Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Knysna travel guide

Knysna Tourism | Knysna Guide

You're Going to Love Knysna

With its shimmering lagoon waters, beautiful nature reserves, incredibly fresh seafood cuisine, and thriving festivals as well as pleasurable climate year-round, it's easy to see why Knysna draws scores of South African and international tourists!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Knysna

1. Spend Time on the Lagoon

Whether you book a houseboat or a spot on the organized tour run by Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Heads, plan to spend time taking in the stunning blue lagoon and its nearly 200 species of fish.

2. Head to the Knysna Elephant Park

You can observe these glorious creatures in their daily life or grab a bucket of fruit and make friends by feeding them!

3. Embark on a Mountaineering Adventure

For those who love an adrenaline rush, there is the GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures tour that features activities like rock climbing, hiking, and "slackpacking".

4. Don't Miss the Gastronomica Festival Knysna

If you come around the end of September, your stomach (and your eyes!) will surely thank you. This festival celebrates locally crafted wines, scrumptious South African cuisine, and features smaller live shows.

5. Visit the Millwood Goldfields

Take a tour through the old gold digging spots, browse through the Millwood Museum and relive South Africa's gold rush.

1. Spend Time on the Lagoon

Whether you book a houseboat or a spot on the organized tour run by Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Heads, plan to spend time taking in the stunning blue lagoon and its nearly 200 species of fish.

2. Head to the Knysna Elephant Park

You can observe these glorious creatures in their daily life or grab a bucket of fruit and make friends by feeding them!

3. Embark on a Mountaineering Adventure

For those who love an adrenaline rush, there is the GoVertical Mountaineering Adventures tour that features activities like rock climbing, hiking, and "slackpacking".

4. Don't Miss the Gastronomica Festival Knysna

If you come around the end of September, your stomach (and your eyes!) will surely thank you. This festival celebrates locally crafted wines, scrumptious South African cuisine, and features smaller live shows.

5. Visit the Millwood Goldfields

Take a tour through the old gold digging spots, browse through the Millwood Museum and relive South Africa's gold rush.

What to do in Knysna

1. Wander Into The Wild

...And never leave! The Garden Route National Park is one large amalgamation of two existing parks that, as of 2009, encompasses a whopping 470 square miles of wilderness and forest just waiting to be explored. The Garden Route National Park is the ideal place for casual hiking to more extreme back-country camping. It can take days or even weeks to explore this park's trails and lookout points to completion. And this is partially because its indigenous forests, rugged mountains, colorful pools and breathtaking views of the crystal water of the South Atlantic will capture you for more than an afternoon.

2. A Day Trip

Gorgeous coastlines and a whole host of activities await travelers who venture to this thriving seaside resort town, just west of Knysna. It's easy to jet around the island via its electric bike rentals, putting travelers within access of its sparkling blue lagoons, canals and the famous Thesen Estate. The town also has a variety of small restaurants and shops that can be browsed during a leisurely afternoon stroll. Those who want a bit of an adrenaline rush on their otherwise relaxing trip will enjoy sandboarding on its dunes or hydrofoiling. And for a connection with nature, visit the Brenton Butterfly Reserve, especially if you're visiting from October until December.

3. Natural Life In The Heart Of Knysna

The Steenbok Nature Reserve gives travelers that much needed "time out" within the city. It's a haven for those who wish to discover more than 200 species of flora, supported by a robust population of butterflies and birds such as the malachite kingfisher, heron, spoonbill and royal ibis, to name just a few. Spend your time at the reserve's two gardens: Indigenous Garden and the Entrance Garden, which are home to a score of little creatures who can be observed within their natural habitats. Stroll along the boardwalk with your own four-legged friend and stop at the point in the path where the lagoon begins. You can even break for a bit of stand-up paddle boarding, if you come prepared.

4. Home To The Majestic

A trip to South Africa is simply not complete without its emblematic creature, the elephant. Knysna Elephant Park knows this well and pays homage to the great animal by giving it a sheltered space, a natural reserve where these grand, gentle and wonderful creatures can live in peace and harmony. As part of the park's responsible tourism focus, visitors can undertake a safari or a tour with professional guides.

5. Hitting The Spa

If, after relaxing in the natural world, you find yourself craving a few lavish creature comforts, book a day with your friends or family at the Conrad Pezula and prepare to be pampered. This haven is a world-class spa facility that offers such services as facials, massages, fillers, access to its sauna and pools, a full golf course and even horseback riding.

