Area Information

About Knysna

The estuary, beaches, lakes, forests and fynbos will enthral sport enthusiasts and nature lovers with its unique diversity. The Knysna Estuary is the only natural estuarine bay on the subcontinent. Covering more than 1 600ha, the estuary is ranked as one of the top in the country in terms of conservation relevance. The Knysna Forest is the largest canopy forest in Southern Africa and the area’s fynbos vegetation contributes 8 000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom.

The Garden Route also boasts a rich cultural heritage and Knysna provides the perfect base to explore the history and natural bounty of the surrounding towns. Even so, we know that you’ll want to return to Knysna. Adventure, sports, retail therapy and unadulterated relaxation is at your fingertips.

Two hiking trails in the Knysna Forest, also part of the Garden Route National Park, have been awarded Green Flag status. This is an open access park spanning over 155,000 hectares from Wilderness to Tsitsikamma. Both the Perdekop Nature Walk and Diepwalle Olifants Hiking Trail have now been accredited by the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa. Two of our beaches are regularly awarded seasonal Blue Flag status, and three world class golf courses are right on our doorstep. Pezula, Simola and the Knysna Golf Course are open year round. Guest players may hire clubs at all three should you spontaneously decide to play during your stay.

CLIMATE
Knysna enjoys a Mediterranean maritime climate, making it an excellent all-year destination. Temperatures are never in the extreme. Summer temperatures average 27°C (80.6°F), while the winter average is 14°C (57.2°F) in the daytime. Receiving the highest rainfall in South Africa, the Knysna area is always green, lush and beautiful. Knysna is known to sometimes experience four seasons in a day, making it a good idea to pack a fleece or light jacket when going on adventures.

GETTING TO KNYSNA
Knysna is easily accessible by road. The town lies on the N2 national road, roughly midway between Cape Town and Gqeberha (previously Port Elizabeth).
Download our Distance Chart for distances to Knysna from various destinations along the Garden Route in a handy printable distance table in pdf format.

While a number of bus companies operate to and from Knysna, we suggest renting a car from one of the many car rental companies to best enjoy the town and environment. Renting your own car will also be more cost effective than relying on taxis and/or tour operators.

You can also reach Knysna by air. The George Airport offers a range of daily flight options with airlines offering services from and to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Keep in mind that the airport is approximately 60km from Knysna, which means that you’ll still need to arrange a transfer by road or rent a car to reach your final destination.

Visit our general links page for links to reliable car rental companies, airlines and more.

Distances
Knysna is 493km from Cape Town and 266km from Gqebertha. For a full distance chart click here.

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