A lagoonside destination with loads going for it.
With its iconic lagoon, not to mention a backdrop of lush, green, mysterious forest, Knysna has long been a holiday favourite. It offers spectacular views, nature-based activities and its fair share of creative quirkiness – and water lovers will be in their element. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to while away a day (or week) in this unique destination.
Important notes Some of the featured activities require the presence of an experienced guide and safety equipment; do not attempt them alone.
Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, tourists and locals alike are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen.
Those venturing along the Garden Route should have the following emergency number on hand: 044 805 5071. Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as able.
We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.
Which are your favourite? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Where are you heading along the Garden Route?
Knysna
Marine Eco-Tour
Experience and learn about Knysna’s diverse marine environment on this tour that takes you across the calm waters of the Knysna Estuary, through the impressive Knysna Heads and out onto the vast Indian Ocean. While out at sea, you may have the chance to glimpse dolphins, seals, penguins, Bryde’s whales and an array of pelagic birdlife while enjoying the impressive Garden Route coastline.
Times Daily, 9.30am; 12pm; 3pm (December – May; weather-permitting)
Duration 1.5 hours
Cost R890 (adults); R670 (children under 13)
Where to find it Ocean Odyssey Charters & Retail store TH 22, Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Oyster Tour
No trip to Knysna would be complete without sampling the region’s famous oysters, and this tour allows you to do that in serene surroundings as you cruise the Knysna Lagoon. You’ll get an in-depth experience of the delicacy, including an explanation of the differences between wild and cultivated oysters. Of course, champagne is the natural accompaniment, so for an additional cost you can have some fine MCC added to the experience (white wine is complimentary).
Times Daily, 3pm
Duration 1.5 hours
Cost R700 (adults); R375 (children under 13); R100 (snack platter); R320 (bottle of MCC Paul Rene); R120 (extra oysters); R50 (kids’ activity pack)
Where to find it Sirocco Restaurant, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna
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SUP Around Thesen Island
Stand-up paddling (SUP) allows you to traverse the waters in a way that’s adventurous without requiring too much work. The tranquil waterways of Thesen Island are ideal for this mode of travel, or you can further out in the lagoon to find hidden inlets and coves.
Times Daily, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm
Duration 2 hours
Cost R375
Good to know If you’d prefer to explore at your own pace, SUP boards are available for hire at R220 per hour
Where to find it Ocean Odyssey Charters & Retail store, TH 22, Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Kayak on the Lagoon
The famous Knysna Lagoon can be explored in a number of ways, but kayaking is surely one of the most adventurous, as it gives you the freedom to do so at your own pace, and brings you as close as you can come to the environment without diving in and swimming yourself. The kayaks are easy to control, and no previous experience is required.
Times Daily, 9am — 5pm
Duration One hour
Cost R250
R300 (with a guide)
Where to find it Thesen Island Cafe, Thesen Harbour Town, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Scootour Through the Forest
Explore the Knysna Forest on an exhilarating scooter, with professional guides ensuring your safety along the way. The Swiss-designed scooters are resilient, able to easily endure sweeping bends and downhill slides. Along the way, you’ll have chances to glimpse the wildlife that populates the lush forest, such as the Knysna loerie.
Times Daily, 9am, 12pm, 3pm
Duration 2 hours
Cost R600 (adults); R300 (children 4 to 9 years); R80 (snack pack)
Where to find it Shop TH24B, Thesen Island Café & Shop, Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Close Encounter Whale-Watching
Witnessing one of these gentle giants up close is an experience that won’t soon be forgotten. The coastal waters of Knysna are frequented by Bryde’s whales and dolphins, while southern rights and humpback whales visit during the breeding season (June to October). During peak whale season, whales are spotted on 95% of cruises.
Times Daily, 9.30am; 12pm; 3pm (June – November; weather-permitting)
Duration 2 hours
Cost R1 170 (adults)
R930 (children under 13)
Where to find it Ocean Odyssey Charters & Retail store TH 22, Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Knysna Heads and Lagoon Cruise
On a scenic cruise along Knysna’s peaceful lagoon, all the way to the iconic Knysna Heads (a pair of sandstone cliffs that form a natural gateway to the ocean beyond), you’ll see a diverse array of bird and marine life. For an additional cost, enjoy some snack platters, oysters and champagne (or wine) while you’re at it.
Times Daily, 10.30am, 12pm, 3pm, 5pm
Duration 1 hour 15 minutes
Cost R450 (adults); R225 (children under 13); R100 (snack platter); R320 (bottle of MCC Paul Rene); R120 (extra oysters); R220 (oysters and wine); R50 (kids’ activity pack)
Where to find it TH24B Thesen Island Cafe and Shop, Long Street, Thesen Island Harbour Town, Thesen Island, Knysna
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Hiking in Knysna
The Garden Route National Park is a vibrant epicentre of life; a lush coastal region beckoning to adventurers. As you’d expect, there’s no shortage of hiking trails, winding their way along the coast and through the forests further inland. The trails vary in length and difficulty level. The Garden of Eden Trail is ideal for those looking for a short walk in the woods, as it takes you over wooden bridges crossing gentle streams, and includes some wooden tables and benches along the way for a picnic.
