For decades Knysna has been a Garden Route favourite for South Africans and foreigners alike – all keen to soak up the leisure. On a recent trip, I set out to enjoy all this charming seaside town has to offer from soaking up its unparalleled views to exploring quaint shops and more.
What to Do
Of Forests and Fables
From hair-raising tales of the early pioneers, rumours of forest elephants, the story of the Italian silk-spinners, and the mythical yeti-like Otong creatures – the Knysna forests abound with fables. Experience the magic yourself and spend some time in the forests which are a veritable playground for walkers, hikers, and trail runners.
The Perdekop Hiking Trail is a local favourite. This 9.5km circular route boats pristine forest meanders and a waterfall. Access is from the Harkerville Forestry Station and the permit costs R40. Using the same permit you can also access ‘The Garden of Eden’: two boardwalk loops of about 500m or one big loop of about 1km, accessible directly from the N2.
Craft is King
Knysna is rich in artisans who are only too willing to share their crafts. The first stop is 5 Noble Street in the Industrial quarter. Whitewashed serves one of the best coffees and carrot cake in town, Barker & Mill produces enticing handmade leather goods, and Design Wise will have you rethinking your home with their range of bespoke furniture.
In the same square, factor in an hour for a tasting at The Redbridge Brewing Co., Brother and sister duo Karel & Chantal Bruwer is behind Kynsna’s favourite brewery, and besides a line-up of quality brews, I was intrigued with their non-alcoholic Golden Ale – a first in South Africa.
The nearby Knysna Gin team also produce an inviting collection of flavoured gins ranging from a blueberry gin and a honey-infused gin, also including a non-alcoholic gin – an impressive addition to their range of spirits available for tastings a 2-minute drive away.
Adrenaline Junkie
For the adrenaline-addicted Knysna offers exciting activities suited to the whole family. One of Knysna’s newest thrills comes through hurtling across the dramatic surrounding landscapes with Knysna Ziplines. Four cables crisscross the valley at heights of up to 200m. The 2-hour activity is eight kilometres outside of Knysna in the Harkerville Forest.
Knysna Scootours offers an exhilarating downhill experience – gliding down a forest single track on one of their Monster Mountain Scooters. Tours begin at Sirocco Restaurant and run three times a day.
Of course, what would a visit to Knysna be without getting out on the ocean? Few experiences inspire the same awe as majestic marine wildlife encounters up-close and in their natural habitat. The daily Marine Eco-Tours are 90-minute ocean excursions and great for families or large groups.
Please include a big image of the Knysna Heads viewpoints
Where to Dine
With unparalleled views of the Knysna Heads, the East Head Café is a local favourite. Be sure to try their famous fish and chips, gourmet burgers, and the chocolate mousse cake is most definitely worth the calorie intake. I’d advise you to arrive early to get a table with a prime view. The café is open Tues – Sun for breakfast and lunch, 8am – 3pm.
The Island Café is excited to have Greg Coleman as the brand-new chef at the head of the kitchen and promises fresh and interesting fare – combined with the opportunity for outside guests a peep into the quirky Turbine Hotel where the eatery is located. Open daily from 7am – 8pm.
Ile de Païn Café is a buzzing café-style restaurant with its very own onsite bakery. Think flatbreads and toasties (on the most delicious homemade breads), salads, burgers and bowls. Make sure to leave space for their patisseries and desserts. Open Tues – Sat for breakfast and lunch, 8am – 3pm.
Where to Stay
The Turbine Hotel
This five-star hotel on Thesen Island may just offer the town’s most stylish rooms – but with a twist. In the 1920s the Island was a timber processing plant and until 2001 The Turbine provided the power. Fast forward a few years and The Turbine got a new lease of life when owners Geoff Engel and Dandre Lerm, refurbished her as a luxury hotel. Perched above the water, the elevated rooms look down the Knysna canals offering a unique stay. Be prepared to be dazzled by the eclectic interiors that combine original power station elements with modern touches for an elegant reimagining of its electric past.
Amanzi Island Lodge
From one island to another… Leisure Isle is the smaller of the inhabited islands on the Knysna lagoon and occupying a prime piece of waterfront land sits Amanzi Island Lodge. This 15-roomed luxury accommodation has both views of and access to the lagoon directly in front of the lodge. The rooms and common spaces are generously spaced out, along with a garden and pool. At night the decks are adorned with strings of fairy lights that can’t help add to the enchanting allure of this island lodge. Be sure to take one of their complimentary bicycles on the gentle and scenic 5.5km ride around the island. If you can, book the Kingfisher Suite – their premier room offering with its own infinity pool.
Knysna Oyster Festival
2021 will mark the 38th annual Knysna Oyster Festival – the biggest programme of its nature on the Garden Route. From the 9-18th July you can delight in the area’s oysters, and then a host of activities including wine and whisky tastings, cooking competitions, food and wine pairings, live music, and a children’s programme.