Knysna – Garden Route

Situated as it is in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, Knysna has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations for locals.

As word spread about its charm and abundant attractions, it has seen an increasing number of visitors from around the globe.

This has led to an surge in Knysna tour packages, focusing on everything from the region’s natural attractions to local culture, cuisine, wildlife and sports.

Simply being in Knysna induces a sense of relaxation. Surrounded by a green wall of forest, the town’s centrepiece is the tranquil lagoon.

The town’s buildings evoke a simpler time, when friendly traders welcomed each new customer like an old friend. And, while Knysna has certainly modernised over time, it still oozes the sentimental charm of yesteryear.

Where everyone is on holiday

Here, you can enjoy coffee and pastries overlooking a working marina, before heading out to explore museums, galleries and artisanal crafts Knysna has to offer.

Visit the Knysna Heads, a notorious waterway that holds back the might of the Indian Ocean, and keep a lookout for wallowing whales below.

Enjoy sparkling wine and oysters on a serene lagoon boat cruise, before pottering around the quaint shops in search of a unique trinket.

Or, head for the surrounding beaches, hills and forest trails to reconnect with nature.

Neighbouring nature

Knysna holds a deep connection with the neighbouring ocean and the bounty it provides, celebrated at the annual Knysna Oyster Festival.

Fishing and sailing charters traverse the infamous Heads daily, as do permitted whale watching boats during the winter whale migration.

Likewise, the forest holds a special place in the community’s heart. A network of ancient hiking trails, some following the footsteps of elephants, awaits exploration on foot, mountain bike or horseback.

Nearby, nature-based attractions include the Knysna Elephant Park, zip-lining and canopy tours in the Knysna Forest.

Slightly further afield, the neighbouring towns of Wilderness, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay beckon, each with their own charm and plethora of activities.

Explore, eat, drink, sleep, repeat

And, once you’ve done your exploring, Knysna has a pleasing array of dining options to consider.

From casual market stalls selling organic fare to opulent fine-dining in lavish restaurants, Knysna caters to all tastes in every sense of the word.

Equally diverse are the accommodation options. From houseboats to homestays, from tents to castles, the only difficulty is in selecting just one place to stay.

Of course, you can always come back: Knysna has certainly stood the test of time.

The deep-trodden history of Knysna

Before the arrival of European settlers in the 18th century, the area was a dense forest surrounding a still lagoon.

Inhabited primarily by the Houtunqua people, they shared this earthly paradise with lumbering giants, living off the bounty of the forest and sea.

With the arrival of European settlers mandated to harvest the area’s natural resources, they set about taming the forest, creating a substantial timber industry.

Later arrivals discovered gold in 1878, leading to substantial population growth. As the forests were cut back, the local economy thrived, attracting commerce and later tourists.