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Nature’s Playfound!
On the banks of an enormous estuary, alongside South Africa’s most famous indigenous forests, lies Knysna, a town of supreme beauty. Surrounded by a natural playground, it has become the hub for adventure sport.
It's all about enjoying a host of activities in a spectacular enviroment of natural beauty, from hiking, canoeing, sailing, surfing, bowls and golf to adrenalin-thumping extreme sport such as kitesurfing, mountain and quad biking or abseiling from the Heads.
The word "Knysna" originated from the Khoi language, but the exact meaning is open to debate. The most popular theorries are "placeof the dark green ferns" or " steep place" which could refer to the Heads. Very little known about the people who inhabitat the Knysna area before 1760 when the first European explorers passed through.
The area was part of Outeniqualand (as the Garden Route was then known) that lay to the east of the area that is now George. "The Knysna" referred to the river which opens into the large tidal estuary before exchanging its waters with the sea through the narrow gap between two rocky promotories known as "The Heads".
The Deep gorges and high mountains that are today so easy to cross were then almost impoassable for European travelers. In accounts of its earliest history there is no reference to Knysna.
Visitors are encouraged to participate in the cultural tours that anable guests to gain a unique insight into both our African and European history. George Rex the founder of Knysna, surely represents the biggest mystery of all. Some Claim that he was and illegitimate son of George lll of England. Others say that he was well connected to the ruling British authorities. The fact is that he was responsible for opening Knysna to the rest of the world by encouraging the creation of a port and habour through the Heads.
Today Knysna is South africa's favourate holiday town - testamony to the unique friendliness of the towns folk. This area has always enthralled those who have unique talents and abilities. The community of Kynasna is an usual mix of people, many of whom have escapedthe harsher life of cities and found sanctuary here - from aspiring young couples with children to interprising artist and crafters.
The Kysn Estuary, Known as theKnysna National Lake Area, is managed and protected by SANParks and is a biologically rich and fascinating body of water, with salt marshes and deep-water channels. Deep sea fishing trips are a must for the sports angler and the area boasts excellent estuarine, rock and surf angling. Salt water fly fishing is popular in the Knysna Estuary and at the Goukamma Lagoon and Buffalo Bay. The Bass fishing at Swartvlei is considered to be amongst the best in South Africa.
Cyclists have long acknowledged that Knysna offers some of the best off-road riding in the country, and the anual Knysna Oyster Festival Cycle Tour has become South Africa biggest mountain biking event. A number of routes and trails - which vary from light-and-easy to strenous and technically demanding - have been laid out.
Knysna also plays host to the Cape Epic - a unique 700km ride from the Knysna Waterfront, through some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa, to Cape Town. Equally exhilarating is the Karoo to Coast cycle ride, a torturous ride from Uniondale to Knysna that annualy welcomes over 1000 enthusiants to the area.
Charter companies in thye area offer scenic flights in motorised gliders, hang gliders, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
The Knysna Estuary, known as the Knysna National Lake Area, is managed an protected by SANParks and is biologically rich and fascinating body of water, with salt marshes and deep-water channels.
Deep sea fishing trips are a must for the sports angler and thearea boasts excellent estuarine, rock and surf angling. Salt water fly fishing is popular in the Knysna Estuary and at the Goukamma Lagoon at Buffalo Bay. The Bass fishing at Swartvlei is considered to be amongst the best in South Africa.
Cyclists have long acknowladged that Knysna offers some of the very best off-road riding in the country, and the anual Oyster Festival Cycle Tour has become South Africa 's biggest mountain biking event. A number of routes and trails - which vary from light-and-easy to strenous and technically demaning -have been laid out.
Knysna also plays host to the Cape Epic - a unique 700km ride from the Knysna Waterfront, through some of the most magnificent passes in South Africa to the Cape Town. Equally exhilarating is the kaaroo to Coastcycle ride, a torturous ride from Uniondale to Knysna that annualy welcomes over 1000 enthusiasts to the area.
Charter companies in the area offer scenic flights in motorised gliders, hang gliders, fixid wing aircraft and helicopters.
