Things to do in Knysna

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Knysna Quays
Knysna
Knysna
Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
Knysna

Knysna Attractions

Want to know the most popular experiences and activities in Knysna? Enticing shopping, flavorsome local fare and plenty of interesting attractions are only the beginning. It's time to pack your suitcase and discover the gems of this bustling city.

Discover the sights of Knysna with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {54 fun activities in Knysna fun activities in Knysna}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and put your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

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Most popular activities in Knysna

Tours & day trips

See all 43 activities
Trunk Feathers and Fur Day Tour

Trunk Feathers and Fur Day Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is $253 per adult*
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Water activities

See all 16 activities
Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

Knysna: Close Encounter Whale Watching Tour by Boat

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $92 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with Light Dinner and Wine

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is $102 per adult
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What to do in Knysna

Free Things to Do in Knysna

They say the best things in life are free. Be sure to explore the following around Knysna:

Brenton Beach - Make this place your first port of call for a little fun during your vacation.

Knysna Quays - Spend a while in this bustling destination and imagine what life would be like as a local resident.

Knysna Lagoon - Spend some time near the water to rest and recharge your batteries.

Bollard Bay - Skim rocks across the water, catch a sunset or simply relish the views from the shore.

Fisherman's Path Sparrebosch Trail - Get away from the city and get in touch with nature at this awe-inspiring spot.

Pledge Nature Reserve - Work on your green thumb and enjoy admiring the diverse range of plants on display.

Things to Do in Knysna with Kids

Knysna has loads of nearby fun things to do for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep the crew entertained for hours.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Knysna? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Knysna

Knysna Quays

Knysna Quays

4.5/5(16 reviews)

Shop for hours in sleek malls, dine with spectacular views and take a boat charter out onto a lagoon from one of the most scenic harbors on the Garden Route.

Knysna Quays
Knysna

Buffalo Bay Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Buffalo Bay Beach during your trip to Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Buffalo Bay Beach
Knysna featuring mountains, landscape views and general coastal views

Knysna Lagoon

5/5(9 reviews)

Sheltered from the rough sea swells by two rugged headlands, this brilliantly blue lagoon is a boating and watersports hotspot.

Knysna Lagoon
Knysna showing rugged coastline, landscape views and mist or fog

Eastern Head View Point

5/5(4 reviews)

Enjoy spectacular views over the brilliantly blue Knysna Lagoon and the sheltering sandstone bluffs, and watch waves crash into the rocks at this cliff-top lookout.

Eastern Head View Point
Great 9km beach walk to buffalo bay and back

Brenton Beach

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Brenton Beach during your travels in Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Brenton Beach
Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve

See some of the Western Cape’s wonderful wildlife in a coastal nature reserve that combines the flora and fauna of both the ocean and the land.

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
Outeniqua Transport Museum which includes heritage elements and interior views

Outeniqua Transport Museum

Have fun with all the family browsing this museum’s impressive array of historic steam trains and vintage cars, along with photographs and other artifacts.

Outeniqua Transport Museum

Knysna Waterfront

4.5/5(25 reviews)

You can do some window-shopping at Knysna Waterfront during your visit to Knysna. Visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Knysna Waterfront

Pezula Golf Club

4.5/5(3 reviews)

Enjoy a round of golf in Knysna at Pezula Golf Club. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Pezula Golf Club

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Knysna

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
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
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Thesen Island

While visiting Thesen Island, you might make a stop by sights like Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park.

Thesen Island
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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Knysna

Photo by Jenna

Sedgefield

Photo by Wendy Griffiths

Brenton-on-Sea

George

Buffalo Bay

Frequently asked questions

Is Knysna worth visiting?
Renowned for its culture and fishing, discovering fun things to do in Knysna is a breeze. Remember to add Eastern Head View Point to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Knysna?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Eastern Head View Point and Buffalo Bay Beach. Then, check out other parts of Knysna for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Knysna?
Eastern Head View Point is one of the top tourist attractions in Knysna and deserves a place on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Knysna?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Eastern Head View Point, Buffalo Bay Beach and Outeniqua Transport Museum with a three-day escape to Knysna. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Plettenberg Bay.
Is Knysna a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Knysna. Several sights, such as Drupkelders Hiking Trail and Knysna Quays, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander around some of Knysna's best neighborhoods, Paradise is 1 mile away from downtown, while Knysna Central is 0.3 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Knysna with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Knysna with kids.

What to do in Knysna for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor adventurer, there are many things to do in Knysna for adults.
Are there free things to do in Knysna?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Knysna is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Eastern Head View Point is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.