kingdom
Fantastic beach and great fun in the sea jumping the waves. Has a nice inexpensive cafe on the beach for food.
8. Brenton on Sea
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 568 reviews
Brenton-on-Sea is great for walking and sunbathing and is popular with paragliders. A big rock formation, castle Rock, is a favourite fishing spot for locals. Swimming is dangerous because of rip currents.
Reviewed By HappycampersCT1 - Cape Town Central, South Africa
Spent one night at the Brenton on Sea self catering cottages with my family on our way back from Port Elizabeth. Situated in a secluded area just as you exit knysna coming from Port Elizabeth. Probably one of the best decisions we could have made as a family. The cottage was clean,neat and tidy. Very spacious. Had all the amenities required like a very clean fridge. stove and microwave together with utensils and crockery you can expect from a self catering facility. The view overlooking the ocean was absolutely breathtaking.A restaurant about 300m away served a variety of foods on their menu which was both good value for money and tasty. I would certainly go back for a longer stay and would recommend these cottages to anyone who is looking for peace and tranquility away from the mad rush of city life.
9. Prince Alfred Pass
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Built by Thomas Bain in the 1860s, the Prince Alfred Pass (R339) is a dirt/gravel mountain pass between Knysna/Plettenberg Bay and Avontuur/Uniondale. It is a scenic route with spectacular views and interesting flora. Please note that this is not a shortcut from the Langkloof to Knysna/Plettenberg Bay. Having been built about 150 years ago, parts of this historic pass is very winding and narrow. In some areas, the surface of the road is eroded and there are potholes along the way.
Reviewed By MountainPassJimny
What a beautiful experience!! Don't be in a hurry when driving the Prince Alfred Pass. Close your eyes to hear voices, axes, trees falling, 'big foot' as told in Dalene Matthee's books, "Circles in the forest", and "Fiela's child"......... There were a few bumpy spots, though nothing to the extent that I thought my little Jimny wouldn't be able to handle it. The local people seem to speed quite a bit. Keep far left, go slow & enjoy the view.
10. Garden of Eden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 288 reviews
The walk follows over 1km of wooden board walks and bridges across streams and is entirely wheelchair friendly and ideal for the elderly wanting to visit the forest. There is a number of wooden benches and tables along the trail to sit, snack, picnic or enjoy your 'padkos'. Water and ablution facilities.
Reviewed By Paradise42104224728
There is something magical about walking through an indigenous forest that is still like it was before humans arrived! It is an added bonus that wooden walkways are provided, and that the distance is short enough for anybody to be able to complete it (including the idea of a shorter or longer option). A beautiful stop to stretch the legs a bit while travelling!
