Lwanda's Guide to Knysna
Sightseeing
Wilderness is renowned for its vast stretches of beach, its peace and tranquillity and the absence of windswept headlands and wild, stormy seas. The long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level.
Wilderness not only overlooks the sea, but also the placid lagoon (Touw River Estuary), the Serpentine, which meanders between the Touw River, Island Lake and Rondevlei. This is a favourite venue for waterskiing and attracts enthusiasts from far and wide. Recreational activities in Wilderness include hiking, mountain-biking, bird- and whale-watching, hang- and paragliding, horseriding, scenic drives, day tours, angling, boating and other water sports.
86 locals recommend
Wilderness
Wilderness is renowned for its vast stretches of beach, its peace and tranquillity and the absence of windswept headlands and wild, stormy seas. The long stretch of beach embraces the mouths of the Touw and Kaaimans Rivers, and is backed by northward cliffs over which the fringe of the forest reaches down to sea level.
Wilderness not only overlooks the sea, but also the placid lagoon (Touw River Estuary), the Serpentine, which meanders between the Touw River, Island Lake and Rondevlei. This is a favourite venue for waterskiing and attracts enthusiasts from far and wide. Recreational activities in Wilderness include hiking, mountain-biking, bird- and whale-watching, hang- and paragliding, horseriding, scenic drives, day tours, angling, boating and other water sports.
Knysna is right in the middle of the Garden Route National Park, very much like the Lakes District in the UK. An endless network of rivers, lakes and estuaries are waiting to be explored. Grab a canoe, go kloofing or try water-skiing, stand up paddling or wakeboarding – Knysna is your water sports adventure wonderland. Stretches of unspoilt beaches along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean add even more to the range of adventures to be had. Snorkel along the coast or scuba dive at the notorious Knysna heads, head through the Heads on an exciting whale watching trip or enjoy world class surfing at Buffalo Bay.
But there’s still more to explore… enjoy a safari experience or animal adventure at one of the many sanctuaries nearby. Meet our elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park, marvel at some of the big cats at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary or Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, wonder at the beauty of birds at Birds of Eden and catch up with distant family members as you come face to face with friendly and curious primates at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.
105 locals recommend
Knysna
Knysna is right in the middle of the Garden Route National Park, very much like the Lakes District in the UK. An endless network of rivers, lakes and estuaries are waiting to be explored. Grab a canoe, go kloofing or try water-skiing, stand up paddling or wakeboarding – Knysna is your water sports adventure wonderland. Stretches of unspoilt beaches along the warm waters of the Indian Ocean add even more to the range of adventures to be had. Snorkel along the coast or scuba dive at the notorious Knysna heads, head through the Heads on an exciting whale watching trip or enjoy world class surfing at Buffalo Bay.
But there’s still more to explore… enjoy a safari experience or animal adventure at one of the many sanctuaries nearby. Meet our elephants at the Knysna Elephant Park, marvel at some of the big cats at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary or Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre, wonder at the beauty of birds at Birds of Eden and catch up with distant family members as you come face to face with friendly and curious primates at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.
Knysna Elephant Park
Meet the giants face to face.
Special sanctuary with well taken care of wild dogs and wolfs.
42 locals recommend
Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary
Special sanctuary with well taken care of wild dogs and wolfs.
Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
N2Home to all the big South African mammals.
Monkeyland and Birds of Eden
For the animal lovers.
City/town information
Mossel Bay is a harbour town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s known for the wide Santos Beach and the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, which offers bay views. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex includes the Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and botanical gardens
58 locals recommend
Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay is a harbour town on the Garden Route in South Africa’s Western Cape Province. It’s known for the wide Santos Beach and the 19th-century Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, which offers bay views. The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex includes the Maritime Museum, the Shell Museum and botanical gardens
Plettenberg Bay has a very rich marine life. Schools of playful dolphins can regularly be seen surfing the waves off the local beaches. Whale watching is a very popular attraction during the months July to December. There are boat-based tours available as well as marine safaris which provide a chance to see these gentle giants up close.
107 locals recommend
Plettenberg Bay
1 Crescent StreetPlettenberg Bay has a very rich marine life. Schools of playful dolphins can regularly be seen surfing the waves off the local beaches. Whale watching is a very popular attraction during the months July to December. There are boat-based tours available as well as marine safaris which provide a chance to see these gentle giants up close.
Visit Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route National Park.With so many things to see and do in Knysna it is one of the top holiday destinations in the Garden Route, South Africa. Families making memories, adventure seekers find their thrill with a variety of outdoor experiences, and affordable luxury and exclusive activities await the discerning traveller. Discover the sandy beaches and forest trails, explore the area and rich cultural heritage, and experience what makes Knysna one of the not-to-be-missed locations in the Western Cape.
105 locals recommend
Knysna
Visit Knysna in the heart of the Garden Route National Park.With so many things to see and do in Knysna it is one of the top holiday destinations in the Garden Route, South Africa. Families making memories, adventure seekers find their thrill with a variety of outdoor experiences, and affordable luxury and exclusive activities await the discerning traveller. Discover the sandy beaches and forest trails, explore the area and rich cultural heritage, and experience what makes Knysna one of the not-to-be-missed locations in the Western Cape.
Named the "slowest" town in SA, celebrate art, especially mosaics and freshly grown produce while taking in the tranquility of the forests and ocean breeze.
48 locals recommend
Sedgefield
Named the "slowest" town in SA, celebrate art, especially mosaics and freshly grown produce while taking in the tranquility of the forests and ocean breeze.
The biggest town on the Garden Route. Here you will find the airport and many shops.
40 locals recommend
George
The biggest town on the Garden Route. Here you will find the airport and many shops.
Food scene
34 Degrees South
Shop 19 Knysna WaterfrontGreat for relaxed dining, good food and wine.
Light meals, oysters, cocktails and if you're lucky - live music!
119 locals recommend
Tapas & Oysters
31 Safron LaneLight meals, oysters, cocktails and if you're lucky - live music!
Restaurant with the best views over the Knysna Lagoon. Great for a date night to spoil your loved one.
71 locals recommend
Sirocco Restaurant
Long StreetRestaurant with the best views over the Knysna Lagoon. Great for a date night to spoil your loved one.
Best restaurant in the Waterfront. Lovely setting with nice views over the Knysna Lagoon and harbour.
33 locals recommend
DRYDOCK FOOD CO
Waterfront DriveBest restaurant in the Waterfront. Lovely setting with nice views over the Knysna Lagoon and harbour.
Zachary's Restaurant
Offering the best steak in town!
Birds of Eden
Explore 100's of birds in a natural habitat.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Taxi and Transfer Services
Ask me to organise any of your transfer requirements.
Uber has recently started operating in the area - important to note that cars are still very very limited and the service is not always available. There are private taxi companies operating in the area.
Book before you go
Pezula Wellness Quarter
Private suite spa treatments are offered to in-house guests. You can book these with me.
What to pack
Shoes
A lot of walking is required on the hotel grounds. Ensure you wear comfortable shows. Also, with all the activities in and around Knysna, you will be happy if you pack some sneakers too.
What to pack
Light jacket
Mornings and evenings can be chilly. Pack something light that will break the chill.
Traveling with kids
Kids welcome
The suite is big enough to accommodate children. An additional fee will apply.