Famous for its natural beauty, this coastal town in South Africa features amazing beaches, tranquil forests, and stunning mountains. With its wide variety of attractions, it comes as no surprise that Knysna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa.
Some of the top attractions in Knysna include the Knysna Heads, where visitors can get gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, and the Prince Alfred Pass that winds its way through the mountains.
For those who enjoy more urban activities, Knysna will not disappoint. Knysna is home to a great Gin Distillery, tucked away in the industrial area, where tourists can stop for some unique drinks. There is also the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market, where locals and travelers alike can buy fresh produce or souvenirs of their trip to this South African gem.
The nearby Goukamma Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Robberg Nature Reserve are also great options but are not featured on this list.
Here’s our list of the best and most fun things to do in Knysna, South Africa
The 28 Most Popular Things To Do In Knysna, South Africa
28. Buffalo Bay trail
3.5 (2 reviews)
The Buffalo Bay Trail is about half an hour’s drive away from Knysna, but is definitely worth a visit. It is a 5 km (about 3-miles) loop trail that is considered a moderate terrain trail. Although the trail is popular, it can be quieter during off-peak times. The trail allows dogs, and on certain parts of the route the dogs may be off-leash. The trail is open year-round, but it is advisable to check the weather around your visit as it can become difficult to navigate after heavy rain.
Credit: Nicola van Berkel, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Unnamed Rd. Buffels Bay
27. Outeniqua Hiking Trail
4.5 (4 reviews)
When you visit Knysna the Outeniqua Hiking Trail is a must. It is an easy trail that does not require a high fitness or experience level. The hike goes through beautiful wilderness areas and spectacular scenery.
Credit: Ian Kitney, Google Maps
Location: Knysna
26. Dune Adventures
4.8 (5 reviews)
One of the more exciting things to do in Knysna includes the Knysna Dune Adventures. There are kayaking trips on the Knysna River and sandboarding tours in Brenton-on-Sea. This includes equipment hire and a guide.
Location: Streetate President C R Swart Road Brenton on Sea
Tel: 72-474-0210
Web Address: http://duneadventures.co.za/
25. Jandreart Studio
5.0 (7 reviews)
The Jandreart Studio is world renowned as the artist won a prestigious award in Switzerland and has galleries all over the world. The gallery in Knysna features rotating exhibits and art for sale. It is the most popular Knysna fine art gallery.
Location: TH2 Thesen Harbour, Long Street, Knysna
Tel: 78-610-5104
Web Address: http://jandreart.com/
24. St. George’s Anglican Church
4.6 (22 reviews)
Not to be confused with the church in Johannesburg, this iconic little church building is an integral part of the local history.
Credit: Simon Harriyott, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 10 Main Road Knysna
Tel: 44-382-4889
23. Scootours Knysna
4.8 (25 reviews)
This is one of the most unique things to do in Knysna and will take you on a scooter tour through the woodlands. A minibus will take you up on a hill from where you will scoot down through the wilderness and get to see all the natural flora and fauna.
Location: Shop 24B Thesen Island Cafe And Shop Thesen Harbour Town Thesen Island Knysna
Tel: 79-148-3751
Web Address: http://scootours.co.za/
22. Terblans Nature Walk
4.7 (36 reviews)
This is a 6.5 km circular hike. It is of moderate difficulty and is completely gorgeous. Since the trail starts at a picnic area and then loops back to the same picnic area it can be a great way to spend the afternoon. Take a relaxing walk through the Knysna forest.
Credit: Frikkie Calitz, Google Maps
Location: Gouna Road Knysna
21. Millwood House Museum
3.8 (41 reviews)
The Millwood House Museum protects the more recent local history of the Knysna region and the Garden Route as a whole. The name of this museum comes from the original Millwood mining village that used to stand in Knysna’s place in the earliest mining days of Southern Africa. When Millwood village closed down, the building was actually taken apart and rebuilt in Knysna proper.
Location: Queen Street Knysna
Tel: 44-302-6320
Web Address: http://knysna.gov.za/resident-services/community-services/museums/
20. Le Spa Tranquille
4.7 (42 reviews)
Who doesn’t love a day at the spa? Sporting various skin treatments along with traditional treatment options like a spa bath and sauna. They have a long history and excellent reputation in the area and is a great way to relax and unwind when you next visit Knysna.
Credit: Ralph Banks, Google Maps
Location: Unit 1A The Boatshed Thesen Harbour Town Long St Knysna
Tel: 44-302-5727
Web Address: http://lespa.co.za/
19. Old Gaol
3.9 (51 reviews)
The Goal was originally built as an official government building, and for a long time was the only of its kind in Knysna. Needless to say, it is an iconic building and an essential part of local history. Today it is a museum and gallery where people can learn about the history of the greater Knysna area.
