10 Unique & Fun Things to Do in Knysna, South Africa
Some places in South Africa leave you feeling flabbergasted, “shooketh“, and in awe.
For me, that’s Knysna.
Tucked away along the Garden Route, the small seaside town oozes luxury, adventure, fine dining, and out-of-this-world wildlife encounters.
But with so much to see along the Western Cape coastline, most travellers find themselves on the fence about whether or not to add Knysna to their Garden Route itinerary.
Here’s what I think: If you’re looking for a destination that has something for every kind of traveller, Knysna is where you need to be whether you’re in the mood for art gallery sojourns, shipwreck dives, or lazy beach days with non-stop G&Ts.
Here are some of the best things to do in Knysna and why it deserves “must-see” status on your South Africa bucket list.
Psst…Want more Garden Route, South Africa travel tips? Check out these other posts:
- 10+ Incredible Things to Do in Plettenberg Bay [WARNING: High FOMO Levels]
- Hiking Robberg Nature Reserve: Everything You Need to Know
- An Epic One Week Garden Route Itinerary (Detailed)
- 10+ Spectacular Road Trips in South Africa You Can’t Miss!
- Staying at Nima Lodge in Wilderness, South Africa
- Amanzi Lodge Review: A Luxurious Knysna Escape
Table of Contents
The Best Things to Do in Knysna, South Africa
Knysna is a smorgasbord of attractions.
Feel like hiking through a lush forest? Want to cruise past a pod of whales? In the mood for delicious farm-to-table food?
Knysna has it all and then some.
Explore The Famous Knysna Heads
When it comes to photogenic attractions, Knysna has plenty.
The star of the show? Without a doubt, the majestic Knysna Heads.
These two sandstone cliffs guard the coastal town and serve up incredible views of the ocean and spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
If you’re short on time, make your way to The East Head. It’s the easiest to access (there’s secure parking) and boasts a cliff-side path that winds around to various viewpoints.
For something more adventurous, make your way to The West Head. With no roads, you’ll need to take a ferry trip over the Knysna Lagoon or rent a 4×4 and drive up via Featherbed Nature Reserve and then hike 2 kilometres until you reach the headland.
When you’ve had your fill of the views, go down to East Head Cafe. You’re smack bang in the middle of the lagoon, the sandstone cliffs, and the Milkwood forest.
Plus, the restaurant doesn’t only rely on its good looks. Its menu is a scene stealer with plenty of seafood and vegetarian/vegan options.
My favourite? The quinoa summer bowl with a mojito chaser.
Sign Up for a Whale Watching Tour
Another one of the best things to do in Knysna is to go whale watching.
From June to November, the southern right and humpback whales make their annual migration down South Africa’s east coast with their newborn calves.
I don’t know about you, but baby animals are one of the keys to my heart.
Watch the newborns breach, flap their tails and bob along the waves. It’s the cutest thing EVER and worth every single penny.
Not travelling to Knysna over the migration months? No problem, my friend.
The dolphins hang around all year round, and you might see Bryde’s whales too!
Read More: Whale Trail Hike in South Africa: Everything You Need to Know
Go on a Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Looking for romantic things to do in Knysna? Book a Knysna lagoon cruise for two at sunset.
As one of the best water destinations in South Africa, you can expect nothing short of sparkling blue water, jaw-dropping scenery, and possibly a dolphin or three.
There’s only one problem…
…You have to choose a tour operator.
My suggestion? Magic Lagoon Charters.
You can book a 100-year-old Thames Slipper Launch, a vintage mahogany speedboat or max out your credit card on the Olympic Flame Yacht.
Whatever option you choose, the boat trip comes with oysters or a light lunch and champagne to celebrate the end of the day.
Spend a Day Beach Hopping
As a Taurus, I am all about the big three essentials in life:
- Eating delicious food
- Sleeping
- Soaking up vitamin D on the beach
Fortunately, Knysna has those in buckets, spades, and droves.
You could easily spend your entire Garden Route itinerary beach-hopping and call it a day.
But if you need some help whittling down your choices, here are some of the best stretches of sand to get in your daily dose of sun worshipping:
Buffels / Buffalo Bay Beach
Okay, I’ll admit it.
Buffels Bay isn’t technically in Knysna, but it’s close enough.
The white-sand beach is located in Goukamma Nature Reserve (25km away) and is the perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and even a cheeky hike.
Inside the reserve is the Buffalo Bay Trail. It’s an easy 4km meander with fantastic views of the ocean, rolling hills and fynbos.
Tip: The beach fills up fast when visiting Knysna in the summer (December to February). Get here early to grab a prime piece of white sand real estate.
Brenton Beach
Continue your beach-hopping adventure in Knysna with a pitstop at Brenton-on-Sea. Only a short 15-minute drive from town, the seaside village is a haven for nature lovers.
I’m talking about secret beaches, whale watching and endangered butterflies.
Brenton Beach boasts blue flag status and is one of the most beautiful pristine beaches along the Garden Route. The stunning 5km strip of golden sand and azure waters is a firm sunset spot favourite.
