At a time when most South Africans are a little worn at the edges from a busy year, there is perhaps no place more wonderful for a revitalising holiday than the picturesque town of Knysna. Nestled amid lush indigenous forests and only an hour’s drive from George, Knysna caters for all types of holidaymakers, from families with tiny tots or school-going youngsters, grandparents and extended families to newlyweds, dinkies and groups of varsity mates.
Being one of the last towns along the world famous Garden Route, it is as if the Western Cape was simply saving the best for last. Beauty can be found in all directions, whether it be the pristine lagoon, white beaches and blue ocean, or the deep green of the surrounding forests, in which you may stumble across hidden lakes and waterfalls. Who knew that even the name “Knysna” means "ferns" in Khoikhoi? It just goes to show that the natural beauty of the area has been making an impact on people for thousands of years!
The small but bustling town is famous not only for its forests, but also the estuary on which it is situated. The Knysna estuary is South Africa’s largest and most ecologically important estuary. According to SANParks, it hosts almost half of the country’s estuarine species, and is home to the endangered Knysna seahorse, which can only be spotted in three estuaries in the world (the other two are Swartvlei and Keurbooms).
While the seahorse has become an iconic symbol for the local community, not everyone is into odd little critters. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do and more than enough places to eat, drink and be merry.
The small town allows for a leisurely way of life where visitors can browse quaint shops and enjoy lazy afternoon coffees at sidewalk cafes, or let time pass gently over gourmet food and good conversations. The locals are known for being friendly and cheerful, and they are always happy to share a smile and a laugh with their guests.
For those who enjoy water, the lagoon and ocean offer an opportunity to escape the summer heat and go paddling, sailing, surfing or fishing, or even whale, dolphin or seal watching if you’re there from winter through spring. Charter a boat and head off to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, or possibly around the Knysna Heads to witness some of the most gorgeous scenery that the South African coastline has to offer.
Heading inland, there is even more to entertain. The forests offer their own adventures, including hiking or mountain biking trails, 4x4 drives, abseiling, bird watching (where you might even see the elusive Knysna Loerie), and horse riding. The forest is still home to many bird species, antelope, monkeys, and even elephant (though these are rarely spotted by humans). Kids will also have plenty to keep them busy, including treetop canopy tours, Monkey Land, or mashie golf. You can also get a round of golf in at any of the area’s three magnificent courses: Simola Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pezula Champion Golf Course, or the Knysna Golf Course.
Of course, if you look to the skies, there is always more to do for those daring enough to play among the clouds. You can test your bravery with microlighting, skydiving, or the world’s highest bungee jump at Bloukrans – if you’re keen to trust your ankles attached to an elastic rope as you plummet toward the face of the earth.
As the activities cater for all types in Knysna, so does the accommodation. Hostels and five star luxury hotels are fairly common in terms of the normal tourist accommodation options, but you could also try houseboats, tree houses, log cabins, or even experience “township living” to really experience home-grown hospitality in every possibly way.
Weather wise, Knysna is warm all year round. In fact, Knysna is so idyllic that it has become a perfect place to showcase South Africa’s activities and to host events. The Knysna Speed Festival is held for motor enthusiasts, Gastronomica and the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is held in July, and then the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and the Rastafarian Earth Festival have all chosen to return on an annual basis.
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is arguably the town’s biggest annual event, as it encompasses a range of sporting competitions over its ten day period, as well as arts and other cultural activities and displays. Roughly 200,000 of the world’s tastiest oysters are consumed over the event!
If you plan to stay in the town itself, there are some great shopping options. Whether you wind your way through smaller arts and crafts shops, or visit the slightly larger malls, the hidden treasures are all worth a little bit of digging – and they are numerous! There are also nearby markets that open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and are well worth a visit.
Wash it all down after a hard day of holidaying with one of the locally brewed beers or a sundowner, and the town’s renowned oysters for dinner. Sit by the quay-side and watch the boats go by, drink in hand. The finer joys in life are in abundance in Knysna. If you’re heading elsewhere for your December holiday this year, don’t get caught up in holiday-envy. Book your trip over Easter, or a mid-year winter break for the Oyster Festival, because **dis altyd lekker by die see**.
**For more information and assistance in planning your next holiday, contact Knysna Tourism on +2744 382 5510, or email info@knysna-info.co.za.**
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