Knysna

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The Heads
The Heads
The Western Head
The Western Head
The Western Head at sunset
The Western Head at sunset

Knysna, [1], pearl of the scenic Garden Route, is situated between George and Plettenberg Bay. Perennially green thanks to a Mediterranean Maritime climate with rain falling throughout the year, Knysna is mantled by indigenous forests extending into the Tsitsikamma National Park area. Nestled between the impressive Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian ocean, the culinary capital of oysters and other delectable seafood is a compulsory stopover on every travelers’ itinerary. At the heart of Knysna is a lagoon protected from the sea by the monolithic sandstone "Heads" Webcam– best explored on board a catamaran or from along hiking paths in the Featherbed Nature Reserve. A hotspot for art and craft, as well as adventure activities such as tree canopy gliding, kloofing and abseiling, Knysna offers something to everybody.

The peculiarity of the origin of the place-name Knysna is commonly explained with a light-hearted joke of two German tourists travelling to Knysna, and upon reaching the lookout point on the eastern Knysna Head, the one says to the other: 'Nice, na?'. On a more serious note, Knysna is believed to be derived from a Khoi word for place of wood, or fern leaves, but most probable straight down or hard to reach - referring to the steep Knysna Heads.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By road

Located in the middle of the Garden Route Knysna is easily accessible from Cape Town (about 500 km) and Port Elizabeth (about 270 km).

[edit] By bus

The major bus companies serve Knysna on their run from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. The Baz Bus stops here too.

[edit] By plane

The nearest airport is in George, while for international flights you have to go to Cape Town.

[edit] By train

The railway station is adjacent to the waterfront shopping and restaurant complex, a couple of blocks from the centre of town. Up until 2006 there were two or three trains a day to George via Wilderness and Sedgefield ; however, heavy rainfall and severe flooding in 2006 and again in 2007 caused major damage to the railway route resulting in this train service being suspended until further notice.

Known as the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the above-mentioned train was the last-remaining scheduled steam-hauled train service in South Africa, and a not-to-be-missed experience. The scenery along the route is stupendous, and includes the Kaaimans River bridge (the most-photographed railway bridge in the world) and the bridge over the Knysna lagoon. This train train now runs between George and Mossel Bay, and will continue to do so until such time as the railway tracks between George and Knysna are repaired.

There is a railway heritage museum in George, alongside the train station.

[edit] Get around

Walking around is the best option or rent a bicycle for longer distances. Except the minibuses there is no public transport so you have to take a taxi if you want.

Traffic can become extremely busy during the tourist high season and long queues in and out of Knysna are common.

[edit][add listing] See

  • The lagoon: about 18 sq. km and home to at least 200 species of fish is connected with the Indian Ocean through a turbulent channel between "The Heads", two sandstone cliffs. Tour around on one of several boats or just take a coffee at "the Heads". Take a boat across to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Heads (this is an organised tour because it's a private reserve, but it's a good way to spend some time on the lagoon then take a walk in the reserve).
  • The Knysna Forest: about 80.000 ha are now under conservation. The ‘King Edward VII’ tree (at Diepwalle forest station) is an estimated 600 years old, 39 m at height, and has a circumference of 6 m. The most famous animals are the Knysna elephants. Currently research, involving DNA testing of dung, is being done to see how many of them may still rumble in the jungle, please report any "dung" sightings! Remember to always take care. There are several hiking trails but you need a car to access the forest. Don't forget the conservation motto "Take only photographs, leave only footprints!".
  • Pledge Nature Reserve: offers 3.5 km of pathways through scrub forest and hillside fynbos with fine views over the lagoon and is just 500 meters of the town centre. A nice place for a walk in the afternoon.
  • Millwood Gold Fields: Site of one of the first gold rushes in South Africa, the Millwood Museum and Materoli Tea Room (be sure to try a piece of Jayne's World Famous Chocolate Cake) offers a unique and fascinating view of the greed, entrepreneurship, energy, and ultimate failure of the first gold discovered in South Africa during the late 1800's. Tours through the old gold diggings are available.

