Knysna is a beautiful spot on South Africa’s Garden Route that has tons of things to do, including wineries, great restaurants, beaches, forests and wildlife reserves.
When most people think of South Africa, Cape Town or Kruger National Park easily come to mind. But one place that is definitely worth visiting is the Knysna area, situated along the Garden Route in the Western Cape, about a five hour drive east of Cape Town. Knysna (pronounced Nysner) is situated at the north end of a large lagoon formed by the Knysna River, that leads to the Indian Ocean. I’ve been here many times, due to the fact that my partner, who is South African, has family there. The city sits in a lush valley, surrounded by forested green hills, and is a good staging location to access many of the nearby attractions, including whale watching. The forests that surround Knysna once housed herds of the Knysna elephant. Within an hour to two drive, there are wineries, beaches, national parks, animal sanctuaries and forests to explore. It is also central to some of the other resort towns, such as Plettenberg Bay, Buffalo Bay and Wilderness. East of Plettenberg Bay is the Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River area, both beautiful locations for hiking, tubing, and ziplining.
Recreation
Knysna Heads – The Heads are a pair of sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna lagoon from the Indian Ocean. The eastern head is accessible by car, as you pass huge homes perched on the hillsides. The western head is part of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, and only accessible by ferry.
Leisure Isle – Leisure Isle is an island in Thesen Lagoon near the Knysna Heads, that is primarily residential. However, there is a nice beach (Bollards Bay Beach), and a number of restaurants on the island.
Robberg Nature Preserve – Robberg is a rocky peninsula and nature preserve near Plettenberg Bay that extends into the Indian Ocean. Activities including hiking around the peninsula, picnicking, whale watching, fishing and swimming.
Knoetzie Beach – This is a beautiful, uncrowded golden sand beach east of Knysna, where the Knoetzie River leads to the ocean. To reach the beach, you need to take a steep trail from the trailhead. There are two old stone castles used as private lodges adjacent to the beach. Head east from Knysna on the N2, and turn right on Hornlee Road (Intersection of R339). You’ll drive through a township area, and then a few miles on a poorly paved road to the beach. Make sure to tip the car attendants.
Brenton On Sea / Brenton Beach – Brenton-on-sea is a resort town perched high on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and the huge Buffalo Bay and Brenton Beach below, where kite flying is popular. Trails lead to the beach, and there are a number of restaurants where you can enjoy the view while eating a delicious meal. Along the drive to Brenton, stop at Margaret’s Viewpoint, overlooking Knysna and the lagoon.
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary – Located in Plettenberg Bay, the world’s first free roaming multi specie primate forested sanctuary, with 550 primates of various species. A 128 meter suspension bridge runs through the forest.
Birds of Eden – Located in Plettenberg Bay adjacent Monkeyland, is the world’s largest domed aviary spanning over a gorge. It houses over 3,500 birds from over 220 species.
Elephant Sanctuary – Located in Plettenberg Bay, offers an interactive elephant experience where guests are guided on foot through the sanctuary.
Plett Seal Adventures – Guided tours for swimming with seals near Roberg Nature Preserve in Plettenberg Bay. I had a blast even though the water is frigid, even with a wetsuit.
Thesen Island – Thesen Island is a new urbanist style development situated on a large island surrounded by salt marshes in the middle of Knysna Lagoon. It was built on a former timber mill, and now includes residences, hotels, restaurants and shops. While most of the residential area is gated, the commercial area is open to the general public, and has a marina, restaurants, hotels, galleries and shops.
Restaurants
All That Jazz – Located in downtown Knysna adjacent Food Lovers grocery store, this café serves light meals, meat pies and pastries. Waterfront and Tide Streets
Bramon Restaurant and Wine Estate – Located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. The restaurant is set in vineyards overlooking the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Fare includes meats, seafood, salads, cheeses and of course wine. The Bobotie cigars are a unique and delicious appetizer. N2, The Crags
Emily Moon – Emily Moon is a beautiful restaurant near Plettenberg Bay, that is part of a lodge that overlooks the Bietour River and surrounding valley. The moderately priced fare includes continental, seafood, Italian and South African dishes. Rietvlei Road, off N2, Plettenberg Bay
Nadine’s Corner – On Leisure Island, this restaurant has outdoor seating in a garden like atmosphere. Good breakfasts and coffee. 12 Kingsway, Leisure Island
Ile de Pain – This very good bakery and restaurant is located on Thesen Island. It serves breakfast and lunch and has outdoor seating. 10, the Boatshed, Long Street, Thesen Island
The Turbine Hotel restaurant – Part of the Turbine Hotel, the restaurant includes the Gastro Pub (with a deck overlooking the marina), and the Island Café which also serves pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner, and coffee. 36 Sawtooth Lane, Thesen Island
Butterfly Blu – In Brenton-on-sea, this restaurant is perched on a hilltop with fantastic views of the beach and Buffalo Bay. Food includes pizzas, seafood, steak, and burgers. 198 State President C R Swart Road, Brenton-on-sea