If you have the time, come to Brenton-on-Sea in the morning and hike Fisherman’s Walk. It’s a gorgeous hiking trail with vantage spots that are perfect for spotting dolphins, and if you’re up for a challenge, you can tackle the 255 stairs down to the beach.
Bollard Bay Beach
Circling back to Knysna, Bollard Beach Beach is a go-to spot for families.
Set on Leisure Island, the beach is around the Knysna Lagoon, meaning you can swap the riptides and waves for swallow waters and gentle currents.
Bollard Bay Beach runs the island’s entire length, giving you uninterrupted views of the Knysna Heads.
What more could you want?
Sparrebosch Beach
For something more adventurous, head down to Sparrebosch Beach. Starting at Pezula Golf Estate, you’ll need to strap on your hiking boots to reach the secluded cove.
It’s a 5km round trip with a waterfall, streams, and mind-boggling scenery.
You will need to scramble down to reach the beach, so if you’re not that fit or have kids/elderly folk with you, give it a skip.
On the plus side, you won’t have to fight for a spot on Sparrebosch, and you can soak up the natural beauty with hardly any other humans in sight.
Noetzie Beach
Only a 10-15 minute drive from town, Noetzie Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa.
Set against the forest backdrop of Sinclair Nature Reserve and six castles hidden along the coastline, the cove is a unique place to visit in Knysna and spend a few hours catching a tan.
…Why are there castles in Knysna, and can you visit them?
Unfortunately, you can’t live out your full Disney princess fantasy. The Noetzie Castles are holiday homes, but you can still admire the buildings and bask in romance while strolling along the beach.
Read More: 15+ Best Beaches in South Africa You Need to See Before You Die
Go on a Hike
If you’re new here, hi.
My name is Lauren, and I’m a wee bit obsessed with my hiking boots and climbing to the top of mountains.
So it’s not surprising that one of my favourite things to do in Knysna is to go on a hike.
If you’re like me, here are some of the best Knysna hiking trails to add to your itinerary:
The Circles In The Forest Trail
Located inside the lush Goldfield Forest, The Circles in the Forest trail is an 8.5 km loop with a waterfall, swimming hole and small wooden bridges. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife in the indigenous forest and the frog-filled streams.
While the trail is well-marked, you’ll need proper hiking shoes. The forest floor has moist, slippery terrain with steep sections.
Not up for the full loop? There is a shorter 3.1 km loop that’s much easier.
Jubilee Creek
Jubilee Creek in Garden Route National Park is perfect for hikers looking for a quick yet moderately challenging route. The 3.6km trail takes 45-minutes to complete, and it pulls out all the stops.
You’ve got a waterfall, a picturesque braai spot, and a swimming spot.
Goukamma Nature Reserve
Goukamma is home to some of the most beautiful beaches near Knysna and 8 hiking trails.
So strap on your boots and choose your adventure.
The most popular route is the Buffalo Bay Trail, but if you want something longer, try the Galjoen Trail.
It has absolutely everything – beach, dunes, forest, flowers, mountain, and lake views. You might even spot dolphins playing in the waves!
Kranshoek Trail
Closer to Plettenberg Bay than Knysna, the Kranshoek Trail is worth the 25-minute detour.
…But be warned.
It’s a tough hike.
You’ll need to climb over rocks and have a map downloaded on your phone, as the trail isn’t well-signed. Plus, the terrain is steep!
Fortunately, the beautiful scenery makes up for the stiffness you’ll feel in your legs the next day.
Garden of Eden Short Walk
If you’re travelling with your parents, kids, or people who aren’t that into hiking, Garden of Eden will make everyone happy.
There are no steep inclines, loose rocks, or multiple kilometres to conquer.
Follow a 1km or 500m loop of wooden boardwalks through the indigenous forest and make your way to one of the picnic spots.
Without breaking a sweat, you’ll experience one of Knysna’s top attractions (its ancient forests).
See The Endangered Cape Seahorse
Want to see seahorses…in the wild…for FREE?
Then head to The Turbine Water Club and take part in one of the coolest things to do in Knysna.
Held from the jetties on Thesen Island during low tide, you’ll learn about the critical situation of the endangered cape seahorse and how to prevent the destruction of their habitat.
Sound like your perfect afternoon? Email the water club at waterclub@turbinehotel.co.za to make your booking and discover why it’s the best thing to do in Knysna for free.
Dive to a Shipwreck
Although I can’t dive anymore (bad ear / can’t equalize), I miss exploring the ocean in such an immersive way.
…Especially shipwrecks!
It always reminds me of that opening of The Little Mermaid scene when Ariel and Flounder discover the fork (I mean dinglehopper) and then get chased by the shark.
Shipwrecks seem so magical, mysterious, and alluring. While I can’t dive into their depths anymore, you can on my behalf.
