Knysna Holidays

The first thing you need to do in Knysna is slow down, which might be tough when you learn everything there is to do. Even by Garden Route standards, this beautiful lagoon town has a laidback attitude, so you might want to stay an extra day rather than get caught rushing around. Enjoy amazing views of the Indian Ocean and the South African shore from the Knysna Heads.

Wander among the restaurants and shopping boutiques of the vibrant lagoon, grab dinner under the sun as yachts sail by, or book a cruise for yourself. Watch for herons and warblers as you paddle-board or water ski. Or cross the bridge to the scenic square of Thesen Island and sip a coffee as residents of the gated community kayak along its shores.

Knysna’s most striking natural feature is the natural gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon known as The Heads. The East Head is easy to access, but travelling the lesser-visited West Head through Featherbed Nature Reserve is an incredible day out.

Choose from a range of experiences starting from a 75-minute cruise into the Heads via Otter Cove, Island Rock, and the beachcomber sea caves to a four-hour tour which includes a ferry crossing and 4x4 drive through the sanctuary to the headland’s viewpoints with a specialist guide and al fresco lunch. At 150 hectares, there’s plenty to explore by boat or hiking trail. Whichever you choose, be sure to keep a lookout for blue duikers, some of Africa’s smallest antelopes.

Knysna is an amazing one-night destination, but it's also one of the best Garden Route spots to stay an extra night and explore the stunning attractions nearby. Drive just 20 minutes around the lagoon to the beautiful beaches at Brenton-on-Sea and the endangered residents of Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve, or push a little further to the coastline trails of Goukamma Nature Reserve.

Heading east, you’ll reach the tall trees of the Garden of Eden forest and the family fun of Adventure Land before arriving at Knysna Elephant Park, less than 15 miles from the heart of town. After walking alongside the orphaned elephants at this incredible sanctuary, you could continue to Plettenberg Bay's beaches and nature reserves or return to Knysna.

Low rainfall and year-round sun mean the best time to visit Knysna is all the time. Beachgoers will love December to March, when daylight temperatures push towards 30°C and the nights stay pleasant, while whale watchers will enjoy the cooler months between June and November.

Days are still warm during this winter period, but you might need a jacket if you wish to sit or walk outdoors in the evening. Spring, August to October, brings new colour to the natural landscapes surrounding Knysna, while birdwatchers will love seeing migratory species arrive during the Autumn months of February to April.