Activities and Things to Do in Knysna

The eclectic charm of Knysna and its people, and the spectacular scenic beauty of the immediate area with its indigenous forests, lagoon and rugged coastline will keep you occupied for at least three days.

Wander through the maze of quaint arts and crafts shops, galleries, museums, indigenous wood craft and furniture factories. Indulge the palate – sample our cultivated and wild coastal oysters at one of the many taverns or sophisticated restaurants. Join a township tour, visit Knysna’s Elephant Park or stroll through Birds Of Eden and Monkeyland, a primate sanctuary in the forest. Enjoy excellent game drives (lion, buffalo, rhino, hippo, giraffe, zebra and many buck) at the Plett Game Reserve (45 min from Knysna) or Botlierskop.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe

Take a nostalgic ride on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the steam train which runs between Knysna and George twice daily. ( This service is currently suspended due to flood damage. Steam enthusiasts can join Kontours on a very worthwhile day trip which includes a drive through the Wilderness forests and the Choo-Tjoe from George to Mosselbay)

Beautiful beaches

Spend a leisurely day on one of three beautiful beaches nearby, or head for the mystical forests. There are spectacular coastal and forest trails which offer wonderful day walks – maps and advice on hand. For the more adventurous there is sea-kayaking, paragliding, abseiling, kloofing/ creeking, blackwater tubing and bungi-jumping.

Adventure

This is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise – activities abound! We will gladly arrange any of the following for you – all within a 20 minute radius: lagoon cruises, ferry trips to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, dolphin and whale watching, canoeing, mountain biking, horse riding through forests, along lakes or beaches, guided hikes, windsurfing, sailing, scuba-diving, fishing and deepsea charters.

Golfing

Golfers, many highly-rated and some very challenging golf courses, which offer magnificent scenery, lie within an easy drive – Pezula, Simola & Knysna (15 min), Goose Valley & Plett (40 min), Fancourt, George & Ernie Else’s Oubaai (1 hour), and Pinnacle Point (1h 20 ). Tee-off times and transfers can be arranged in advance.