Knysna

Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route, nestles on the shores of a lagoon surrounded by indigenous forests, the Outeniqua mountains and rugged coastline. Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers offer visitors an unforgettable holiday - for everyone from the very adventurous to those who prefer to relax in the sun, stroll through cool forests or take scenic day drives. Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route.

The area is a Garden of Eden: home to elephants, the Knysna seahorse, the pansy shell, the brilliantly coloured Knysna loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, cultivated and wild coastal oysters, dolphins and whales.

Knysna is one of the most attractive towns in the country, and has an outstanding quality of life. It has many excellent restaurants and shops as well as numerous outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and swimming. Unlike many towns along the Southern Cape coast, it is a year-round town, and some of its most important festivals, such as the Knysna Oyster Festival, take place in the winter.

Some of the most frequent questions we receive concern the weather. Many people who are not familiar with Knysna assume that the weather is similar to that of Cape Town: very pleasant in the summer, but cold, rainy and windy in the winter. Knysna's weather is actually significantly milder in winter than Cape Town. In fact, Knysna has some of the smallest seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation in the country, and one of its better-kept secrets is its very pleasant winters. Mornings are typically cool and clear, with warm mid-day temperatures. Winds are typically light along the Garden Route, in contrast to the seasonally strong winds experienced further east and west.

CLIMATE:
Knysna has a temperate climate making it the ideal all-year holiday destination. Summer temperatures reach highs of 38° while winter temperatures average 14° in the daytime.

GENERAL SAFETY:
· While Knysna does boast a low crime rate, visitors are advised to take general safety precautions such as keeping valuables locked away, securing doors and not leaving bags and parcels lying on the seats of unlocked cars.
· Begging does occur but a polite refusal to entertain their request is normally a sufficient deterrent.
· Be extra alert if walking the streets alone at night as there will always be opportunists waiting to take advantage of the unsuspecting traveller.

MEDICAL FACILITIES :
A wide range of professional medical services are available, including:
· Medical practitioners and specialist services as well as a British Airways Traveller's Clinic (Tel +27 (0) 44 382 6366 or 382 6420)
· Two hospitals: the Knysna General Hospital (Tel +27 (0) 44 382 3123) and the Knysna Private Hospital (Tel +27 (0) 44 384 1083)
· A number of pharmacies which all display an emergency contact number for after hours services.

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS:
There are no specific health risks and one is only required to take general health precautions.

COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES:
Post Office (Tel: +27 (0) 44 382 1211): situated in the Main Road, offers postage, Poste Restante, world-wide speed serves, fax and telefax services. Open Mondays to Fridays 8h30 - 16h30 and Saturdays 8h30-13h00.
Internet facilities are readily available at Internet Cafés, tourist service centres and certain accommodation establishments.

FOREIGN CURRENCY:
Foreign currencies may be exchanged at any of the major banks in the main street. A commission is charged on each transaction. Banks operating hours generally are 09h00 - 15h30 Mondays - Fridays and O9h00-13h00 Saturdays. ABSA Bank (corner of Main & Grey Streets) has a specialised foreign exchange facility. Mon - Fri 08h30 - 18h00. Sat 08h00 - 13h00

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:
Emergencies: 10111 / Knysna Police: +27 (0) 44 302 6608/9
Ambulance: 10177 / Fire: +27 (0) 44 382 5123 / +27 (0) 44 302 6608/9

The Knysna Tourism Officers will gladly assist you with any of your queries. The office is open Mondays to Fridays 08h30 to 17h00 and on Saturdays 09h00 to 13h00

Back to top