Knysna

Travel Guide

Knysna Quays
Knysna
Knysna
Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
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 center 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 kilometers) west of Port Elizabeth and 300 miles (480 kilometers) 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

Knysna Central

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Knysna Central, Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront are top sights worth seeing.

Knysna Central
Knysna Quays

Waterfront

4/5(1 area review)

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
Beautiful view from a beautiful guest house

Paradise

5/5(6 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
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Belvidere

Travelers 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
$64 nightly
The price is $73 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$73 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and room service. Popular attractions Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (321 reviews)
"We stayed for two nights in a room with a view over the harbour. The room felt a bit dated and the walls quite thin (so much so we got a call from reception asking us to turn our tv volume down as next door found it too loud - this was before 10pm). Reasonable breakfast options. We ate dinner at ..."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Pezula Nature Retreat
Pezula Nature Retreat
Lagoonview Drive, Sparrebosch, Eastern Head, Knysna, Western Cape
$142 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
$165 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Fisherman's Path Sparrebosch Trail and Knysna ...
9/10 Wonderful! (187 reviews)
"Tranquil spot to get away and unplug. It’s a really good place to go when you want to take a step back from a busy life and just relax and enjoy the finer things in life. The wonderful staff are ever ready to assist and the food is exceptional. Will be making a return trip"

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Pezula Nature Retreat
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
3 out of 5
16 Gray Street, Knysna, Western Cape
$57 nightly
The price is $67 total per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
$67 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (13 reviews)
Very Good
"Our stay was very good!"

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2025

Knysna Log-Inn Hotel
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.
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! (112 reviews)
"Very enjoyable"

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2025

Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Brenton On Sea Cottages
Brenton On Sea Cottages
3.5 out of 5
242 C.R. Swart Road, Knysna, Western Cape
Stay at this 3.5-star beach vacation home in Knysna. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Featherbed Nature Reserve ...
"Privacy and convenience"

Reviewed on Feb 18, 2024

Brenton On Sea Cottages
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 ...
The place to stay in Knysna 2i
"Cabin was absolutely outstanding rate on the water went swimming late in the sun sat on the deck wonderful wonderful location and spot check in with seamless, and the manager was super friendly and informative"

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

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
13
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Knysna is our dream place and we would love to have a house there , and we will be coming back every year around December

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We enjoyed exploring the islands and heads, took an oyster boat tour, ate out, and went to the Friday night farmer's market ...not to be missed if you like local happenings. Thebloem was a definite highlight of our time in Knysna.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

So beautiful and environmentally conscious

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