Out & About

Knysna is about enjoying a spectacular environment and natural beauty in numerous ways. In particular, it's a haven for the outdoor enthusiast and adventurer. Knysna has also become a mecca for sporting events. These include cycle races, forest marathons, regattas, surfing competitions and tournaments of various descriptions:

Retail Therapy
Try the Knysna Quays Waterfront for a diverse shopping experience. Packed with restaurants, curios, clothing stores, craft vendors, Lagoon cruises and adventure trips.
Take a full day to explore the area.

Wildlife

Knysna is a melting pot of various indigenous species including the world-famous Knysna Loerie, the Knysna Elephants and the rare Knysna Lagoon Seahorse. Visit the official Tourism website to find out more about this natural heritage...

Knysna is a must for the nature-lover!

Festivals & Highlights

· The Forest festival (March/April)
Knysna was founded on timber and Knysna's Forest festival is a celebration of our past, of the saving of the forest, and of the future. A family fun time.

· Oyster Festival (early July)

Our clear, crisp winter days are ideal for a celebration of the good life. The Knysna Oyster Festival is an outdoor and leisure adventure. Sportsmen and gourmets, culture-hunters and party people gather for great all-round family entertainment. Central to the festival are the Knysna Forest Marathon and Knysna Cycle Races.

· Whale Watching (June - December)
The area is famous for the Souther Right Whale which comes to these coastal waters to prepare ofr its annual migration south. These majestic creatures can be seen playing just off shore and have bee known to come into the lagoon itself. Why not take a scenic flight to see these huge mammals from the air or take one of the boat trips from Plett Bay to get even closer to them in their natural habitat.

· Flower Season (mainly September) -
experience our indigenous fynbos.

· The Nederburg Knysna Arts Experience (September / October)
Knysna boasts more artists per square metre than in any other small town in South Africa. With the advent of spring in September, Knysna's artists open their doors to the world. They are joined by visiting South African and international artists and the town is alive with visual art exhibitions, readings, theatre, music and dance.

Activities
Abseiling: Abseil the Knysna Heads on the Featherbed Nature Reserve. The highest in the world. No experience necessary.

Black Water Tubing: Drift down a river on a "tube" and experience the thrill of riding a rapid and kloofing as you make your way through indigenous forest and deep gorges.

Boating and sailing: This is a great way for the family to spend a day in Knysna. There are various style boats for hire. Alternatively, enjoy a guided boat trip around the Lagoon.

Boat trips through The Heads: View the Knysna coastline from licensed ski-boats or leisurely skippered yachts. See Noetzie, Buffalo Bay or Brenton from out in the Indian Ocean.

Bridge Jumping: Experience the thrill of plummeting from a bridge and breaking into an exhilarating pendulum swing. This is made possible by strapping you into a harness secured to ropes which are attached to the opposite bridge, all you have to do is step off the platform.

Canoeing: Many waterways in the area are restricted to non-motorized craft, giving ample opportunity for peaceful paddling. There are a number of canoeing trips to choose from.

Creeking: Hiking, climbing, swimming, rope and harness work are all part of this adventure sport - suitable for reasonably fit outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing: Deep sea fishing trips are offered. All equipment and refreshments are provided.

Horse Riding: Knysna offers breathtaking trails. There are a number of riding schools in the area, each offering its own unique horse riding trail. Choose from forest, coastal, fynbos and mountain trails.

Scuba Diving: Qualified dive instructors offer courses ranging from discover scuba to divemasters. Guided dives to shipwrecks and reefs.

Snorkelling: Equipment is readily available for hire to explore the reefs and shipwrecks.

Skiing: Boats and skiing equipment are available for hire.

Sea Kayaking: Venture on to the ocean with a two-man kayak to get a close-up view of seals, dolphins and whales.

Woodcutter's Journey: Travel down the old Storms River Pass in the comfort of a specially designed carriage. Follow the elephant trail through the forest and along the river, whilst hearing the history of the area.

Where to dine

Beside the fine on-site restaurant at Penzula there are more than 60 restaurants, coffee shops, fast food outlets and pubs in Knysna which offer a wide range of eating options to suit every pocket, from hamburgers to haute cuisine, South African fare to international dishes prepared by expert chefs. Seafood restaurants abound and the famous Knysna oysters are available at most establishments.
JJ's restaurant is a favourite with the locals and tourists alike both for it's outstanding food, excellent wine list and regular evening entertainment. Book early to avoid dissapointment.

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