10 Things To Do in Knysna

Knysna rewards travellers who slow down. The town wraps around a warm tidal lagoon, with the famous Knysna Heads standing guard where the estuary meets the ocean. Here are ten things worth building your days around.

1. Cross the lagoon to Featherbed

The ferry trip alone is worth it — Featherbed Nature Reserve's guided 4x4-and-walk tour ends with a lunch under the trees on the western head.

2. Watch the boats at the Knysna Waterfront

Grab a coffee and watch yachts come and go. Book sunset cruises from here too.

3. Hike Circles in the Forest

This easy Jubilee Creek loop runs beneath enormous yellowwood and stinkwood trees in what remains of the Knysna forest. Go early for the light.

4. Kayak the lagoon

Calm, warm water makes Knysna one of the easiest places in South Africa to paddle. Hire kayaks near the Heads or join a guided moonlight paddle.

5. Eat oysters (obviously)

The Knysna Oyster Company has shucked since 1949. Even outside the July Oyster Festival, a dozen fresh ones with a cold sauvignon blanc is the town's essential meal.

6. Browse Wild Oats Market

Saturday morning institution: organic produce, baked goods and live music under the oaks on Thesen Islands.

7. Drive the Seven Passes Road

A historic gravel route linking Knysna to George over seven hand-built passes. Do a section — Rheenendal Road to Homtini Pass is beautiful.

8. Swim at Bollard Bay

Leisure Isle's sheltered beach is the safest swimming spot on the lagoon — perfect for children.

9. Walk up the eastern head

The East Head Café side offers the classic view down onto the Heads channel. Time it for low tide when currents swirl between the cliffs.

10. Day-trip to Plett or Nature's Valley

Both are under 40 minutes away. Robberg Peninsula (Plettenberg Bay) and the Garden Route National Park at Nature's Valley pair perfectly with slower Knysna days.