Around Knysna
What's on and when it's happening!
We have tried to include as many suggestions as possible for great things to do to whet your appetite before you visit Knysna, or to keep you happily occupied whilst you are there. We have restricted the list to fairly local to Knysna itself, but not much further afield you will find even more to fill your days...... game lodges, elephant parks, bird and animal sanctuaries, polo, golf, walks........ the list is endless!
For Contact details of those we haven’t given, visit the Knysna Tourist Information Centre in Main Street (it has an elephants skeleton in the window!) or ring them on 044-382-5510, or visit their website.
34 Degrees South at The Knysna Waterfront
An essential part of your visit; it’s not just a shop, it’s not just a deli, it’s not just a liquor store, it’s not just a cocktail bar, it’s not just a meeting place, it’s not just a restaurant, it’s not just a bistro, ……………………!
Fishing
If Fishing is your ‘thing’, there is great estuary, river, rock & surf fishing on 30 kms of coastline, or Fly Fish in the Outeniqua mountain streams ….(don’t forget your fishing licence.)
Brewery Tours
Down a Mitchells (the beer that made Knysna famous!) Brewery Tours every day except Sunday. 044-382-4685
Abseiling and Rap Jumping
Abseil or ‘Rap Jump’ from the Knysna Heads if you feel the need for some adrenalin to spice up your life! 044-533-1158.
Food
Enjoy a variety of real fresh Bread & delicious snacks at ‘Ile de Pain’ , on Thesen Island (Knysna). Open from about 7am - 3pm. Tel: 044-302-5707
Sailing
Learn to Sail a yacht in a day. Obtain your licence whilst enjoying the waves.
Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train
Ride The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train. From Knysna to George and visit the Outeniqua Transport Museum. 044-382-1361
Golf
Golf, Golf and more Golf! Jack Nicklaus designed Simola. 044-382-0944, or the famous Pezula Course; or if you prefer a less formal round of Golf, play at the Knysna Golf Club. Time at a premium? - just hit a few balls at Golf Pro ‘Kevin Quinn’s’ Golf Driving Range off ‘George Rex’. There is also the Blackwater ‘Mashie’ Golf near Buffalo Bay. 044-383-0105
More Sailing
Sunset Sail through the Knysna’ Heads, or a Day trip. Depart from 34S, or, if you’re lucky enough to be staying at No 8, Knysna Quays!, aboard from your own Jetty. 044-382-1693
Cinema
Watch a Film at the Knysna Movie House; screening EVERY day.
Food and Craft Markets
Friday Farmers Market and Sunday Market at Thesen Island
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Go on a Dolphin & Whale Watching Trip. 082-852-9402
Millwood Gold Mine
Visit the Millwood Gold Mine (the little ghost town north of Rheenendal) where gold was discovered in the 1880s. You can see the Museum, grave sites, mine shafts and mining equipment used, during the action-packed mine tour.
Whilst in the Rheenendal area, drive the ‘Seven Passes Road’ – the original road that linked Knysna and George. Well maintained gravel roads take you into the quiet beauty of the original forest and across Thomas Bain bridges.
Dinner Cruise on a Paddle Steamer
Depart from the ‘Featherbed Co’s’ HQ at “Cruise Café“, 044-382-1693
Quad Bike Tours
S.E.A.L Adventures offer Quad Bike Tours through the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Retribution, Salvation, Damnation…..
to be continued!!
Scenic Flights
Reach for the sky and enjoy scenic flights in Balloons, Helicopters, Light Aircraft, Vintage aircraft, or paraglide.
Timber Route
Explore the Timber Route (woodworkers, timber yards and crafters ) to give you an insight into the beauty of this precious raw material, particularly the nearly extinct ‘Stinkwood. A visit to ‘Timber Village’ is a Must.
Lagoon Ferry and Nature Reserve
Take the Ferry across the Lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve.
044-382-1693
Beach Walks
Walk along miles of sandy beach from Buffels (Buffalo) Bay (West towards the Goukama Nature Reserve is Best)
Heritage Tours
Explore the diverse Cultures and heritage of Knysna with a choice of many professional tour operators. Tours include visiting Townships, the Rastafarian Community and the influence of our own Royal Family’s George Rex on Knysna.
Yet More Food and Drink
Enjoy Sundowners at ‘Cloud Nine.’ 044-382-5510
Noetzie Castles
Visit the famous Noetzie castles and picnic on the very secluded beach. (Don’t attempt to swim there though, too many rocks and strong currents.)
Stunning Views
Take a drive out to Belvidere, Brenton-on-Lake and Brenton-on-Sea for breathtaking views.
Yet More Food!
Enjoy the ‘Guadaloupe’ eating experience! Wednesday nights only; or book yourself onto one of their Cookery Courses.
Horseriding
Exhilarating Horserides, choose from beaches, forest, mountain trails or fynbos; most centres cater for beginners and advanced riders.
Forest Eco Reserve (and more food)
Visit the Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, Knysna
or Tel: 044-386-0046. Wonderful dining up a mountain amongst the trees, and much more.
Famous Knysna Oysters
Indulge in Knysna Oysters - the ‘Oyster Catcher’ is only 100 metres from ‘Karibu’, or visit the ‘Knysna Oyster Company’ on Thesen Island where you can also see how oysters are cultivated. (Other menu items are available!).
Canoe the Whisky Creek
044-802-5300
Slip & Slide
Above the canopy of the Tsitsikamma Forest. 042-281-1836
Pioneers
Recapture the life of early Pioneers. 044-272-0878
‘Travel on Gravel’
Explore the Ox-wagon route in a 4 x4. 044-695-3175
Walks and Boat Trips
Walk or take a boat trip on the Robburg Peninsula.
Polo
Mingle with the Polo Toffs at Plettenburg. 044-534-8082
Elephant Rides
Ride an Elephant. 044-696-6055
Birds
Birds of Eden Sanctuary. 044-534-8906
Natural Living
Learn to live off the bush with the ‘Succulent Man’.
Monkey Around
At ‘Monkeyland’. 044-534-8906