1. Wander Into The Wild

...And never leave! The Garden Route National Park is one large amalgamation of two existing parks that, as of 2009, encompasses a whopping 470 square miles of wilderness and forest just waiting to be explored. The Garden Route National Park is the ideal place for casual hiking to more extreme back-country camping. It can take days or even weeks to explore this park's trails and lookout points to completion. And this is partially because its indigenous forests, rugged mountains, colorful pools and breathtaking views of the crystal water of the South Atlantic will capture you for more than an afternoon.

2. A Day Trip

Gorgeous coastlines and a whole host of activities await travelers who venture to this thriving seaside resort town, just west of Knysna. It's easy to jet around the island via its electric bike rentals, putting travelers within access of its sparkling blue lagoons, canals and the famous Thesen Estate. The town also has a variety of small restaurants and shops that can be browsed during a leisurely afternoon stroll. Those who want a bit of an adrenaline rush on their otherwise relaxing trip will enjoy sandboarding on its dunes or hydrofoiling. And for a connection with nature, visit the Brenton Butterfly Reserve, especially if you're visiting from October until December.

3. Natural Life In The Heart Of Knysna

The Steenbok Nature Reserve gives travelers that much needed "time out" within the city. It's a haven for those who wish to discover more than 200 species of flora, supported by a robust population of butterflies and birds such as the malachite kingfisher, heron, spoonbill and royal ibis, to name just a few. Spend your time at the reserve's two gardens: Indigenous Garden and the Entrance Garden, which are home to a score of little creatures who can be observed within their natural habitats. Stroll along the boardwalk with your own four-legged friend and stop at the point in the path where the lagoon begins. You can even break for a bit of stand-up paddle boarding, if you come prepared.

4. Home To The Majestic

A trip to South Africa is simply not complete without its emblematic creature, the elephant. Knysna Elephant Park knows this well and pays homage to the great animal by giving it a sheltered space, a natural reserve where these grand, gentle and wonderful creatures can live in peace and harmony. As part of the park's responsible tourism focus, visitors can undertake a safari or a tour with professional guides.

5. Hitting The Spa

If, after relaxing in the natural world, you find yourself craving a few lavish creature comforts, book a day with your friends or family at the Conrad Pezula and prepare to be pampered. This haven is a world-class spa facility that offers such services as facials, massages, fillers, access to its sauna and pools, a full golf course and even horseback riding.

1. Wander Into The Wild

...And never leave! The Garden Route National Park is one large amalgamation of two existing parks that, as of 2009, encompasses a whopping 470 square miles of wilderness and forest just waiting to be explored. The Garden Route National Park is the ideal place for casual hiking to more extreme back-country camping. It can take days or even weeks to explore this park's trails and lookout points to completion. And this is partially because its indigenous forests, rugged mountains, colorful pools and breathtaking views of the crystal water of the South Atlantic will capture you for more than an afternoon.

2. A Day Trip

Gorgeous coastlines and a whole host of activities await travelers who venture to this thriving seaside resort town, just west of Knysna. It's easy to jet around the island via its electric bike rentals, putting travelers within access of its sparkling blue lagoons, canals and the famous Thesen Estate. The town also has a variety of small restaurants and shops that can be browsed during a leisurely afternoon stroll. Those who want a bit of an adrenaline rush on their otherwise relaxing trip will enjoy sandboarding on its dunes or hydrofoiling. And for a connection with nature, visit the Brenton Butterfly Reserve, especially if you're visiting from October until December.

3. Natural Life In The Heart Of Knysna

The Steenbok Nature Reserve gives travelers that much needed "time out" within the city. It's a haven for those who wish to discover more than 200 species of flora, supported by a robust population of butterflies and birds such as the malachite kingfisher, heron, spoonbill and royal ibis, to name just a few. Spend your time at the reserve's two gardens: Indigenous Garden and the Entrance Garden, which are home to a score of little creatures who can be observed within their natural habitats. Stroll along the boardwalk with your own four-legged friend and stop at the point in the path where the lagoon begins. You can even break for a bit of stand-up paddle boarding, if you come prepared.

4. Home To The Majestic

A trip to South Africa is simply not complete without its emblematic creature, the elephant. Knysna Elephant Park knows this well and pays homage to the great animal by giving it a sheltered space, a natural reserve where these grand, gentle and wonderful creatures can live in peace and harmony. As part of the park's responsible tourism focus, visitors can undertake a safari or a tour with professional guides.

5. Hitting The Spa

If, after relaxing in the natural world, you find yourself craving a few lavish creature comforts, book a day with your friends or family at the Conrad Pezula and prepare to be pampered. This haven is a world-class spa facility that offers such services as facials, massages, fillers, access to its sauna and pools, a full golf course and even horseback riding.