[edit][add listing] Do

  • Walk along the lagoon, take a coffee at one of the many shops at the waterfront and head straight on for The Heads.
  • Knysna Elephant Park (Halfway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay on the N2), ☎ +27 (0)44 532-7732 (), [2]. Offers the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with African elephants. The elephants here are orphans from various SAN Parks and further afield, and they are so used to humans now that it is possible to feed them and actually touch them! Buy a bucket of fruit at the entrance and the elephants will pick up bits of fruit that you offer to them in your hands, or far more likely, they will take it straight from your bucket when you're not looking! You can also (if you book well in advance) take an evening or morning walk with the elephants. If you have the time, this is an experience not to be missed. edit

  • Seal Adventures, Shop 1, The Waterfront, Knysna Quays, ☎ +27 (0)44 382-5599 (+27 (0)83 654-8755, , fax: +27 (0)44 382-5599), [3]. Departures between 8:30AM and 1:30PM. Canoe the Knysna river and lake From around R200 for 5 hours.  edit

  • Orbit Day Trips, ☎ +27 (0)44 382-1546 (+27 (0)72 377 3563, , fax: +27 (0)44 382 1549), [4]. Departures Daily from Knysna at 8:30. 4 Safaris in the Knysna and Plettenberg bay area. *Safari 1: Monkey, Bird & Elephant Safari. *Safari 2: Game, Whale & Dolphin Safari. *Safari 3: Site-seeing Day Tour (Also ideal for rainy or drizzly weather days). *Safari 4: Customise My Tour (Minimum 6 people)

 edit

[edit] Events

  • Knysna Oyster Festival, [5]. Mid July every year.  edit
  • Gastronomica Festival Knysna, [6]. End September - First week of October every year.
  • Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, [7]. 1 May to 4 May.

[edit][add listing] Buy

Shops line along the Main St. and the Waterfront.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Many restaurants line the main street and the waterfront area.

  • Zachary's Restaurant www.zacharys.co.za, The highly acclaimed Zachary's is a sophisticated world-class gourmet restaurant under the helm of Executive Chef Geoffrey Murray, who delights in serving up local ingredients inspired by global influences.
  • Limani Blue www.limaniblue.co.za, Limani Blue is a Greek Restaurant situated in the beautiful Knysna Waterfront, in the Garden Route, South Africa. It's our pleasure to welcome you to Limani Blue Greek Taverna - where food is not a mere commodity, but a way of life.
  • Knysna Oyster Company [8], Thesens Island. The name says what you are going for. Mains from R30.
  • The Dry Dock Waterfront. Great ambiance and delicious food.

There are so many good restaurants in and around Knysna that you will be spoilt for choice!!

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Mitchell's`s Brewery, Arend St. offers tours around the brewery and tastings of their beers.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Many guesthouses, hotels and B&Bs compete for the visitor in off-season, but in high season prices rise and places fill early so book ahead. There are also several nice options out of town (e.g. in Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay ...) for those with their own transport.

  • Lightleys Holiday Houseboats, ph: +27 (0)44 386-0007 (mailto:info@houseboats.co.za), [9], offers 4 and 6 berth houseboats on the lagoon. A good way to explore the lagoon and have a place to sleep.
  • Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa, ph: +27 (0)44 302-3333 (mailto:reservations@pezula.com), [10], Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is Africa's first truly luxury resort, a sanctuary of privacy and indulgence created to reflect the natural beauty of its surrounds.
  • Hide-Away Guest House, ph: +27 (0)44 382-3317 (mailto:info@hideaway.co.za), [12], 4 Star Guest house. Two Executive Rooms located on the ground floor and Three Superior Rooms on the first floor offer spectacular views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads.
  • Lagoona Inn, ph: +27 (0)44 382 4656 (mailto:info@lagoona.co.za), [13], Every one of our bedrooms and apartments enjoys spectacular panoramic views of the mysterious beauty of Knysna.
  • House Hammond, ph: +27 (0)44 384-1524(mailto:info@househammond.co.za), [14], 4 Star Guest house. Each custom built individual unit, with feature en-suite bathroom, is equipped with luxury bedding and stylish décor. A stone’s throw from local 18-hole Knysna Golf Course
  • Monks Caravan Park and Camping www.monkscaravan.co.za, ph: +27 (0)44 382-2609(mailto:info@monkscaravan.co.za), [15], Monks Caravan park is situated on the edge of the lovely Knysna Lagoon and is in walking distance of the town. Affordable camping accommodation
  • Thesen Islands Destinations, ph: +27 (0)44 382-7550(mailto:info@theislands.co.za), [16], Luxurious self-catering holiday accommodation in Knysna. Holiday villas to rent
  • Parkes Manor Knysna, ph: +27 (0)44 382-5100(mailto:parkesmanor@mweb.co.za), [17], Parkes Manor in Knysna is a four-star rated guesthouse set in tranquil surroundings overlooking the Knysna lagoon and well-known Knysna Heads.
  • Franverleigh Self-catering chalets, ph: +27 (0)44 356-9022(mailto:info@franverleigh.com), [18], Franverleigh is a low-density resort with two identical log chalets set in their own secluded garden. We have named them after our resident birds - Hoopoe and Lourie.
  • The Lofts Boutique Hotel at the Boatshed,, ph: +27 (0)44 302-5710(mailto:thelofts@theboatshed.co.za), [19], Luxury Loft rooms offer the discerning guest a combination of luxurious living and breathtaking views over the scenic Knysna lagoon
  • Saffron Self-catering Holiday House Thesen Islands,, ph: +27 (0)44 382 0089(mailto:info@knysnahouse.co.za), [20], The house has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen, scullery, single garage and patio directly over the Knysna Lagoon.

