The enchanting town of Knysna nestles on the shores of an estuary fed by rivers originating in the Outeniqua Mountains. It is surrounded by lush indigenous forests with the Indian Ocean providing a cool sea breeze.
This idyllic Western Cape town is not only renowned for its rich natural heritage, but is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year. The town is frequented by both local and international travellers who are drawn to the town by its natural beauty. It boasts the largest canopy forest in Southern Africa, fine beaches and lakes, and its fynbos vegetation contributes 8 000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom. The fire of June 2017 destroyed much of the non-indigenous plantations and such plantations will be kept to the absolute minimum in future. A visit to the Featherbed Nature Reserve is a must to visit to see how the vegetation is now pro-actively being managed.
Knysna provides the perfect base to explore the impressive Garden Route. Whether you’re looking for adventure, are a sports lover or prefer to chill in the sun or at one of the many spas in and around the town, Knysna has it all. Two hiking trails in the Knysna forest, also part of the Garden Route National Park, have been awarded Green Flag status. The GRNP is an open access Park spanning over 155,000 hectares from Wilderness to Tsitsikamma in the Western Cape and its Perdekop Nature Walk as well as its Diepwalle’s Olifants Hiking Trail have now both been accredited by the Hiking Organisation of Southern Africa.
Three golf courses are right on our doorstep. Pezula, Simola and the Knysna Golf Course are open year round and you can hire clubs at all three should you decide on the spur of the moment to play 9 or 18 holes.
Climate
A Mediterranean maritime climate makes Knysna an excellent all-year destination. It’s never too hot or too cold – just perfect! The area has the highest rainfall in South Africa and so the area is always green and lush. Summer temperatures average 27°C (80.6°F) while the winter average is 14°C (57.2°F) in the daytime. It is advisable to pack a fleece or jacket as sometimes we have four seasons in a day.
Getting to Knysna
By road: : Knysna lies on the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth now known as Gqeberha. (see Map/Directions) for distances to Knysna from various destinations along the Garden Route.
Numerous car rental companies are available in South Africa. (See for preferred car rental companies.)
Although there are numerous bus companies that operate to and from Knysna, it is suggested that you hire a car in order to best enjoy the town and environment. Hiring taxis and/or tour operators work out more expensive than hiring a car.
By air: The airport in George offers a range of daily flight options with airlines offering services from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
(See Links page for preferred airlines.)
General
Knysna has a sophisticated and efficient infrastructure to ensure that your stay is enjoyable. We have a wide selection of restaurants to choose from, so you will be spoilt for choice – (click here for Restaurant information.)
Should you need a medical doctor, dentist, and/or hairdresser, Colleen will be happy to point you in the right direction and make your appointments.