The area is a popular paragliding destination and if you're a begginner, profenssional pilot training is available. Our local golf courses are both popular and challenging. The Knysna Golf Club is built on the every edge of the Estuary, while the pezula Championship Course on the cliff tops of the eastern Head, is probably one of the most scenic in the world.
Knysna has spectacular beaches at brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay, Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle and at Noetzie. The warm currents of the Indian Ocean make for pleasant sea temperatures in the summer months. Between Brenton and Buffalo Bay beaches lie three kilometres of uninterrupted white sand in a heart-shaped bay which offers safe bathing with lifeguards in season.
Families with young children and those who are less energetic enjoy the estuarine, wave-free beach at Bollard Bay on leisure Island Knysna forests are still one of the town's best kept secrets. Sublimely beautiful, the forests are today largely under the control of conservation authorities. Picnic sites and braai areas (the only places in which fires are permitted), swimming holes and river expenditions, walk and trails, mountain bike routes and scenic drivea - these are just some of the forests' many experiences. Visitors are free to explore them on their own or with trained and experienced guides. The indegenous forests, fynbos lakes, rivers and mountains, combined with a moderate climate, make Knysna a natural garden of Eden for flora and fauna lovers alike. The Tree Fern, Cyathea Capensis is a protected species and grow in groups along the banks of forest streams and under the conopy of moist forests.
Fynbos (fine bush) is an evergreen heath-shrubland contributing a staggering 8000 species to the Fynbos flora kingdom. Visitors can explore the fynbos of the Knysna area - alone or with a guide on foot, on horseback, on a mountain bike or by car. And whilst you'll find something in blossom at any time of year, the best flowering occurs during winter and spring - between July and November.
The town of Knysna embarked on an ambitious greening project some 10 years ago to create a green lung in the centre of town. Pledge Nature Reserve is situated in the central Business District and just 100 metres off Main Road, with many of its plants marked for easy identification. Art, culture and history: Knysna is known as the art capital of the region with matchless creativity displayed by its artists. Numerious galleries highlight this talent in its many diverse expressions. A choice of rambles and craft 4routes allow visitors to truly experience this of the town. An astonishing mix of cultures exist and various fascinating community experiences showcase these. Go and meet the people feast on local food, hear the stories and share their skills. A Sangoma [traditional doctor] consults on appointment and community tours of the Judah Square Rastafarian Community, the largest of its kind in Souht Africa, are available. Various centre offer tours and products for sale which have been produced by community self-empowered projects. A visit to the Knysna Museum, Millwood Goldfields and Bendigo Mine offer a glimpse of by-gone days and the history of the town and its surrounds. Show more
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Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely situated on the tip of The Point in Knysna. Surrounded on 3 sides by the Knysna Lagoon with magnificent views from all the rooms. Only 2.5 km from central Knysna with easy access to all the restaurants and local...
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The Russel Hotel is a 18-roomed, 3-star hotel situated centrally in the town of Knysna. Our hotel is suitable for both the business- and leisure traveller.
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Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering
4 star – TGCSA rated
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With 11 little wooden chalets, set in a flourishing, lush green garden, decorated with ethnic African arts and crafts from different parts of the continent, Inyathi gives the idea of a romantic African village, right in the heart of Knysna! The...
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Combining luxurious comfort with stunning surroundings, Overmeer boasts spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon and is just minutes from Knysna town centre and waterfront. Knysna is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Overmeer's friendly staff is happy...
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Situated on the water's edge of the Knysna Lagoon, the multi-award-winning Knysna River Club is a private enclave of charming, luxury self-catering log chalets in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route coast.
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Breakfast and self catering holiday accommodation on the garden route coast.
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Unique accommodation on the garden route, minutes from Knynsna town centre, Bamboo Guesthouse offers a magical B&B experience in the tranquillity of a tropical garden.
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Beaming with Casual Luxury..FOREST VALLEY embraces the dramatic beauty of the coastline town of KNYSNA with , mountain and forest views. In respect of the area's profound and humbling splendour, this casual luxury cottage has interior earth tones,...
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Lazy Island on Thesen Islands, is comprised of three units, all of which sleep two and have fully equipped kitchen facilities, HD TV with DSTV, 100% cotton linen, towels & underfloor heating in the bathrooms. Thesen is an award winning lifestyle...
