Knysna is situated on the Western Cape’s Garden Route close to the Eastern Cape border and just before the town of Plettenberg Bay.
This coastal town is surrounded by dense forest, an expansive lagoon and the surrounding areas are ideal for hiking and cycling or horse riding. The lagoon and beach areas provide a perfect space for almost any water sports or entertainment.
Knysna’s port historically accommodated naval as well as commercial ships, until the installation of a railway made transportation of goods cheaper and easier. Visitors to Knysna can still ride the old steam train known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe from George to Knysna, whilst taking in the epic landscape of the Garden Route, before settling in to the many charming chalets or self-catering accommodation options around Knysna.
Throughout the year, Knysna facilitates a variety of events and festivals. These include:
The Oyster Festival
The Oyster Festival occurs in early July and includes a range of activities from sports events to nightly parties, food and wine tastings, and the consumption of the vast amounts of oyster that are the festivals namesake.
The Forest Festival
The Forest Festival happens during the months of March and April and pays attention to the history of the town of Knysna. It focuses on the continued preservation of Knysna’s forest areas.
Whale Watching
Whales can be seen calving along the Knysna coastline any time between June and December and is an attraction for many marine enthusiasts who frequent the area. During September, the flowering of Knysna’s local fynbos provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the picturesque, lush surroundings that the area is renowned for.
Nederburg Knysna Art Festival
During September the springtime, the Nederburg Knysna Arts festival gives local artists a chance to display their work to local and international visitors through exhibits of art, entertainment and literature.
Whether you are out for a relaxing holiday or trying to find some exercise or adventure, Knysna provides a variety of options for any visitor. The area is home to beautiful golf courses, a range of scenic trails accessible to cyclists, hikers and horse riders, an amazing assortment of cuisine and beverages to consume and an assortment of hotels, backpackers or bed and breakfasts to suit any tastes or desire.
The surrounding areas of George, Wilderness and Oudtshoorn are within short travelling distance and provide further opportunities for entertainment such as the Train Museum in George or the Cango Caves in Oudshoorn.