Where to Eat in Knysna

With its fresh and local menu, the Drydock Food Co attracts hungry foodies from all around. Tuck into fresh coastal oysters, Queen prawns, or sizzling sirloin steaks. Two can dine comfortably for R500.

When to visit Knysna

Knysna in November
Estimated hotel price
S$ 139
1 night at 3-star hotel
Knysna in November
Estimated hotel price
S$ 139
1 night at 3-star hotel

Perfect at any time of year sums up the weather in Knysna. It rains on and off throughout and the best time to travel is February to April. Temperatures hover between 60 to 73.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Knysna

Plane

International flights land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From here, you can take a bus to Knysna, about six hours away.

Car

Traveling from Johannesburg to Knysna, head south using the N1 and N9; it's a 12-hour journey. From Cape Town, head east using the N2. This trip is much shorter, around six hours.

Bus

DMJ Transport offers a ride from Cape Town to Knysna for R210. Traveling from Pretoria to Knysna, book a seat on the Intercape for R569.

Plane

International flights land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From here, you can take a bus to Knysna, about six hours away.

Car

Traveling from Johannesburg to Knysna, head south using the N1 and N9; it's a 12-hour journey. From Cape Town, head east using the N2. This trip is much shorter, around six hours.

Bus

DMJ Transport offers a ride from Cape Town to Knysna for R210. Traveling from Pretoria to Knysna, book a seat on the Intercape for R569.

Airports near Knysna

PBZPlettenberg Bay
GRJGeorge

Airlines serving Knysna

Lufthansa
Good (7,201 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,366 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,081 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,654 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,471 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,285 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,596 reviews)
Qantas Airways
Good (869 reviews)
FlySafair
Excellent (114 reviews)
Cemair
Good (16 reviews)
Proflight Zambia
Excellent (1 reviews)
Airlink
Excellent (72 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Knysna

Old Place - located right on the coast, Old Place has plenty of hotels, vacation residences, and quite a few tour operators that run expeditions like whale watching.

Popular Neighborhoods in Knysna

Knysna Central - the main hub, this is Knysna's downtown area, where you can find great little cafes, restaurants, and all the best shopping spots.

Rexford - perhaps the most well-known aspect of this neighborhood is the Eastford Private Nature Reserve, where you can take in more than just scenic views of the stunning Knysna lagoon. Watch for various rare and local birds, go on scheduled tours of the elephant park, and observe lemurs and capuchins.

Knysna Central - the main hub, this is Knysna's downtown area, where you can find great little cafes, restaurants, and all the best shopping spots.
Rexford - perhaps the most well-known aspect of this neighborhood is the Eastford Private Nature Reserve, where you can take in more than just scenic views of the stunning Knysna lagoon. Watch for various rare and local birds, go on scheduled tours of the elephant park, and observe lemurs and capuchins.

Where to stay in popular areas of Knysna

Most booked hotels in Knysna

See all
Pezula Nature Retreat
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
S$ 151+
View
aha The Rex Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
S$ 92+
View
Protea Hotel by Marriott Knysna Quays
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
S$ 120+
View
Premier Resort The Moorings, Knysna
4 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
S$ 112+
View

How to Get Around Knysna

Public Transportation

Knysna is small enough, locally, to get around on foot. There is no public transport.

Taxi

Taxis are the most popular (and only) option to get around with a vehicle. These are metered and start at a flat rate of R10, and it's R7 per mile thereafter.

Car

You can either rent a car with driver or get a self-driven car. If the latter, there are plenty of well-known companies like Europcar, Avis, and Budget. Fares start at R334, for a standard 4-door car.

Public Transportation

Knysna is small enough, locally, to get around on foot. There is no public transport.

Taxi

Taxis are the most popular (and only) option to get around with a vehicle. These are metered and start at a flat rate of R10, and it's R7 per mile thereafter.

Car

You can either rent a car with driver or get a self-driven car. If the latter, there are plenty of well-known companies like Europcar, Avis, and Budget. Fares start at R334, for a standard 4-door car.

The Cost of Living in Knysna

Shopping Streets

Knysna has a large area of shops located at the Waterfront and along Gray Street. Knysna Mall, with international brands, is just off Main Road (the N2).

Groceries and Other

Local supermarkets include Shoprite and Kwikspar. A quart of milk costs R12 and a dozen eggs costs around R25.

Cheap meal
S$ 7.45
A pair of jeans
S$ 73.76
Single public transport ticket
S$ 0.79
Cappuccino
S$ 2.13

Everything you need to know for your stay in Knysna

Knysna Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Knysna city guide for the best Knysna travel tips. To help you organise your Knysna trip ideas, this Knysna visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.