Credit: Keutloile, Google Maps
Location: 7 Main Road Knysna Central Knysna
Tel: 44-302-6320
Web Address: http://knysna.gov.za/resident-services/community-services/museums/
18. Knysna Fine Art
4.6 (80 reviews)
When it comes to art galleries in the Knsyna area the Knysna Fine Art is absolutely at the top of the list. Exhibitions update regularly as art is sold and new artists come in.
Location: 6 Long Street Knysna Central Knysna
Tel: 44-382-5107
Web Address: http://finearts.co.za/
17. King Edward VII Big Tree – Diepwalle Forest Station
4.4 (162 reviews)
There are few things in the world as truly breathtaking as the Knysna woods. The King Edward VII Big Tree is an Outeniqua Yellowwood, the largest known tree in the country and the largest of its kind in the world. It is surrounded by beautiful indigenous forest and can be accessed via a short walk across a wooden walkway. Entrance to this area is completely free.
Credit: Rhyno Kriek, Google Maps
Location: Knysna
Tel: 44-382-2095
Web Address: https://gardenrouteadventureguide.com/king-edward-vii-picnic-site.html
16. The Knysna Gin Distillery & Brewery & Cocktail bar
4.9 (164 reviews)
This distillery combines the aroma of coastal fynbos and local botanicals with expertly brewed gin. They have a standard selection of brews, but also some seasonal releases like honey or wild plum. Additionally, the site has a functional cocktail bar. The popularity of this cocktail bar is growing and it is quickly becoming the place to be on a Saturday night.
Credit: The Knysna Gin Distillery & Brewery & Cocktailbar, Google Maps
Location: 5 Uil Street Knysna Industrial Knysna
Tel: 81-722-2715
Web Address: http://knysna-gin.com/
15. Brenton-On-Sea Beach
4.6 (167 reviews)
Of all the things to do in Knysna, the beaches are absolutely one of the best things. Brenton-on-Sea is a particularly gorgeous beach on the Knysna lagoon. This beach is on the quieter side of Knysna, but can become quite popular during tourist seasons. The beach is great for swimming and hiking.
14. Coney Glen Beach Knysna
4.7 (175 reviews)
Coney Glen Beach is down below the Knysna Heads and is less popular but no less beautiful than the heads themselves. This rocky beach is not great for swimming due to the rocks, but there is a gorgeous walk around the area. Since Knysna proper is an estuary, this glen marks the spot where the ocean and Knysna Lagoon meet and become one.
Credit: Daniel Smit, Google Maps
Location: 2 View Point The Heads Knysna
13. Steenbok Nature Reserve
4.6 (213 reviews)
The Knysna area is packed full of beautiful natural scenery and the Steenbok Nature Reserve is no exception. Like many other reserves in Knysna, this reserve involves both marine areas and land. Some of the abundant marine life of Knysna can be seen here and is also an abundance of coastal flora to enjoy on your visit.
Credit: slack12, License, Flickr
Location: 151 Links Dr Leisure Island Knysna
Web Address: http://steenboknaturereserve.org.za/
12. The Friday Market
4.4 (237 reviews)
There are several exciting and great markets along the garden route, and this is definitely a must. The family atmosphere of this market stands out and it is a fantastic way to spend some time with your family. You can expect arts and crafts here and some really great food.
Credit: mallix, License, Flickr
Location: Welbedacht Ln Knysna
Tel: 44-382-5316
11. Bollards Bay Beach
4.6 (268 reviews)
Bollards Bay Beach is a great beach to visit if you have kids. It is safe for swimming and the mostly shallow water is ideal to splash around in. Sailing and canoeing are popular at high tide.
Credit: Ashleigh-Rose Wiggett, Google Maps
Location: 97 Bayswater Road Leisure Island Knysna
10. Featherbed Co
4.4 (293 reviews)
You cannot make a list of things to do in Knysna without mentioning Featherbed Co and the Featherbed Nature Reserve. The views of the entire Knysna estuary are extremely beautiful from Featherbed. There are several spots where fresh water is flowing into the Knysna Lagoon from the Outeniqua Mountains. Within the lagoon this fresh water meets up with the Indian Ocean and paints gorgeous colors into the water. The short private hiking trail on the island is a beautiful walk with breathtaking views. A visit to Featherbed Nature Reserve will include a ferry trip to the island where the fun will really begin.
