14 Things To Do in Knysna That Will Make You Want To Stay

Looking for the best things to do in Knysna? I’ve got you!

Knysna’s small-town charm and holiday vibes quickly grabbed me.

This charming South African town sits between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, which makes it a perfect compromise for those who love the beach but are also suckers for outdoor activities like hiking.

Seriously, there are so many incredible things to do in Knysna for every travel style that you could easily spend an entire week here and still not get to do everything!

Needless to say, Knysna is a must on any South Africa itinerary, so I decided to put together this guide to one of my favorite destinations in South Africa.

About this guide to the best things to do in Knysna

When it comes to the best things to do in Knysna, it’s important to plan your trip well. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

In this guide to Knysna, you’ll find:

• A list of the best things to do in Knysna to suit your travel style
• The best beaches in Knysna
• Where to stay in Knysna
• How to get to Knysna from different parts of South Africa
• Cool places and activities near Knysna
• When to visit Knysna
• Tips to make the most out of your time here

What are the Best Things to Do in Knysna?

I think my favorite thing about visiting was that there are so many things to do in Knysna for every type of traveler.

Feel like going on a hike through the forest? There are dozens of trails around.

Want to spend the day lounging by the beach and eating oysters all day? Totally doable.

Or maybe you’re into scuba diving but your travel buddy is more in the mood to go explore a few art galleries and eateries? You can do both on the same day.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the adventurous type or if you’re looking for a luxury holiday – Knysna has it all!

Best Things to Do in Knysna

1. Knysna Heads

If there’s a landmark that represents Knysna (and the Garden Route), it’s The Heads – a set of dramatic cliffs that guard the town.

Way back, The Heads were a popular resting spot for seamen but today, they’re a must-visit sight in Knysna for locals and visitors alike.

The East Head is the easiest to access and boasts a number of restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy the view.

The West Head, on the other hand, is harder to access as there are no roads leading to it, so the only way to get there is via a ferry trip on the lagoon.

For the more adventurous ones, a 4 x 4 drive up to the headland + a two-kilometer hike via Featherbed Nature Reserve.

The hike itself is beautiful, as it’ll give you the chance to walk through Knysna’s fynbos and caves.

Tip: This guided cruise takes you to secluded coves, caves, and towering sandstone cliffs that you wouldn’t see from land. You’ll learn about the local wildlife and geological wonders, such as Knysna Heads. BOOK HERE.

2. Go whale watching

Knysna’s close Humpback Whale encounters are one of the many things that make the town so famous.

From May to December, Humpback whales frolic the coast and bay of Knysna.

If you’re lucky enough to visit during the whale season, you’re in for a real treat!

Aside from Humpback whales, encounters with dolphins and Bryde’s whales are not uncommon during boat tours and cruises year-round. You can book your whale watching tour in Knysna here.

3. Visit Thesen Island

I based myself on Thesen Island during my stay in Knysna.

We stayed at the coolest hotel in Knysna – The Turbine. It was the epitome of paradise.

If you aren’t staying on the island as I did, then you should definitely visit it for lunch or to gawk at the sunset.

The island is within walking distance from Knysna’s town center, and it’s the go-to place for quirky pubs and vibrant eateries that you won’t want to miss.

Aside from that, Thesen Islands are the starting point of many water activities, such a sundowner cruises, and seahorse tours (more on that below).

Tip: Make sure you pop by Gastro Pub on Sawtooth Lane for a few drinks and snacks!

4. Find your wild in the forest of Knysna

Surrounded by patches of state forest, Knysna is the perfect place for outdoor adventures ranging from hiking to mountain biking.

An incredible hike to take is while in Knysna is The Circles in the Forest trail in Goldfield Forest.

It starts at the Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site and loops back, passing a beautiful water hole where you can swim and a waterfall.

There are two routes: a short 3.1-kilometer circle or a 9-kilometer circle – both are great options and relatively easy to complete.

5. Spend a day beach hopping

One of the best things to do in Knysna is to spend a day at the beach.

Knysna boasts some of the best beaches on the Garden Route, so spending a day beach-hopping your way through the town’s coastline is a must on your itinerary.

Here are the top five beaches to visit in Knysna:

Bollard Bay Beach: Set on Leisure Island, Bollard Bay Beach is the go-to place for families because the water is shallow and perfect for swimming.

This beach offers exceptional views of the Knysna Heads as well as lots of water of activities for every age, including kayaking and sailing.

Brenton Beach: Set on Brenton-on-Sea and close to the Knysna Western Heads, this beach is considered one of the most beautiful blue flag beaches in the area. and offers spectacular scenery and sunsets.

