Things to Do in Knysna

This elephant park is one of the most fascinating activities to do in Knysna. Best suited for family and kids, Knysna Elephant Park has a bunch of interesting activities and safaris that will take you on an exciting encounter with African elephants. Basically an elephant orphanage, this elephant park is a lovely home to these giants and a must-do.

A great outdoor for spending a quality time on your vacation! This beach has a clean and peaceful environment perfect for a swim or a sunbath. The water is safe for a swim and serves as a best picnic spot for families and kids.

This natural rock formation and the amazing view of sea make a wonderful place for spending evenings in Knysna. The water is not safe for suitable for swimming but offers great deal for entertainment with activities like fishing, paragliding and sunbathing. A perfect walkway for a lovely evening!

This marvelous natural resort is the perfect place to be on your vacation on the pearl of the garden route- Knysna. This forest reserve is spread over 80,000 ha and has mesmerizing variety of flora and fauna. The forest is home to African Elephant, African leopard, Bushbuck, Blue duiker and Bush pig. The highlight of this one of the largest forests of South Africa is the 600-year-old King Edward VII tree. The place is also great for bird watching. Its an expansive strip of dense timberland that comprises of Diepwalle Forest, Garden of Eden, Gouveld Forest, Groeneweide Nature Walk, and Jubilee Creek. Due to its preservation of nature and wildlife, the Knysna and Amatole forests are considered to be South Africa's largest individual forests that offer a stunning holiday experience to those who visit it. Ever since the 18th century, these forests have been used in order to cure valuable timber.

The forest is conserved and makes for a perfect outing in Knysna. Hiking is also a favorite activity here and this picturesque forest is a beauty worth admiring.

A treat to the eyes, Knysna heads is the magnetic amalgamation of two sea cliffs in huge natural sandstone towers that guard the Knysna lagoon from the roaring sea. There are two heads- East and West.

The eastern head offers a spectacular view of the Lagoon, Leisure Island and the entire Knysna. The western head is a privately owned resort accessible only by ferry.

Ideal for a day trip, there are cruise rides that are a must-do on the Knysna visit. Slurp on the oysters, indulge into some fine wine and enjoy the fantabulous sea- Knysna heads is all pleasure!

This is the Western Head of Knysna which acts as a protective shield for the lagoon from the huge ocean and is privately owned, premier experience resort.

It can be opted for a day-trip or can also be explored through an overnight stay.

With a bunch of activities like cruising the Lagoon, boating, nature trails and Hiking are available. Featherbed Natural Reserve serves as an ideal destination for a laid-back vacation. It is also an exotic location for destination weddings, conferences and other functions.

Garden Route National Park lies on the verdant garden route of South Africa. It was established in 2009 by merging the Tsitsikamma, Wilderness National Park and the Knysna National Lake Area along with several other state owned areas.

Spanning over an area of 1210 square kilometres, it has wide number of bio-diverse attractions inside.

Attractions include:

• Birds of Eden
• Monkeyland
• Storms River Mouth
• Knysna Elephant Park
• Knysna Oysters
• Bungee Jump at Bloukrans
• Featherbed Nature Reserve Tour
• Outeniqua Choo-tjoe Museum.

There are Activities like Birding, Forest excursions, hiking and nature walks, Mountain biking, Otter trail, Water activities, Scuba diving that never fail to enthral its visitors.

This Spectacular natural beauty is explored through a cruise ride. The experience leaves the visitors bewildered! 

A beautiful walking area in the lush green Knysna forest is dotted with blooming trees. Green foliage, streams and the aroma of the rustic nature make it a perfect place for taking a stroll. Visitors can also pack a picnic and enjoy it on the wooden benches and tables under the shelter of the trees.

A pebbly path way built by Thomas Bain in 19th century runs between Knysna/Plettenbergbay and Avontuur/Uniondale. A scenic route with winding and narrow path adorned with pretty flora is a great activity in Knysna.

Activities like Bird watching, fishing, mountain bike riding and golf are available.

Situated on the Garden route between Sedgefield and Knysna, Goukamma Natural Reserve & Marine Protected Area exhibits a diverse range of wildlife, birds, fishes and habitats. Covering an area of 2500 hectares of coastal forest with variety of milk-wood, yellow-wood and Candle-wood trees.

Home to Vervet monkey, Bushbuck, bush pig, porcupine, mongoose, honey badger and grysbok, the reserve is also popular for bird watching. Over 220 bird species reside here including the rare African black oystercatcher. There are also rare species of fish in the groenvlei Lake and whales are also spotted in between the months of June to November. Lovely Bottle-nosed and humpback dolphins splash in the sea all round the year.

Activities: Wildlife watching, horse riding, hiking, swimming, picnicking, kloofing, fishing, swimming, sightseeing, rock climbing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, bird watching, donkey cart rides.

Named after the famous environmental conversationalist of Knysna- Margaret Addinal, this is a fabulous viewpoint en-route Brenton-on-Sea. It offers excellent view of the Knysna Lagoon, Lake Brenton and Belvidere Estate and is best visited during dawn or dusk!

A forest trail starting from the Goldfield State Forest and ending at the Krisjan-se-Nek is a natural picnic site and walking area covered with lush green grass and bewitching trees. Waterfall, forest pool with tiny fish species add to the allure of the area. Water streams can be accessed by small wooden bridges that give it a fairytale appeal.

A must-do activity, the walk is moderate and suitable for family and kids!

A sand beach to chill, splash in the water and have a relaxing Sun-bath, Bollard Bay is one of the best family beaches in South Africa.

Activities like fishing, Canoeing and Sailing can be explored on your visit.

Highest vehicle-accessed point in Knysna, Spitzkop viewpoint serves as a perfect spot to observe the wholesome beauty of Prince Alfred Pass, George, Natures Valley, the Knysna Heads, Sedgefield, and tons of beautiful Fynbos. It also offers panoramic views of the Outeniqua Mountains.