About Knysna
About Knysna
Knysna is one of South Africa’s favourite towns and premier tourist destinations on the beautiful ‘Garden Route’ of the Western Cape.
From leisurely relaxation to high energy adventure, from sporting activities to shopping, from cappuccino to haute cuisine, from the famous Knysna oyster to the taste of locally-brewed beer, Knysna reflects the finer things in life, a synthesis of discerning sophistication and nature’s abundance.
Within its idyllic natural setting the small picturesque town of Knysna emerges as a vibrant mini-metropolis, offering a kaleidoscope of unforgettable experiences.
Looking into Knysna through the Knysna Heads
Alive and pulsing, the buzz of international trends in Knysna mixes with the beat of Africa to create an unmistakable sense of wonder. From upmarket waterfront shops to grassroots community living, Knysna offers the best of South Africa’s varied cultures.
Incorporating Knysna, Sedgefield, Buffalo Bay, Brenton, Belvidere, Noetzie, Rheenendal and Karatara, the Greater Knysna Area offers up arguably the biggest variation of culture, scenery and activity of any area in South Africa of comparable size.
Activities and Attractions in Knysna are plentiful. There is a yacht marina, and the area lends itself to outdoors activities, from yachting on the lagoon or out on the Ocean through the famous Knysna Heads, to powerboating to many land-based activities in the Knysna area and along the Garden Route in the Plettenberg Bay (Bitou) area.
Knysna is a Festival Town, hosting the Pink Loerie over the Easter Holidays and the Oyster Festival in July.
The Knysna area is also renowned for some of South Africa’s finest Golf courses and Golf Estates.
Knysna is a vibrant little town, with fantastic restaurants, many very up-market, plenty to do, and some of best accommodation you will find in South Africa, with many fine 5 star guest houses and boutique hotels. Self-catering apartments on the waterfront are superb – and not only because they come with their own private ‘quay’. Knysna is also a ‘young town’ however, so inexpensive acommodation abounds. There are backpackers, camping sites and caravan parks, and all, high-end and budget, become filled to the brim during the Festival months and over the holiday periods – which are all year round depending on where you hail from, since the weather is generally mild throughout the year.
Knysna Weather
Temperature:
Summer (daytime average) 25°C
Winter (daytime average) 16°C
Rainfall:
Rainfall in the area is infrequent, and often doesn’t last more than a few hours. Knysna also has more than 280 sunny days per year!
See our detailed 3 day weather forecast for Knysna, courtesy of Wind Guru for Knysna
Getting to Knysna
Where is Knysna? Knysna is situated on the Western Cape Coast of South Africa, on the N2 between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Knysna’s nearest neighbours are the town of George and Plettenberg Bay.
Getting to Knysna by air:
George Airport (70km): Domestic, scheduled & non-scheduled flights. 044 876 9310.
Port Elizabeth Airport (280km): Domestic, scheduled & non-scheduled. 041 507 7379.
Cape Town International (500km): Domestic & International, scheduled & non-scheduled. 021 937 1200.
Getting to Knysna by road:
Knysna lies 500km east of Cape Town and 280km west of Port Elizabeth.
Getting to Knysna by bus: Intercity coach companies offer daily services to the Garden Route from all major cities in South Africa.