Brenton-on-Sea is a lovely place to go for lunch or a light snack after visiting the beach!

Sparrebosch Beach: A secluded beach for those who prefer quiet places.

You have to hike to get there – but the walk is well worth it, with a waterfall and streams along the way.

Noetzie Beach: Backdropped by a lush forest, this beach is safe for swimming, which makes it another go-to for families traveling with kids.

Activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and surfing are offered here.

The forest behind it has three incredible castles, so that’s another thing you check out while in Knysna!

Buffalo Bay Beach: Set outside of Knysna, Buffalo Bay is part of a 14-kilometer stretch of white sand shoreline and dunes.

Plus, it comes with coastal fynbos, which makes for a perfect backdrop!

6. Hop on a cruise to meet Knysna’s marine life

South Africa’s coast is home to abundant marine life, and one of the best things to do in Knysna is to take a cruise along the town’s estuary.

You’ll get to navigate through the Knysna Heads and into the Indian Ocean to encounter the most incredible marine life South Africa has living under its waves (think penguins, seals, dolphins, and Bryde whales!)

You can book your cruise here.

7. Take a free seahorse tour

One of the coolest things to do in Knysna is taking a seahorse jetty tour through the lagoon to spot and learn about the rare and endangered Cape seahorse.

These tours are totally FREE and they’re arranged by The Turbine Hotel in effort to create awareness of the critical situations these marine creatures face these days due to habitat loss.

If you’re keen to go, just head over to the Turbine’s Water Club to arrange your tour!

8. Dive to see a shipwreck

One of the most incredible things to do in Knysna for adventurers at heart is to dive to see The Paquita, a German ship that crashed the Knysna Heads on its way to Barbados in 1903.

The shipwreck is in good condition, with anchors still visible and a silhouette lit by coral. Smaller animals, like seahorses and black tail, are often spotted roaming around the ship.

Note that you shouldn’t attempt this dive on your own – the wreck sits in the mouth of a lagoon and the currents can be lethal.

There are many dive operators in the area you can arrange a tour with.

9. Go paragliding

Not in Knysna, exactly, but a short drive to Sedgefield to go paragliding is an absolute must on any Knysna itinerary.

I’d never gone paragliding before, and I’m pretty sure I developed a fear of heights while doing so.

Still, though, it had been on my bucket list for ages and I’m so glad I gave it a go!

Sedgefield is one of the best places to go paragliding along the Garden Route thanks to its weather conditions, and even though flights last somewhere around 10 minutes, the activity feels way longer thanks to the adrenaline.

After paragliding in Sedgefield, another awesome thing to do is explore the town itself.

If you’re looking to spend more time in smaller seaside towns along the Garden Route, you could also drive to the nearby Wilderness, another paradise for nature lovers that boasts lakes, beaches, lagoons, and mountains as far as the eye can see.

Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing for great prices and coverage abroad. It starts at only $45 USD per month and will have you covered with everything you may need during your trip! Check them out here.

10. Try Knysna’s famous oysters

Knysna has its very own foodie scene, and seafood here is king.

Oysters, especially, are an important aspect of Knysna’s culinary experience, and heading over to give them a try at any of the many restaurants on the Knysna Quays harbor is a must.

Another fun thing to do in Knysna if you love eating is to hope on a lagoon cruise to explore the town on a boat while sampling oysters and wine.

You can book your cruise here.

Tip: An incredible activity in Knysna, if you’re visiting during the winter, is to visit the annual Oyster Festival, where you’ll be able to taste some of the best gourmet offerings South Africa has to offer. The festival also hosts over a hundred lifestyle and sports events over ten days.

11. Explore Knysna Township

Knysna Township is home to a diverse community of people, including members of the Ama Xhosa tribe, who have lived in the area for generations.

This immersive half-day tour is a wonderful way to experience the vibrant culture and history of Knysna Township.

You’ll meet members of the Ama Xhosa tribe to learn about their culture, traditions, customs, language, and dress.

This off-the-beaten-path experience provides a unique opportunity to explore languages and cultures you may not encounter on your own. BOOK HERE.

12. Go on a Knysna Scootour

Looking for a fun and fast way to explore Knysna?

This unique tour takes you on a thrilling scooter ride through the heart of Knysna’s forest, offering a fresh perspective on the beauty of the Garden Route National Park.

Look out for wildlife, such as wild boars, as you discover the indigenous forest without getting lost – a guide leads the way. BOOK HERE.

13. Explore the Lagoon on a Wooden Vessel

Exploring the lagoon is one of the best things to do in Knysna.

