Knysna Activities

Hideaway Guest House, Knysna, Garden Route

The Heads. The Knysna Heads are a pair of sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna Estuary from the sea beyond, and is a famous landmark along the renowned Garden Route.

The wide, white, sandy beaches of Brenton on Sea and Buffalo Bay Beaches. Buffalo Bay Beach, also called Buffelsbaai, is a well-known surfer’s paradise situated in the Goukamma Nature Reserve, an attractive holiday hideaway on the Garden Route. You can walk from Buff’s to Brenton along the long sandy beach flanked by extensive dune fields, coastal fynbos and coastal forests. Bottle nosed and common dolphins are frequently seen surfing the waves and whales migrate here between July and October. Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea feature on the Knysna Art Route – Buffalo Bay boasts with The Boardwalk and mosaic barbeques, while Brenton features mosaic picnic areas and the Brenton Blue butterfly. Both offer great photograph opportunities.

Knysna Elephant Park. Visitors are privileged to enjoy a personal encounter with these gentle giants. Guests invariably leave with a newfound respect for the animals and a better understanding of the African Elephant and its plight across the continent.

Luka Vineyard. After spending a morning at the Knysna Elephant Park, stop for lunch and a wine tasting at Luka Vineyard, overlooking the park. The food offerings at Luka are ever-changing and their wines are excellent.

Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Knysna Heads Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Knysna Elephant Park Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Luka Vineyard

Whale and dolphin watching. Knysna is one of South Africa’s best whale watching destinations during winter and spring, with many other extraordinary marine species seen along our coast throughout the year.

Ocean Odyssey, Knysna’s only permitted close encounter whale watching operation, skilfully showcases these sentient animals during their whale watching tours. Be sure to visit Ocean Odyssey’s retail outlet on Thesen Island where you can enjoy an excellent coffee after your ocean trip and find lovely trinkets to take home as reminders of your vacation, or as gifts.

Ocean Sailing Charters. Ocean Rhythm and LaraBella were built by Knysna Yacht Company local world leaders in boutique yacht building. They offer the ultimate platform to soak up the sun in style while sipping on some bubbly and taking in the surrounding beauty. Bella Vita, a champagne cruiser, is a new addition to the fleet. All depart from Thesen Island.

Spring Tide Sailing Charters offers luxury chartered sailing trips aboard a private single hull yacht. Sail from your mooring at the Waterfront through the Knysna Heads into the Indian Ocean. The afternoon sunset cruise is highly recommended.

The Knysna Pirate Ship offers a fun themed trip around the Knysna estuary.

Magic Lagoon Charters offer more boating options.

AER helicopters. Experience Knysna from the air. Knysna Above (15 min): Soar over the world-famous Knysna Heads on this breathtaking journey.The Milk Run (30 min): The most popular flight, featuring low-level passes along the coast from Sedgefield to Buffalo Bay, finishing with a scenic tour of the Knysna Heads. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private charters and custom flights are available.

The Motorcycle Room is all about great memories, bikes you’ve not seen in years and the bikes you miss. This is a great activity for poor weather. Spend a few hours browsing around followed by a great cup of coffee at Ile de Pain.

Knysna Cycle Works for all things about bicycles and cycling – you could even get to ride with a local along one of Knysna amazing MTB trails. Race along rivers and lagoons, next to the stunning coastline, through mysterious forests and over mountains. The area offers trails for beginners and families to enjoy a leisurely ride, as well as more technical and adventurous trails for more experienced adrenaline junkies. Find more great places to ride your bike here.

Scootours offer a unique and true forest experience. Enjoy an exhilarating descent on the Monster Mountain Scooter through an indigenous forest, along sweepy bends and single tracks. A scenic minibus ride takes you into the heart of the forest to start your descent within the Garden Route National Park.

Knysna Quad Bikes. Experience the Knysna forests at their natural best during an amazing 1 or 2 hour excursion through the Knysna pine and indigenous forests.

eBike Knysna Rentals and Tours. The eBikes are power assisted mountain bikes, enabling the rider to enjoy the numerous off-the-main-road adventures the Garden Route has to offer.

Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Ocean Odyssey Hide-Away Guest House Knysna The Motorcycle Room Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Scootours

Featherbed Company for boats and a nature reserve. With various boating options such as The John Benn and Paddle Cruiser, guided walks in the nature reserve and meals on board, on land or at their beach bar, the Featherbed Company is a must visit.

Knysna Ziplines have been designed and installed to enhance the natural beauty of the Kranshoek SANParks picnic site. The ziplines are some of the longest you will experience and definitely not for someone with a fear of heights. Extremely long cables crisscross the gorge at the picnic site and, with heights of +- 200 meters, it will certainly be a memorable experience.

Sandboarding, Paddle Tubing and Kayaking with Dune Adventures. The Knysna dunes are medium sized with plenty of interesting features. They are well-known among expert sandboarders as some of the best dunes in South Africa for sand quality, ease of riding and fun. Experience an adventurous kayak tour up the winding Knysna river and discover the secluded source of the Knysna estuary.

Turbine Water Club offers a variety of water sports and activities both on land and on the Knysna Estuary. The Turbine Water Club have partnered with prominent Knysna adventure companies to offer you the best adventure activities and water sport in Knysna at competitive prices.

Emzini Tours. Cecil and Colleen have sent many guests on a township tour with Penny and Ella – and the guests have all come back having had a super trip, with loads of information and possibly a different outlook on what township life is about here in South Africa.

Knysna, Pezula and Simola Golf Courses. Enjoy a golfing feast at Knysna’s three magnificent courses: Simola, Pezula Championship Course (formerly Sparrebosch) and the Knysna Golf Club. Hide Away Guest House is within easy driving distance of Goose Valley in Plettenberg Bay and the well-known courses of Fancourt in George and Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay. We will be pleased to assist with reservations at the various courses.

Zensense Day Spa offers relaxing spa treatments, a familiar atmosphere and welcoming staff who await your arrival. They offer affordable, high-quality options for your skincare and body treatments, manicures, pedicure, facials and bridal packages.

Red Bridge Brewing Co is located in Knysna’s industrial area and well worth a visit for craft beer enthusiasts.

Knysna Gin Brewery is also located in the industrial area. Knysna Gin is distilled in the traditional way with a flame and copper pot still. It is made with nine natural botanicals, including the Num Num berry which is the Knysna Loerie’s favourite treat.

The Knysna Art Route. Knysna is home to a number of well-known artists. This is a great rainy day activity – stop at one of the many coffee shops as you stroll around visiting the various art hubs, galleries or studios.

Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Featherbed Company Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Simola Golf Course Hide-Away Guest House Knysna Knysna Gin Brewery
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