Things To Do In Knysna

5 km
from city center 1 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Knysna Heads are a pair of sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna Lagoon from the rest of the Indian Ocean. It is the most famous landmark along the Garden Route and is divided into the Eastern and Western Head. It is known for its breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.

4 km
from city center 2 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna Lagoon is located between the Knysna Heads on the Golden Route. As it is sheltered from the rough seas by the Knysna Heads, it is a very popular location for boating and water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, kitesurfing and water skiing.

1 km
from city center 3 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna Waterfront is located on the Garden Route and is popular for its stunning views and leisure activities. It has many restaurants serving fresh seafood and authentic African cuisine. There are also numerous stores selling designer clothing, jewellery and souvenirs.

4 km
from city center 4 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

A serene resort town located a short drive west from Knysna, Brenton on Sea's blissful self-catering chalets are the ultimate place for relaxation. It is a 15-minute drive from Knysna and is known for its laidback vibes, endangered blue butterflies and breathtaking sunset.

9 km
from city center 5 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Buffelsbaai is the super chilled out town about 20 km from Knysna Town. It is a popular holiday destination in the region with plenty of activities. It has one of the most popular beaches in the Western Cape, highly reputed for its great surfing and swimming spots.

2 km
from city center 6 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Thesen Islands in Knysna comprise 19 man-made islands linked by bridges arching over the clear blue water. The Islands are popular for the 500+ houses built in colonial maritime style and for the rare Knysna Seahorse. There are stunning beaches on every island where watersports like kiteboarding, boating, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and swimming are popular.

14 km
from city center 7 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Garden of Eden is a hiking trail located next to the N2 in Knysna. The trails lead to a wooden walkway through the forest and over beautiful streams for over a kilometre. It is an easy trail, suitable even for beginners. It is also a good location for bird watching.

1 km
from city center 8 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Located on the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon, the Featherbed Nature Reserve is a stunning piece of paradise with a nature reserve, hiking trails, restaurants and boat tours. It is accessible only by a ferry.

9 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna is surrounded by the stunning blue Indian Ocean and whale watching is one of the most popular activities here. The best time is July to December as Southern Right and Humpback whales migrate here during this season. You can watch whales from one of the viewpoints or opt for one of the many cruises for close encounters.

295 km
from city center 10 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Victoria Bay is a paradise for surfing lovers, just 3 kms away from George. This easily accessible surfing spot is enclosed by rocky cliffs on both sides and has a beach setting in the middle. A lush green lawn makes the bay more special for picnic goers. Victoria Bay offers large waves for surfers for a long ride in the waters.

4 km
from city center 11 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Garden Route is 300 km of unadulterated beauty. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Plettenburg Bay, the coastal road is adorned with several beautiful lagoons, beaches, lakes and forest parks. It has some of the best beaches along the coast, hiking trails, and 12 top-class golf courses.

20 km
from city center 12 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Knysna Elephant Park is the primary location to see African elephants closely and interact safely with them. It is located just off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. There is a special elephant experience with informative displays and photographs followed by a hike that follows them as they journey through the park.

5 km
from city center 13 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Bollards Bay Beach is a family-friendly located on Leisure Island in Knysna. It is popular for watersports like kite-boarding, boating, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and swimming and beach activities like ball games. The water is warm and safe even during the winter season.

4 km
from city center 14 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Steenbok Nature Reserve is a natural paradise located on Leisure Island in Knysna. It is home to over 200 flowering plants and more than 100 tree species. It is an excellent location for nature walks, bird watching, picnics and viewing indigenous flora and fauna.

6 km
from city center 15 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna Gin Distillery is located on Uil Street, serving traditionally distilled Knysna Gin. This distillery is famous for practising the traditional method of using copper pot and flame for its distillation process. Tourists flock for a detailed distillery tour to taste the award-winning Knysna gin made with nine natural botanicals.

25 km
from city center 16 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Prince Alfred Pass is a 68 km long mountain pass, the longest in South Africa. This weaving road through the mountains is one of the most scenic routes connecting Kynsna to Avontuur. Along the way, there are several picnic spots, and from Skitskop, you get spectacular views as far as the Garden Route.

14 km
from city center 17 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Diepwalle Forest is South Africa’s largest indigenous forest located on the Garden Route in Knysna. The forest is largely populated with yellowood, stinkwood and cape pear trees. It is most popular for camping trips with a dedicated camping deck and for hiking.

6 km
from city center 18 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Margaret’s Viewpoint, located on the road to Brenton On Sea, is known for its stunning view of the Knysna Lagoon, Lake Brenton, Outeniqua mountains and Belvidere Estate. It is a great location to watch the sunrise.

1 km
from city center 19 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna Fine Art Gallery is one of South Africa’s finest art galleries focusing on contemporary South African art in various mediums. It is located in Knysna Central and is housed in the distinctive Thesen House on Long Street. There are over 2000 art pieces on display, with the Hilton Nel ceramics, particularly popular.

5 km
from city center 20 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

The Motorcycle Room is a museum dedicated to vintage motorcycles. It is located on the top floor of the Parking Shed on Long Street in Thesen Island. Their extensive collection of over 100 bikes includes old classics, motocross, vintage enduro bikes, superbikes and a wide variety of custom bikes.

25 km
from city center 21 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Located near Sedgefield, this famous Farmers' Market is a huge attraction for tourists and locals alike.

1 km
from city center 22 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

One of the best things to do to explore amazing views of the ocean and the lagoons!

3 km
from city center 23 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna indigenous forest offers over ten walks and trails ranging from between 2 to 10km. Explore Knysna’s diverse wildlife, including birds, fern trees, frogs, and more, through the scenic hiking routes filled with picnic spots and drinkable water streams. Tourists can visit the Forest Legends museum located in the heart of the forest dedicated to Woodcutters, Timber merchants, Botanists, Settlers, and the Knysna Elephant. The adjacent tea room is a popular eatery.

1 km
from city center 24 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Knysna houseboats are fully equipped self-drive houseboats on which tourists can cruise along the historic Knysna lagoon and the surrounding bays, mountains, and forests. Enjoy sunbathing on the deck, diving in the clear lagoon waters, kayaking, and bird watching. There are many great fishing spots across the waters with hermit crabs and seagulls.

1 km
from city center 25 out of 25
things to do in Knysna

Monkeyland is one of its kind sanctuary where previously captivated primates such as monkeys and apes can roam freely in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is built on a 12-hectare indigenous forest land located near Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. It is home to over 500 monkeys and 11 primate species. Tourists can explore the forest and take one-hour tours or monkey safaris. The 128-metre suspension bridge is the adventurous highlight of the sanctuary, where small apes called Gibbons can be seen swinging along.