Knysna South Africa Tourism (2023) Travel Guide

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Ideal duration: 3-5 days

Best Time: August to October (spring) Read More

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"The South African Paradise"

Knysna Tourism

Knysna is one of the most unbelievable and beautiful vacation spots worldwide. It is located in the Western Cape area of South Africa and is one of the most visited destinations on the Garden Route. Knysna is blissful, quiet, and is home to some truly picturesque locations and recreational activities for that perfect week of relaxation!

Knysna is not commercial; it is not a bustling urban area of noise and pollution. It is just the opposite. It is known for its stunning views, unmatched natural beauty teeming with indigenous forests, miles of beaches, and hordes of adventure activities. This, along with the fresh seafood and pleasant climate year-round, makes Knysna popular for vacationing with friends, family or even solo travellers.

Book yourself a chalet on Breton On Sea for that perfect seaside location, or stay in one of the unreal lodges in the many forest resorts in the Garden Route. Then head over to the famous Knysna Lagoon, once touted by Britishers as the most dangerous lagoon in the world. After that, get a move on and head on for a hike along the numerous famous hiking trails on the Garden Route like the Circle in the Forest or the Garden of Eden. Finally, engage in many adventure activites like rock climbing and learn how to surf on Buffalo Bay's sandy beaches.

Knysna Heads

Knysna Lagoon

Knysna Waterfront

Brenton on Sea

Buffalo Bay

Thesen Islands

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Knysna Packages

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8 Days / 7 Nights

Glimpse Of South Africa with Garden Route

$ 1,396

12% off

$1,225 per adult on twin sharing

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10 Days / 9 Nights

South African Delight with Cape Peninsula tour

$ 2,185

11% off

$1,941 per adult on twin sharing

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8 Days / 7 Nights

7 Nights South Africa Tour Package

$ 1,930

19% off

$1,553 per adult on twin sharing

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Garden Route Tour Package

$ 969

12% off

$852 per adult on twin sharing

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9 Days / 8 Nights

8 Nights Scenic South Africa Vacation Package

$1,462 per adult on twin sharing

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9 Days / 8 Nights

South Africa Tour with Gold Reef City Tour

$1,881 per adult on twin sharing

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Top Hotels In Knysna

7 Camping In Knysna

$ 28 onwards

46 Guest Houses In Knysna

$ 28 onwards

46 Bed And Breakfast In Knysna

$ 28 onwards

11 Chalets In Knysna

$ 22 onwards

4 Resorts In Knysna

$ 53 onwards

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Currency in Knysna

The South African rand is the only currency accepted in Knysna. Cards are accepted in the region, but not widely, so it's best to carry cash for payments at the small places.

Shopping in Knysna

At Knysna though you won't find international brands all around, you will definitely find many lively shopping areas. Places like Woodmill Lane and Waterfront Knysna Quays are top destinations to shop, with various boutiques, jewellery and gift shops throughout for that perfect Knysna souvenir! Also, the Wild Oats Farmers' Makret is one of the most popular farmers' markets in the country!

Nightlife in Knysna

Since Knysna is a quiet and laid back place, there are hardly any dedicated nightclubs. Many restaurants have their own bar but if you're looking for a proper club, you will be disappointed.

History of Knysna

The European settles first arrived during the 18th century. George Rex was a British entrepreneur who is actually credited as being the founder of Knysna. He acquired the previously established European farm of Melkhoutkraal, and later to the farm Welbedacht which he then renamed Eastford. 80 acres of Eastford was donated to the Colonial Government where the town of Melville was established. After the settlements in Knysna grew slowly, it became a Magisterial Division in 1858. Soon after when the Thesen family came to settle here, their interest in commerce and sailing combined to make Knysna a major hub for timber export. Timber export was one of the main reasons for growth of Knysna, especially in the 1880s. Since the onset of the 20th century, Knysna has grown to become a very popular tourist destination in the Western Cape.

Language of Knysna

In Knysna, more than half the local population speaks Afrikaans. There is a sizeable portion of English speakers too, and most of your guides and the locals in tourist hubs will speak English. Some Afrikaans words like Hallo (hello), Ja and Nee (yes and no), Dankie (thanks), Asseblief (please), and phrases such as Verskoon my (excuse me), Waar is ..? (Where is..?), and Ek probeer Afrikaans leer (I'm trying to learn Afrikaans) will definitely help you get around and be appreciated by the locals.

Knysna Customs

Knsyna is a major tourist destination, and as such tourists are not bound by any customs or codes of conduct. There are no real restraints on what you wear either since Knysna is full of beaches. Tips in the region of 10 - 15% are enough in restaurants, and around ZAR 3 - 5 for parking attendants, security guards, and petrol station attendants. Porters and bell hops expect tips in the region of ZAR 10 - 15.

Religion of Knysna

Christianity

Daily Budget for Knysna

Knysna in general is not an expensive place to visit. However, the plethora of tourist activities of the region make it a but heavy on the pocket. Depending on where you eat, how you get around, which all actvities and attractions you visit, your budget can vary greatly. Budget trip : ZAR 400 - 600 Comfortable trip : ZAR 1000 - 1300 Luxury trip : ZAR 1500 - 2000

Exchanging Money in Knysna

There are not too many currency exchange options in Knysna. Travelex has an office in the town and Tower Bureau de Change has one in Woodmead Lane in the town. It is best to change most of your cash at one of the major cities before you visit Knysna. Apart from those, your best bet are the ATMs located in the tourist areas. Do enqire about international costs.

Best Time to Visit Knysna

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Knysna Photos

Knysna town as viewed from Knysna Quays (waterfront)

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What is the best time to visit Knysna?

During this time, the temperatures are fairly pleasant and it's a good time to go out on hikes. There are going to be one or two rainy days in a week, so carry an umbrella or raincoats just in case. This is also the best time for whale watching, as the Southern Right whales are headed to the southern waters for breeding. The summer season that follows becomes very hectic, as the schools have holidays and there is a lot of rush.
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What are the places near Knysna?

The top places near to Knysna are Cape town which is 426 km from Knysna, Johannesburg which is located 994 km from Knysna, Durban which is located 884 km from Knysna, Pretoria which is located 1048 km from Knysna, Port elizabeth which is located 231 km from Knysna

What are the things to do in Knysna?

The top things to do in Knysna are Brenton on Sea, Garden Route, Buffalo Bay (Buffelsbai), Featherbed Nature Reserve, Prince Alfred Pass, Wild Oats Community Farmers Market. You can see all the places to visit in Knysna here

What are the top hotels in Knysna?

There are 484 in Knysna which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Knysna are Beacon House, Guinea Fowl Loft, Collection Luxury Accomodation Simola House, Alkira Lodge, Blue Ocean Villa, At Leisure Apartment. You can see all the hotels in Knysna here

What is the local food in Knysna?

Quite obviously, Knysna is best known for it's sea food, and also it's locally grown poultry and farm products. The best way for you to sample the local food is the Wild Oats Farmers' Market in Sedgefield. It is the single best place for you to acquaint yourself with all the brilliant local delicacies, while educating yourself on the local cuisine. Don't forget to eat the various dishes of Oysters! There are many restaurants like the Freshline Fisheries, Cafe Z, Caffe Mario and Mon Petit Pain are some places you should check out!
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"The South African Paradise"

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Plan Your Trip To Knysna

"The South African Paradise"

Knysna Tourism

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Currency in Knysna

Shopping in Knysna

Nightlife in Knysna

History of Knysna

Language of Knysna

Knysna Customs

Religion of Knysna

Daily Budget for Knysna

Exchanging Money in Knysna

Best Time to Visit Knysna

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