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Knysna Lagoon © SATOUR

Overview
The town of Knysna, clustered around a vast tidal lagoon which opens to the sea through a narrow inlet guarded by two sandstone cliffs known as 'The Heads', is the holiday hub of the Garden Route, drawing more visitors than it can cope with, particularly during the peak summer holiday season. The town has an interesting history, having started as a point of export for timber cut from the surrounding dense forests (which have been badly denuded as a result). In the early 19th century the town was almost solely owned by the enigmatic character George Rex, who was believed to be the illegitimate son of King George III of England. Rex fathered 13 children and is a legend in the Knysna area. The town features some quaint Victorian houses, a modern commercial waterfront development, a lovely sandy beach at Leisure Isle on the east side of the lagoon, and some good shopping for local arts and crafts in the crowded town centre. There are some lovely scenic drives through the remaining indigenous forests in the area, and sampling Knysna oysters and locally-brewed Mitchell's beer while on holiday here is highly recommended. The best time to visit Knysna is during its annual Oyster Festival, held every July, which includes music, food, sporting events, and of course oysters!

Shopping
Knysna's three shopping malls have a variety of shops, and there are numerous local art, craft and curio shops in and around the town centre.

• Just walk along the main street - loads of shops. Also a shopping mall opposite the FNB and there's an open air market close by too. Knysna waterfront has some touristy shops and little kiosks. : Shelly-Sue...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Restaurants
In and around Knysna one will find a selection of fine restaurants, seafood taverns, pubs, coffee shops and eateries. The waterfront has a variety of restaurants, serving food like oysters and seafood at 34 Degrees South to traditional South African fare at JJ's Restaurant. For fine dining there are special places like Glenshiel at Parkes Restaurant, while international fare includes Mexican, Italian, Moroccan and Asian.

• The waterfront area is beautiful! Lots of little eateries and seafood restaurants but it's quite touristy. You have to try the Knysna oysters while you're there too! We loved Tides in the centre of Leisure Island and the Achorage restaurant near the quay. : Stella Brown...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Nightlife
The Oyster Catcher, on the Knysna waterfront, is a great spot for holiday sundowners and Crab's Creek, on the other side of the lagoon, is another favourite with a range of draught beer on tap and a laid-back atmosphere. For late night entertainment, Club Tryst is Knysna's hotspot, boasting a cocktail lounge, sports bar, pool tables, dancing and live music. More late-night fun can be had at Chilli Groove, and venues Al's and Tin Roof host regular live music

• Not really known for its nightlife but you can have sundowners at Crab's Creek or just choose the bar/restaurant that floats your boat. : Chris F...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Activities
Knysna's location on the lagoon, near to forests, the sea and the mountains, means that there are a range of holiday activities on offer, from paddling to hiking, mountain biking and horseriding. The Heads Adventure Centre specialises in a variety of activities including abseiling and scuba diving.

• Take a boat out on the lagoon, eat some oysters, go on an outride on the beach on horseback. Divine. : Lois...See More Tips  |  Add Tip

 

Negatives
In the peak summer holiday season, Knysna gets very crowded and accommodation is difficult to find. The national highway N2 passes through the centre of town and traffic jams are common.

Activities

Whale watching
Every year from July to November whales can be seen along the southern coast of South African shores, travelling thousands of miles to mate and calve in the safe and warm waters of protected bays. The 'heart of the Whale Coast' is Hermanus, renowned as the best whale-watching area in the country, where Southern Right whales can be seen in Walker Bay, often within 33 feet (10m) from shore. Walker Bay is recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as one of the top 12 whale viewing destinations in the world. In general, the whale route stretches from the Western Cape up the east coast, including places along the Garden Route such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (especially Keurbooms River and Robberg Peninsula), and the Tsitsikamma National Park coastline. The De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve is also popular during the whale season for its relatively new Whale Trail, a five-day hiking trail that offers fantastic whale viewing opportunities for three days along its coastal stretch. Numerous whale-watching boat excursions are offered in the Western Cape.

Bungy jumping
The historic Bloukrans River Bridge at Storms River, situated on South Africa's scenic Garden Route, is the setting for the highest commercial bungy jump in the world, at 525ft (160m). The actual bridge is higher, but jumpers gain access to the arch support below the road by way of a specially designed walkway, which is a breathtaking experience in itself. The jump is operated by Kiwi Extreme who have more than 10 years experience in bungy jumping.