Even though the most popular way to do it is on a cruise, there’s a really fun alternative if you enjoy doing things a little differently.

Magic Lagoon Charters provides a classic cruising experience on the Knysna Lagoon with vintage wooden boats.

Departing from Thesen Island in Knysna, they offer round trips to the Knysna Heads with food and drinks are available on board a 102-year-old vessel. BOOK HERE.

14. Visit the Knysna Friday Market

The Knysna Montessori Friday Market is a super cool event you can join in every Friday!

The market is known for its craft stalls, live music, incredible food, and great mixology.

It has become a popular dinner market, with a designated children’s play area, making it one of the best (and super local) things to do in Knysna on Friday evenings.

Where to Stay in Knysna

There is no shortage of accommodation options on Knysna – from guesthouses to bed & breakfast, Airbnbs, and hostels.

I highly recommend staying on Thesen Islands to make the most out of your time in Knysna as the island is the starting off point of many activities and the overall vibe of the place is what made me fall so hard for Knysna.

I stayed at The Turbine Hotel on Thesen Islands and two months after checkout, I still can’t stop gushing about it!

It used to be an old power station and all the old machinery has been restored into a colorful confluence of funky décor.

It’s quirky, it’s colorful, and it has an amazing pool overlooking the lagoon.

Moreover, the Turbine Waterclub is the place to book some of the best things to do in Knysna – from lagoon cruises, to whale watching tours, kayak hires, and more.

Make sure not to miss their free seahorse excursions.

They’re one of the hotel’s initiatives to create awareness of the need to protect the seahorses that call the Knysna lagoon their home.

Best Time to Visit Knysna

In general, Knysna experiences pretty nice temperatures year-round.

As a rule, I’d say choosing when to visit should be based on the activities you want to do while in Knysna.

Spring (August to mid-October) and summer (mid-October to mid-February) are the best time to visit weather-wise.

Autumn (Mid-February to April) also see great weather, with the added fact that you’ll be able to attend the Pink Lorie Mardi Gras festival as well as do some serious birdwatching, which is one of the most fascinating things to do in Knysna if you love wildlife!

Winters (May to September) can get pretty chilly, BUT if whale watching is on your bucket list, this is the only time of the year when you’ll be able to take a cruise to see these gentle marine giants.

Moreover, winters are host to Knysna Oyster Festival, which is definitely the most interesting thing to do in Knysna if you’re an avid foodie!

How To Get To Knysna

By car: We flew to George, the nearest airport and rented a car from Around About Cars.

The town is well connected by road, so driving here was a total breeze and an absolute pleasure – the highway views were unbeatable!

I’m not usually a road trip kind of gal, as I usually tend to prefer taking public transport to really experience the everyday life of a place.

However, South Africa is a place that you’ll enjoy a ton more if you rent a car and drive, as many destinations like game reserves can be inaccessible by bus or train.

Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus: If you’re not too keen or driving but still want the comfort of not having to sit inside a cramped bus for hours while traveling the Garden Route, then a Hop-on-Hop Bus service might be the way to go for you.

By Bus: Knysna is well-connected to all major towns in South Africa. Bus lines like Intercape and Greyhound serve the area, so if you’re traveling on a budget, a bus is always an option!

Tips to visit Knysna

Don’t be me and try telling a South African that you’re traveling to K-nisna, because they’ll laugh at you.

The proper pronunciation is “Nain-sna”.

The name is believed to come from a Khoi word that means straight down or hard to reach. It likely refers to the steepness of the Knysna Heads.

A more common story you’ll hear, though, is that the name comes from a joke made by two German tourists once they reached the lookout point of the Knysna Heads, when one said to the other “nice, na?”.

Tap water in Knysna is totally safe to drink, as it is all over South Africa.

Even though Knysna is a famous beach town, it can get chilly during the winter, spring, and autumn, so make sure you pack a jacket.

The best way to get around Knysna is on foot or on a bicycle, and you can rent one easily while in town.

Our hotel, The Turbine, offered free bicycles to use. Another fun thing to do to get around and see things from a different perspective is by kayaking through the canals!

Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip to South Africa! This guide to the best things to do in Knysna includes a whole lot of activities in nature.

You don’t want to end up in debt if anything were to happen during your trip. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip, I highly recommend Safety Wing.

Cool places and things to do near Knysna

If you’re traveling South Africa’s Garden Route, another great stop you must do after Knysna is a visit to the nearby Plettenberg Bay or drive further afield to explore the wine farms in Stellenbosch.

Disclaimer: This post was written in collaboration with The Turbine Hotel. However, all opinions are my own.