The Paquita is a German ship that crashed into the Knysna Heads on its way to Barbados in 1903 (seems like a weird route, but okay). Today, the shipwreck lies at the bottom of the lagoon and is home to seahorses, nudibranchs, blacktails and other aquatic creatures.
Just don’t attempt the dive on your own. The current here is lethal, and it’s best to book these more adventurous activities in Knysna with a licenced tour operator.
P.S. If you’re looking for more water activities to do in Knysna, you can rent SUP boards and kayaks from the Turbine Water Club or Ocean Odyssey.
Day Trips From Knysna
The thing about travelling to the Garden Route is that you can’t stay in only one town. It’s impossible. An unwritten rule.
If you break it, you’re committing a cardinal sin.
Seriously, there’s so much to see along the East Coast of the Western Cape – don’t limit yourself. With driving times that range from 20-minutes to 2-hours, it’s one of the best road trip destinations in South Africa.
Here are my top Knysna day trip recommendations:
- Wilderness: Visit Eden Adventures and go on a kayaking/hiking adventure along the Kingfisher Trail that ends with a waterfall.
- Plettenberg Bay: Experience one of the best day hikes in South Africa at Robberg Nature Reserve. Stay for a braai afterwards and witness an incredible sunset.
- Nature’s Valley: Visit the ethical wildlife sanctuaries, Monkeyland and Birds of Eden.
- Tsitsikamma: Hike the first 6km of the Otter Trail, walk along the suspension bridges and test your wits by bungee jumping off Bloukraans – the highest commercial bungee in the world.
Where to Stay in Knysna
Knysna has some of my favourite places to stay in South Africa.
Want to stay in a treehouse and forget civilization exists? Check.
Looking for a romantic cabin for two? You got it, dude.
In the mood for something central yet cosy? The search results are bursting.
Here are some of my favourite Knysna accommodation options to check out.
- Teniqua Treetops: A treehouse surrounded by the Knysna forest overlooking a gorge.
- Amanzi Island Lodge: A luxury escape on the Leisure Isle and only a few steps from the lagoon.
- The Turbine Hotel & Spa: A former power station turned 5-star boutique hotel on the iconic Thesen Island.
What to Eat in Knysna
One thing is for sure. If you’re a foodie travelling to Knysna, your tastebuds will be spoiled for choice.
- Il de Pain: Ile de Pain is a cafe-style restaurant on Thesen Island. With the Knysna Lagoon as your backdrop, you can munch on delicious freshly baked goods, flatbreads, burgers, and florentine eggs.
- Oysters and Tapas: In the mood for live music and seafood? Reserve a table at Oysters and Tapas. Feast on a wide selection of Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian and South African tapas-style dishes. Seriously, there is something for everyone here. Even the pickiest of eaters will find something to enjoy.
- Oak Leaf: Nestled amongst the oak trees, Oak Leaf is where you’ll find authentic home-style cooking, artisan coffee, and vegan-friendly items on the menu. The spacious outdoor patio area is a wonderful spot for brunch, and the gourmet deli might leave you broke, but it’ll be worth it.
How to Get to Knysna
The quickest way to get to Knysna is to fly into George Airport (GRJ). From there, you’ll need to hire a car and drive for 1 hour or arrange a transfer to your hotel.
If you’re coming from Cape Town, plan a mini road trip to the Garden Route. Break up the 6-hour drive with a stop in Swellendam or go through Montagu and Barrydale along the famous R62.
For Durban or Johannesburg peeps, you can fly into Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth. It’s a three-hour drive to Knysna, but the route will take you past Jeffery’s Bay, St Francis Bay, Stormsriver and Plettenberg Bay.
Not keen on hiring a car? Your final option is to take one of the long-distance buses. Intercape has a regular schedule running with multiple departure times that’ll drop you right in front of the Knysna Waterfront. While it’s an 8-hour drive, it’s the cheapest way to get to Knysna, with tickets starting at R660 per person.
NB: Intercape heavily promotes the Christian faith onboard its liners. Bring headphones and download a few Netflix episodes on your phone if that’s not something you want to listen to for an entire day.
The Best Time to Visit Knysna and the Garden Route
Knysna is a year-round destination with pros and cons to each season.
Want to catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration? Book your trip between June and October. While the weather is chilly, the calves breaching and twirling over their mothers are worth the extra layers. Plus, in the winter, you can attend the Knysna Oyster Festival!
For the best weather, go in the summer (December to March). Temperatures are high and perfect for lazy days on the beach. There’s only one small snag, it’s expensive, and the hordes of holiday-makers are out in full force. Book your accommodation well in advance if you’re planning a trip over these months because the best places go fast, and Knysna isn’t a huge city.
April to May (autumn) is a shoulder season for Knysna. As the temperatures drop, you can scoop up incredible deals on accommodation and attend one of the biggest Pride events in South Africa – The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival.
Well, It’s Nice, Ya?
I hope you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in Knysna, South Africa! Did I miss out on any places to go in Knysna that are a must-see?
Hit ya gurl up in the comments below and let me know.
If you like it, then you better put a pin on it!
