Few Days until the Best 10 Days of Winter
The annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is one of South Africa’s most popular festivals, with huge appeal for sports lovers, families, foodies and those in search of the best 10 days of their winter and it will go ahead this year despite the fires say organisers.
In fact it will bring employment and hope to the fire-ravaged town.
Sporting events
The Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour (Saturday, July 8 for the MTB and Sunday, July 9 for road race events and the Forest Family Dam Ride) and the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon (Saturday, July 15) are always big drawcards for sporting enthusiasts, and this year will be no different.
The Big5 Challenge (July 8 to 15) will be switching things up this year with a new MTB X race added to the list, which is sure to have spectators on the edge of their seats as the elite and amateur athletes fight it out over the five courses.
Pezula hosts the Europcar Knysna Classic (Friday, July 14) golf tournament, which is always a popular event, book your four-ball now to secure your spot.
For the less athletically inclined there is the Oyster Rapid Chess Tournament (July 8) and the Knysna Oyster Festival Motorsport Gymkhana (also July 8).
Food offerings
The popular Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday is back (Wednesday, July 12) Top-notch restaurants will showcase their best seafood dishes, and once the sun starts to sink towards the horizon, the Pick n Pay Sassi Fish Braai, Oyster Shucking and Eating Competitions, and the Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna all get under way. Make sure you don’t miss the heated battle for the Best Fish Braaier in Knysna – the competition is hot.
Local establishments have a variety of specials on for the duration of the festival, so come hungry and enjoy the large variety of sumptuous food on offer.
For the kids
If your kid is the active type then why not enter them in the Big5 Junior Challenge (July 8 to 15), the Simola Little Phantom Kids Adventure Run (July 8), or the Spur Rotary Knysna Children’s Cycle Tour (July 9).
The Fun Fair is open for the duration of the festival and offers thrills for young and hold. The festival grounds also have several inflatable fun activities and games taking place throughout the period.
The Momentum Health Kiddies Area is a fun, secure play area tailored especially for the littlies. The area is supervised by qualified child minders and offers loads of awesome age-appropriate activities to keep the kids entertained and busy. The fun includes face painting, arts and crafts, jumping castles and loads more. Open to kids from two to 12, there is no charge, but children must be checked in by their parents/guardians.
To let moms and dads enjoy the festival in the evenings, the Kiddies Area will be open until late on some nights: until 21:00 on July 10 and 11, and until 22:00 on July 12 and 13.
Tourist attractions
Take a tour through the Knysna Heads: guided by expert sailors this is an adventure you don’t want to miss, with the swirling waters below you and majestic Knysna Heads around you, it’s a sight to behold.
Knysna also provides great opportunities to explore the area via the beautiful cycling and hiking trails.
For a different experience get down to Thesens Wharf and explore an SA Navy ship, which is open for tours between 10:00 and 17:00 each day.
Featherbed Nature Reserve is situated on the Western Head and offers guided tours and a buffet lunch. The best way to access the reserve is by taking the ferry, making this a wonderful family outing.
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