Credit: Youssouf Bedraoui Drissi, Google Maps
Location: Rememberance Drive off Waterfront Drive Knysna Central Knysna
Tel: 44-382-1693
Web Address: http://knysnafeatherbed.com/
9. SANP Garden Of Eden
4.4 (388 reviews)
The Eden trail is beautiful, serene, and suitable to everyone. No fitness or skill is required for this walk through the indigenous forests that are plentiful in this area. There are picnic areas along the way, but fires are not allowed in the area.
Credit: Miné Lubbe, Google Maps
Location: Greater Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 44-532-7793
8. The Motorcycle Room
4.6 (438 reviews)
The Motorcycle Room is a collection of historic motorcycles. These bikes are a personal collection and each one has its own story and history. Some of them are originals and others are rebuilds.
Credit: The Motorcycle Room, Google Maps
Location: Top Floor The Parking Shed Thesen Harbour Town Long Street Knysna
Tel: 79-497-4723
Web Address: http://themotorcycleroom.co.za/
7. Knysna Heads
4.8 (474 reviews)
The Knysna Heads are probably one of the most iconic things to do in Knysna and offers quite a unique experience. The views are just beautiful and you can clearly see where the Indian Ocean mixes with the fresh water flowing into the Knysna lagoon through the rivers. These massive sandstone cliffs reach up out of the water and frame the coast.
Credit: Ornit Sagy, Google Maps
Location: 22 Glen View Road The Heads Knysna
Our Top picks
6. Leisure Island
4.8 (36 reviews)
Leisure Isle is a part of Knysna where many visitors go just to relax quietly. Most sides of the isle are framed by water where one is framed by hills. Most of the management of this area is done by residents of Leisure Isle who want to protect it both for visitors and in terms of the nature it is known for. The absolute core of the appeal of Leisure Isle is its quiet and laid-back feeling.
Credit: Konstantin’s Europe and more, License, Flickr
5. Pledge Nature Reserve
4.3 (112 reviews)
The Pledge Nature Reserve in Knysna is a highly successful restoration area that started off being a beautiful natural habitat, which was then sullied by industry, and has now been restored to its previous natural splendor. There are hiking trails leading through the surrounding forest and pools. Bird watching is extremely popular here as well.
Credit: Marie Pollett, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Knysna 6570 Garden Route
Tel: 44-382-3712
Web Address: http://pledgenaturereserve.org/
4. Margaret´s Viewpoint
4.6 (137 reviews)
This viewpoint is halfway between Brenton Beach and Knysna and offers fantastic views of the Knysna lagoon and even the famous Knysna heads in the distance. Knysna is home to truly spectacular stunning coastal views and stunning beaches and this viewpoint gives visitors a good idea of what to expect from Knysna as a whole. It is the best place in the area to watch the sun rise or set.
Credit: Karin Green, Google Maps
Location: Knysna Central Knysna
3. Knysna Waterfront
4.4 (1,427 reviews)
If you are looking for more urban things to do in Knysna then the Knysna Waterfront will not disappoint. In winter the Knysna Oyster Festival is held nearby, but the Knysna quays serve famous Knysna oysters year-round. Book a lagoon cruise and other outdoor activities here. The scenic cruise and hike on Featherbed can be booked here as well. Have dinner on a double-decker floating restaurant while eating oysters and watching the sunset. There are many different shops and restaurants to enjoy here as well and everything is practically right on the water. You can plan your whole Knysna itinerary including boat tours from the waterfront.
Credit: South African Tourism, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 21 Waterfront Dr Knysna Central Knysna
Tel: 44-382-0955
Web Address: http://waterfrontknysna.com/
2. Knysna Elephant Park
4.7 (3,180 reviews)
Along the Garden Route there are a great many national parks and hiking trails to enjoy along the way, and the Knysna Elephant Park is high on our list of favorites. Being so close to a very popular holiday destination means that it can be quite busy during peak times, but it remains one of the coolest things to do in Knysna. There are some mountain biking trails in the park and you can get a glimpse of all the birds native to the area inside the park. Take part in some truly amazing outdoor adventures and catch a glimpse of the area’s endangered Blue Butterflies in the spring.
Credit: License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Just off the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
Tel: 44-532-7732
Web Address: http://knysnaelephantpark.co.za/
1. Garden Route National Park
4.6 (5,716 reviews)
The Garden Route National Park is quite a large park along the Garden Route that encompasses more than just Knysna. Although officially the Garden Route starts at Storms Riven and ends in Mossel Bay, everything between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town can be seen as part of the Garden Route (along the coast), and this particular park includes Knysna, Nature’s Valley, Tsitsikamma, and Wilderness.
Credit: Paul venter, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: South Africa
Tel: 44-877-0046
Web Address: http://sanparks.org/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Knysna, South Africa! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!
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