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Only 12 km from Knysna and Buffalo Bay. Set against the Outeniqua Mountains and overlooking the Knysna forests, each luxury self catering cottage has a magnificent view. Very private and safe and surrounded by nature. There are three fully equipped...
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Situated in the heart of the Garden Route; home to Pezula and Simola Golf Estates. 5 Star graded Villa Afrikana is perched high above the town of Knysna, on a hill fittingly called "Paradise" overlooking the Knysna Heads and lagoon. Villa...
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South Villa has 3 en-suite rooms, decorated in the theme of understated elegance and all feature a private balcony overlooking the Knysna lagoon and Knysna Heads.
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Set on the waters edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon you will find the Knysna belle
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Fully equipped wooden log Chalets on the Knysna Lagoon. 2 and 3 bedroom units all with en-suite bathrooms. Access to water activities. Six kilometres from Knysna central.
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Belvidere Manor Hotel - Knysna's most relaxing destination, overlooks Knysna's lagoon and offers accommodation in 28 cottages situated in colourful gardens. Take a lazy breakfast on the terrace, and dine at Caroline's bistro or The Bell Tavern. ...
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The Lofts Boutique Hotel at the water's edge, situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna. The Lofts Boutique Hotel hosts amazing luxury loft rooms, luxury lagoon suites and luxury two-bedroom suites on the first and second floors is housed within an old...
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Enjoy peace and tranquillity at AestAs - whether enjoying beautiful lagoon views or simply relaxing and reading a book by the pool side. AestAs means summer, the feeling you get when you visit South Africa.
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Your Hosts Cecil & Edith Allers welcome you to Lavender Hill Guest House. We are conveniently situated close to the famous Knysna Heads and Leisure Isle for safe swimming and lovely beaches. Our house overlooks the Knysna Golf course and...
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The Knysna Country House is situated in the wooded suburb of Hunters Home, only minutes away from 2 Golf Courses in Knysna, on the Garden Route. The sunny balcony overlooking the large swimming pool is the ideal place to enjoy a good breakfast.
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CAPTAIN OF YOUR OWN HOLIDAY LIVE THE DREAM ... aboard our fully equipped, self-drive houseboats. We'll show you how to pilot your craft. catered or self-catered, you'll be free to explore the Knysna Lagoon.
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Badger's Lodge is a guesthouse in Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route in South Africa.
Knysna, a charming village, lies on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indic Ocean and surrounded by one of the largest...
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Views, Views and more Views!!!
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Yellowwood Lodge is a charming family run Victorian guest house , within walking distance of the Town . Set in pretty landscaped gardens . All the rooms are en suite and most comfortable decorated . A delicious Continental and English breakfast is...
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Well priced private Bed and Breakfast, offering clean & comfortable en-suite accommodation. Friendly service, great breakfast, secure parking on site, lush garden setting and conveniently located to central Knysna, scenic spots and many...
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4 garden suites offer luxury, with elegant furnishings, air-conditioning, complimentary minibar and much more.
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Paradise House Knysna offers Top Quality Accommodation with B&B or Self Catering options.
All rooms have spectacular Views of Knysna and Knysna Heads. Relax on your private balcony or patio and watch the moon rise over our beautiful Knysna...
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Pumula Lodge is an African name for "rest". Enjoy a tree-top breakfast amongst the birds with decks overlooking the garden and swimming pool.
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EMZINI TOWNSHIP TOUR in Knysna offers everyone a very personal, safe, informative, fun and interactive tour. This tour gives back to the community in 5 special projects. Come and exprience the true South African lifestyle!
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Paradise Found offers comfortable 3 Star B&B or Self-catering accommodation with a heavenly view of Knysna Lagoon. All units are private with own entrance and off street parking. Photographer's paradise. Ideal for Honeymoon.
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A FLAT which sleeps two comprises a double bedroom (all linen supplied) with TV and radio, kitchen-cum-dining room (microwave, hot plate, toaster, kettle) shower and toilet, and a covered patio with a portable braai (barbecue).
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