Knysna walking tour & city guide
A lagoon town on the Garden Route.
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Knysna, on the Garden Route, sits on a large lagoon guarded by two sandstone cliffs called the Heads. Forests, beaches and oysters make it one of South Africa's favorite holiday towns.
The lagoon
The Knysna Waterfront has shops and restaurants by the water. Viewpoints at the Heads overlook the narrow entrance where the lagoon meets the ocean. Boat cruises explore the lagoon.
The Garden Route
Ancient forests surround the town, and nearby Plettenberg Bay and the Tsitsikamma park offer beaches, hikes and bungee jumping.
A day in Knysna
Drive up to the viewpoint on the Eastern Head for the classic view of the Knysna Heads, two massive sandstone cliffs that guard the narrow entrance to the lagoon. Below, waves crash where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. Then walk around the Waterfront and Thesen Island, where restaurants serve local oysters.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on the lagoon, or head into the Knysna Forest, the largest indigenous forest in South Africa, where trails lead past giant yellowwood trees. The forest is home to the elusive Knysna turaco, a green bird with red wings.
Good to know
Knysna is about halfway along the Garden Route, roughly six hours from Cape Town. The Knysna Oyster Festival in July is the town's big event, with food, sports and music.
Nearby, Plettenberg Bay has beautiful beaches, and the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park offers a suspension bridge over a river mouth and the world's highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge.
Top sights in Knysna
- 1
Knysna Heads
Sandstone cliffs at the lagoon mouth.
- 2
Knysna Waterfront
Shops and restaurants.
- 3
Featherbed Nature Reserve
A reserve on the Western Head.
- 4
Knysna Forest
Ancient indigenous forest.
- 5
Brenton-on-Sea
A beach nearby.
Food markets & where to eat in Knysna
Knysna Waterfront
Seafood by the lagoon.
Thesen Island
Restaurants on an island.
Main Street
Cafés and bakeries.
Food to try in Knysna
Knysna oysters
Famous local oysters.
Craft beer
From local breweries.
Bobotie
A spiced mince bake.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Knysna
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in KnysnaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Knysna.
- eSIM for South AfricaStay online from the moment you land.
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