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 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

Pezula Nature Retreat
Pezula Nature Retreat
Lagoonview Drive, Sparrebosch, Eastern Head, Knysna, Western Cape
The price is $92 per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$92
per night
Oct 4 - Oct 5
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! (177 reviews)
"Love the property!! Had a great time with my family"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2023

Pezula Nature Retreat
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 $101 per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
$101
per night
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (270 reviews)
"We enjoyed communicating with the staff. The front desk manager Lee was very friendly and accommodating. Overall stay was awesome"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2023

Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
Turbine Hotel and Spa
Turbine Hotel and Spa
5 out of 5
TH 36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Islands, Knysna, Western Cape
The price is $107 per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$107
per night
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Knysna. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a marina. Popular attractions Thesen Island and Knysna Waterfront are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (163 reviews)
"The staff were all good, but a special mention to the breakfast staff. They went above and beyond. Also the massage therapist Thembi and Stephanie."

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023

Turbine Hotel and Spa
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! (33 reviews)
Amazing Place to Stay
"Abalone Lodge was a fab place to stay. We stayed in a double story log cabin wish was amazing. Downstairs it had an open plan kitchen and lounge, shower room and a huge picture window. Upstairs it had a big bedroom with a super comfortable king size bed, a bathroom with a spa corner bath and a separate ..."

Reviewed on Jan 16, 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! (98 reviews)
"The villa unit was very comfortable and had lovely sea views from the main room and balcony. The housekeeping was good, just need more attention to detail when replenishing tea sachets for the next morning. Reception was initially not overly welcoming, but thereafter a gent named Nkosi was excellent ..."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2023

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! (58 reviews)
Knysna hideaway
"Lovely resort right on the lagoon. Accommodation had everything we needed - and more! Only wish we had more time here… one night is not enough"

Reviewed on Nov 26, 2022

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

Reviews of Knysna

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 59.09090909090909%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 36.36363636363637%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 4.545454545454546%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 2, 2020

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
Mar 31, 2019

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
Feb 12, 2019

So beautiful and environmentally conscious

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