Things To Do in Knysna

Explore one of two nature reserves situated in the area including the Garden Route National Park or the Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area, situated between Sedgefield and Knysna.

Established in 1994, the Knysna Elephant Park has cared for more than 40 orphaned African elephants. Visitors who are concerned about responsible tourism can enjoy a close encounter with these majestic creatures at a sanctuary that is nationally and internationally recognised as one of the best captive elephant facilities in the world.

A Knysna Heads Adventure is the perfect way to explore local wildlife. The tour departs from Thesen Harbour Marina and crosses the Knysna estuary where your guide will point out marine birdlife including the Cory Shearwater and the Yellow-nosed albatross, as well as Cape Fur Seals, Cape Clawless Otters and a variety of shark species.

The Humpback and Southern Right whales visit the coastline during the months of May to September to breed in the calm, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and present a spectacular theatre of breaching, rolling, playing with calves and just generally lolling about.  Take a boat trip out to sea with Ocean Odyssey to see these beautiful giants of the ocean.

For those with their own boats, jetty rentals at Belvidere can be arranged and vessels must conform to SANParks regulations.

Explore more wildlife experiences here.

The average water temperature around Knysna is 18°C (65°F) throughout the year offering a lovely cool haven after an hour or two of sunbathing and sand-castle building. Choose from Brenton-on-Sea, / Buffalo Bay, the most popular long stretch of beach in the area or Bollards Bay  (not Green Hole!!) at Leisure Isle which is an especially family-friendly location.

Other famed beaches in the area include Noetzie, Goukamma, Coney Glen and Gericke’s Point.

Hikers and walkers are spoiled for choice with a range of day hikes or multi-day hiking routes available through a variety of terrains. We are a short 70 min drive from the Storms River Mouth which is the start of the popular Otter Trail. MTB enthusiasts can enjoy the Homtini, Farleigh and Diepwalle mountain bike routes, or join with a local on one of their many morning rides.  (Knysna Cycle Works)

Adrenaline junkies won’t want to miss the Knysna Zipline! Long cables crisscross the Kranshoek Sanparks picnic site at heights of +- 200 meters.

Don’t forget to pack your golf clubs! Tee off at Simola, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course or the award-winning Pezula Championship Course. Two other choices include the Knysna Golf Club where the course features many tidal pools and inlets or take a short drive to the Plettenberg Bay Golf Club, set in a private nature reserve.  Belvidere Manor offers preferred rates for Pezula, Simola and Knysna courses, and games can be booked prior to guests’ arrival to ensure their tee-off times!