  • Knysna Terrace 4 Star Guest House,, ph: +27 (0)44 382-6460(mailto:info@knysnaterrace.co.za), [21], Knysna Terrace is conveniently located just off the N2 from George. Guests can stroll leisurely from Knysna Terrace to the nearby picturesque village of Knysna which boasts a selection of shops and restaurants.
  • Bliss Self-Catering Units,, ph: +27 (0)44 382-4569(mailto:info@bliss.co.za), [22], Two self catering units and a bed and breakfast unit. Centrally located with stunning views of the Lagoon and the Knysna Heads. Bliss has well appointed accommodation and is ideal for couples
  • The GrayWood *** Hotel in Knysna,, ph: +27 (0)44 382-5850(mailto:reservations@graywood.co.za), [23], Exceptionally well positioned and within walking distance from the Knysna Waterfront and the popular town center. The three star Graywood Hotel opened its doors in mid-September 2004 and boasts 49 en-suite timber log rooms with a licensed bar, secure parking and a full breakfast available.
  • Big Tree House self-catering,, ph: +27 (0)44 382-5604(mailto:info@bigtreehouse.co.za), [24], The Big Tree House is unique.You are invited to enjoy a memorable holiday in this timber frame double storey home
  • Inyathi Guest Lodges, ph: +27 (0)44 382 7768 (fax: +27 (0)44 382 7768), [25] is a most unusual guesthouse: although they are situated right in the center of town, once you enter the premises you have the feeling of being in the middle of the African bush. 3 star.
  • Tonquani Lodge [26] Rated best B&B/Guesthouse with Self-Catering in South Africa three times in a row. 5 Star accommodation at an affordable price and with excellent facilities. Prices from R299/pps.
  • Highfield Backpackers, 2 Graham Street ph: +27 (0)44 382 6266, fax: +27 (0)44 382 5799 A nice place with a pool a little bit off main street and offers dorms and private single/ double rooms.
  • The Wayside Inn, Main street, ph: +27 (0)44 382 6011, fax: +27 (0)44 382 6011 [27] A very nice B&B in the centre of the town with charming rooms starting at R240 pps.
  • Protea Landmark Hotel, 51 Main Street, ph: +27 (0)44 382 2127, fax: +27 (0)44 382 3568 [28] Protea Landmark Hotel offers standard rooms without any specials on the pro side.
  • Log-Inn 3 Star Hotel, [29]. Built in 1998, the Knysna Log-Inn embodies an "indigenous" concept that combines the character and the spirit of the surrounding indigenous forests with Knysna's romantic history. On entering the lobby of one of the largest log structures in the Southern Hemisphere, exquisitely carved solid Yellowwood trunks tower upwards to the magnificent Scandinavian hammer trusses. Rays of sunshine flooding through the spectacular stained glass windows, illuminate the splendid solid Yellowwood staircase. The autumn hues of the slate flooring and the extensive use of natural river stone combine with the wood to create an atmosphere of tranquil balance. Truly "in tune with nature".

[edit] Contact

The town has just rolled out municipal wifi provided by Uninet. Access is currently free and unlimited, but a restriction of 45 minutes per user per day will be introduced on the 15th of December 2007.

[edit] Get out

Hike in the Kynsna forest or take a tour in the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam-train to Knysna. Other options are a day tour to Oudtshoorn or the Noetzie castle a few km north east of town.

  • Noetzie Castle - East of Knysna some Britons lost their castles on the beach. Worth some hours or more if you like the beach.
  • Brenton-on-Sea - Less crowded than Knysna this sea-side village offers endless beaches

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

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