Knysna

Travel Guide
Knysna
From forests, mountains and lagoons to art galleries and flea markets, Knysna is a must-see on South Africa’s Garden Route.

With indigenous forests, placid lakes and striking mountains, Knysna is a destination of natural beauty. Visit the town for everything from leisurely relaxation and high-energy sporting adventure to shopping and haute cuisine. Knysna is a popular stop on the scenic Garden Route.

Knysna’s town centre is compact, and museums and galleries, markets and fashion boutiques beckon with a welcoming charm. Admire the work of contemporary South African artists at Knysna Fine Art. Learn about the town’s gold mining history at the Millwood Museum. Shop for handicrafts and try artisanal food at weekly markets.

Go to the picturesque Knysna Waterfront to find cafés, restaurants and curio shops. This is a good place to sample Knysna’s famous oysters, served direct from a hatchery located in the town lagoon. In the evening, crowds gather on the open-air terraces to watch the sunset while sipping on a glass of wine or locally-brewed beer.

Stroll around Knysna Lagoon to two large sandstone headlands, which connect the town with the Indian Ocean. Explore a shipwreck and spot seahorses on a scuba diving excursion. Follow a trail to the summit of the eastern head for panoramic views of the town and coastline. Between June and November you’ll have the chance to see southern right whales. Ride the ferry across to the western headland, where you can join a guided walk or jeep tour of Featherbed Nature Reserve.

The nearby mountains and forests lend themselves to plenty more outdoor pursuits and adventure. Walk with African elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park. Spot over 90 species of birds while traversing the walking trails of Pledge Nature Reserve, or take a zip-line tour through the tree tops of Tsitsikamma National Park.

Knysna is situated 160 miles (260 kilometres) west of Port Elizabeth and 300 miles (480 kilometres) east of Cape Town. Bus companies operate a regular service between Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Knysna. Consider renting a car to explore other destinations on the Garden Route, such as the beach towns of Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay.

Where to stay in Knysna

Knysna Quays

Waterfront

Unique features of Waterfront include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Knysna Quays or Knysna Waterfront while you're exploring the area.

Waterfront
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Paradise

5/5(11 area reviews)

Paradise is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park.

Paradise
Knysna Quays

Knysna Central

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting Knysna Central, you might make a stop by sights like Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront.

Knysna Central
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Belvidere

Travellers like the restaurants in Belvidere, and Knysna Lagoon is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Belvidere
Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
3.5 out of 5
Waterfront Drive, Knysna, Western Cape
The price is S$141 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
S$141
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (282 reviews)
"Great location, very convenient"

Reviewed on 24 Feb,2024

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Pezula Nature Retreat
Pezula Nature Retreat
Lagoonview Drive, Sparrebosch, Eastern Head, Knysna, Western Cape
The price is S$214 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$214
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fisherman's Path Sparrebosch Trail and Knysna Golf Club ...
9/10 Wonderful! (180 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Return trip to this wonderful hotel great location large rooms lovely views great food and friendly staff Lee at reception goes the extra mile to make your stay exceptional"

Reviewed on 21 Jan,2024

Pezula Nature Retreat
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
4 out of 5
198 CR Swart Drive, Brenton on Sea, Knysna, Western Cape
The price is S$174 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$174
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Knysna. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Featherbed Nature Reserve ...
9/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
Georgeous beach hotel
"Great views of the bay from our spacious one bedroom suite. Restaurant was very good also with sea views. Pool is a bit small with limited towels and loungers."

Reviewed on 7 Feb,2024

Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Abalone Lodges
Abalone Lodges
3 out of 5
20 Heron's Way, Lower Old Place, Knysna, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Knysna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Thesen Island and Knysna Golf Club are located nearby. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"We stayed at Abalone Lodge for 2 nights in a log cabin. It exceeded our expectations and was a great experience. Excellent value & service."

Reviewed on 27 Sep,2023

Abalone Lodges
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
4 out of 5
198 CR Swart Drive, Brenton on Sea, Knysna, Western Cape
Stay at this 4-star beach aparthotel in Knysna. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Featherbed Nature Reserve ...
9/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
Georgeous beach hotel
"Great views of the bay from our spacious one bedroom suite. Restaurant was very good also with sea views. Pool is a bit small with limited towels and loungers."

Reviewed on 7 Feb,2024

Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Under Milkwood Resort
Under Milkwood Resort
3 out of 5
13 George Rex Drive, The Heads, Knysna, Western Cape
Stay at this 3-star beach chalet in Knysna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Eastern Head View Point and West Head View ...
9/10 Wonderful! (59 reviews)
Scenic spot
"Scenic spot on nice waterfront. Good swimming and canoeing available free. Some cabins on steep steps with views, others easier access with limited views. Can walk across the sands at low tide but car needed for visiting Knysna to do anything else. Small café nearby for breakfast, 2/3 miles to bars ..."

Reviewed on 6 Nov,2023

Under Milkwood Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Knysna

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
24
" "5 - Excellent 54.54545454545455%
4 - Good
18
" "4 - Good 40.90909090909091%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 4.545454545454546%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
12 Nov 2019

The elephant sanctuary is definitely worth a visit. Good selection of restaurants on the waterfront. Thesens island very pleasant

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Sep 2019

Lots to see and do leisure island was amazing to cycle road and our guest house provided them for free . Millionaire row houses gardens views just beautiful. Also mini bus to the waterfront to dine for a small charge . But food in hotel was very good

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
4 Aug 2019

Our hotel was in a nice estate however walking around Knysna didn't feel very safe, particularly along the water. We ate on Thesen Island which was delicious and headed to the Knysna Nature Reserve which was beautiful and had some challenging walks.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Jun 2019

Knysna is unique, it is beautiful, the locals are fantastic and it really is the gem of the Garden Route

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
2 Apr 2019

Knysna should be on list of every visitor to the South Africa. I wish they paid more to Native Africans.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Apr 2019

Knysna is beautiful and there is a lot to do from shopping to boating.