Tourist Places to Visit in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa

Knysna is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, situated around 480 km east of the city of Cape Town. Knysna is a paradise for tourists, blessed with opulence greenery, healthy climate and many winsome natural attractions, including beaches. Its world class golf courses, including Simola Golf Course and many renowned annual events, including Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, have uplifted Knysna a year round tourist destination.

Knysna is located between 34°02′08″ S latitude and 23°02′56″ E longitude, covering an area of 108.77 sq. km. Knysna features a temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters.

History of Knysna:

Khoikhoi were the indigenous people of Knysna. Knysna was first visited by European explorers in 1760 and it is believed that, the first European settler of Knysna was Stephanus Terblans, who involved himself in establishing a farm in the area. Though, it is considered as, the founder of Knysna was George Rex, who gained the right of granting a substantial amount of loan to construct farms in Knysna, during the colonial period.

Getting Knysna:

The George Airport is the closest airport to Knysna, situated around 70 km west of the centre of Knysna. The airport operates flights from/to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

George is well connected by bus to all the important southern cities of the country, including Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. Minibuses and rental bicycles are the options to get around Knysna.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Knysna:

Knysna is a town with dozens of festivals and the most famous being Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival. Shops are plenty in Knysna, concentrated on Main St. and the Waterfront.

Some nice restaurants Knysna are:

Zachary’s Restaurant
Persello’s Pizzeria
Ile de Pain
The Dry Dock

What to do in Knysna?

Oyster Tour
Knysna RIB Adventures
Emzini Township Tour
Festival celebrations

What to see in Knysna?

Pledge Nature Reserve:

Located a half kilometer away from the city centre of Knysna, the Pledge Nature Reserve is a great place for nature lovers and hikers. It features a 3.5 km of pathways and also offers a striking view of the blue waters of the sea.

Millwood Gold Fields:

The Millwood Gold Fields is one of the first gold mines discovered in South Africa. There is a museum, named Millwood Museum, which showcases the history and importance of the gold mine. Tours of old gold mines are provided.

The Knysna Forest:

Spread over an area of around 80.000 hectors, the Knysna Forest is dominated by a tree called ‘King Edward VII”, which is at Diepwalle forest station, holding around 600 years of history. Knysna elephants are also famous here.

The lagoon of Knysna:

The lagoon of Knysna houses around 200 fish species in the area of 18 sq. km. It is a private reserve, so taking tour is imperative, which is also helpful to explore the real beauty of the reserve.

Knysna Fine Art:

The Knysna Fine Art is an art museum in Knysna, housed in Thesen House at 6 Long Street. It showcases contemporary artworks of both famous South African and international artists. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

List of other places of interest in Knysna includes:

Knysna Elephant Park
Knysna Heads
Outeniqua Transport Museum
Simola Golf
Margaret’s Viewpoint
Goukamma Nature Reserve
Spitzkop Viewpoint
Bollard Bay
Groenvlei Lake
Garden of Eden
Pezula Championship Course
Gerickes Point
Knysna Golf Club

When to travel Knysna?

Undoubtedly, Knysna is a year round destination, although the beauties of Knysna can be enjoyed best between November and April.

Accommodation options in Knysna:

As a heaven of tourists, Knysna houses around 300 hotels to serve visitors with superior amenities. Budget hotels in Knysna charge under R500, mid range – R500 to R1000 and top end – R1000 plus. List of the prominent hotels in Knysna include: