Knysna Information

Discover Knysna: your gateway to the Garden Route

A Natural Wonderland

Knysna is truly a Garden of Eden. Encounter the legendary Knysna elephants, spot the elusive Knysna seahorse, and marvel at the vibrant Knysna loerie. Nature lovers will delight in the region’s rich biodiversity, which includes:

The rare Brenton Blue Butterfly
The charming Knysna dwarf chameleon
Dolphins and whales along the coast
A spectacular variety of waterfowl and forest birds
Coastal oysters – both wild and cultivated

Art, Culture & Creativity

Inspired by its natural beauty and cosmopolitan spirit, Knysna is a thriving hub for artists and craftspeople. Discover the region’s creative pulse in local galleries, where you’ll find paintings, ceramics, and mosaics, unique sculptures and metalwork and handcrafted treasures by both local and international artists

Explore & Experience

Knysna invites you to fill your days with discovery:

Stroll through museums, art galleries, boutiques, and shopping malls
Visit the vibrant Knysna Waterfront for fine wines, fresh seafood, and local curios
Relax on the quayside and watch the boats sway with the tide

Adventure Awaits

For the adventurous, Knysna and its surroundings offer endless activities:

Scenic hiking and mountain biking trails
Sailing tours and cultural excursions
Game safaris, Monkeyland, and Birds of Eden
Featherbed Nature Reserve excursions
Whale and dolphin watching
Elephant Park and Ostrich Show Farm
Day trips to the iconic Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn
Beautiful beaches in Knysna and nearby Plettenberg Bay

Endless Possibilities

From sun-soaked relaxation to thrilling outdoor adventures, Knysna is a destination where every day brings something new to discover.

Come and experience the magic of Knysna – the heart of the Garden Route.

Gastronomy in Knysna

Knysna offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, from hearty South African home-style cooking in cozy pubs to exquisite six-course dinners at elegant gourmet restaurants set in beautiful surroundings. The warm hospitality of local restaurant owners and their staff, paired with a wide array of culinary delights, ensures that every guest’s wishes are fulfilled.

A Taste of South Africa

South Africans are passionate about meat: enjoy juicy steaks, tender chicken, ostrich, or the famous boerewors – a flavorful, spicy sausage made from beef and lamb. No traditional braai (barbecue) is complete without peri-peri chili sauce, baked sweet potatoes, pumpkin slices, and a variety of squashes and butternuts.

Knysna is especially renowned for its world-class oysters, but the seafood doesn’t stop there. Fresh marine fish, calamari, and other seafood dishes are equally delicious and widely available.

Experience local favorites such as Bobotie – a savory casserole of spiced minced meat topped with an egg layer and seasoned with Cape Malay curry. Don’t miss out on biltong, a traditional dried meat snack once enjoyed by the Voortrekkers and now available in convenient slices or whole pieces.

For Beer, Liqueur, and Wine Lovers

Beer enthusiasts will appreciate a chilled Windhoek lager from Namibia, while those with a taste for liqueur can savor Amarula, a unique South African specialty made from the fruit of the marula tree.

Wine lovers are in for a treat. South Africa boasts a fantastic selection of wines, and Knysna’s neighboring town, Plettenberg Bay, is home to the country’s smallest wine-growing region. Covering just 58 hectares of the nation’s 100,000 hectares under vine, this picturesque area marks the easternmost wine route in South Africa. The first vineyard, Bramon, was established in 2000, and today there are 16 thriving vineyards stretching between Harkerville and The Crags.

Here you’ll find classic South African varietals like Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, and Pinot Noir.

Knysna’s gastronomy is a feast for the senses

Come and discover the flavors that make this region truly special!