For those seeking real adventure, there’s the famous Outeniqua Trail, a seven-day journey (with around six hours of hiking per day) from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay, taking you through forests, across rivers and along the coast. Booking is required, as the overnight huts can only hold a certain number of people.
Times Varies
Duration Varies
Cost Most trails require permits, which can be purchased at the park entrance gates. SANParks conservation fees: R42 (adult); R21 (child).
Where to find it Knysna, Garden Route
Lunch Cruise on a Yacht
A leisurely lunch on the water is the ideal way to enjoy the scenic views and bountiful birdlife of the Knysna Lagoon. The cruise takes you through the Knysna Heads and out into the ocean beyond for a brief adventure, before returning and anchoring in the Knysna Estuary, where a delicious platter of cheese, fruits and savoury snacks will be served.
Times Daily, 10am; 11am; 12pm (weather-permitting)
Duration 2.5 hours
Cost R1 450
Where to find it Spring Tide Charters, Outeniqua Yacht mooring, Kiosk 7 (between Drydock Restaurant and Scoops Kiosk), The Waterfront, Knysna
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Scenic Catamaran Cruise
This luxury 44-foot catamaran, which includes a cash bar and an outdoor dining area, is the ideal vantage point to enjoy the scenic views and bountiful marine life of Knysna. The cruise starts off in the Knysna Lagoon and ventures through the Knysna Heads, two sandstone cliffs that form a natural gateway between the lagoon and the vast ocean beyond. The boat spends some time sailing the Indian Ocean before returning to the marina.
Times Daily, 9am, 11am, 1pm
Duration 1 hour 40 minutes
Cost R790 (adults); R640 (children under 12)
Where to find it Sirocco Restaurant Jetty, Thesen Island, Knysna
Sedgefield
Wild Oats Market
In keeping with Sedgefield’s “Slow Town” philosophy, this community farmers’ market – started way back in 1999 – was a trailblazer in all things local, sustainable and ethical. Fresh seasonal produce, homemade foods and a lovely country atmosphere encourage free-range shopping in the great outdoors. You’ll find cream-of-the-crop products exclusive to this market, ranging from yoghurt, pasta sauces, breads and kimchi to cheese, eggs, Karoo lamb and oysters. It’s a great place for breakfast /brunch or to pick up picnic goodies, and there is lots to please vegetarians and vegans.
Times Saturday, 7.30am – 12pm
Good to know The market is open on Friday, 24 December and Friday, 31 December (instead of Christmas and New Year’s Day).
Cost Free entry
Contact 082 376 5020, info@wildoatsmarket.co.za
Where to find it Paul Kruger Street, next to Swartvlei lake (Sedgefield Island turn-off from N2 at Engen garage)
Gerickes Point
For an adventurous beach day, head off on a two-kilometre walk west along Swartvlei Beach to this rocky landmark that looks like a lion’s head. It’s a relatively easy climb to the top, with wonderful views of the ocean, seabird colony and playful humpback dolphins surfing the waves. At shore level are dozens of rock pools, exposed at low tide – it’s easy to spend an hour or three exploring them, or swimming in the deeper ones. But, do keep an eye out; at high tide Gerickes Point becomes an island!
Where to find it Swartvlei Beach parking area is accessed from the N2/SedgeLinks golf course turn-off.
Sedgefield Craft Brewery
You can’t visit this town without trying a Tiddly Tortoise or Warthog Weiss… Tony Hunter makes the American pale ale and wheat-based white beer mentioned above, along with an India pale ale, Irish red ale, a dark brown porter and a blonde ale. He also does special seasonal ales, such as fruit beer or a green one on St Patrick’s Day. The 1.8-litre Growler is for the seriously thirsty. The beer garden under the trees is a great place to chill in summer, especially during Happy Hour, with board games and pizzas.
Times Monday – Saturday, 8am – 4pm
Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Good to know Happy Hour happens every Wednesday and Friday from 4pm till 6pm.
Cost Free tasting
Contact 082 901 4268, info@sedgefieldbrewery.co.za
Where to find it 28 Paul Kruger Street, The Island (inside Scarab Village – take the turn-off at the N2 at the Engen petrol station)
Paragliding
Take the front seat in a tandem paraglider and soar like an eagle over the magnificent Lake District of South Africa. Sedgefield’s main launch site is called “Cloud 9”, on the edge of a 135-metre hill above the Swartvlei – a name that hints at the pure exhilaration of this activity, which is suited to all ages and fitness levels. The scenery is awesome, with 360-degree views from the Outeniqua Mountains to the Indian Ocean. Tip: Paraglide Africa offers discounts for groups of four or more, and launch sites in Wilderness too.
Times Daily 9am – 6pm (depending on weather)
Duration 20 minutes
Cost R850
Where to find it 1 Egret Road, Sedgefield
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Garden Route Trail Park
Bernike Beukes
Hidden in the hilly forests behind Sedgefield, a playground of extreme fun awaits mountain-bikers. There are six trails – Lunacy Lane, Manic Monkeys and Madcows (easy), and Forest Frenzy, Crazy Creek and Jungle Fever (moderate) – which will soon have you gliding through tree tunnels, shady fern glades, streams and more. Trail-runners will also find a paradise here, complete with rock pools and waterfalls. There is a trail café and plunge pool on site, and picnic and braai facilities.
Good to know Bikes can be hired from Cycleworx on Sedgefield’s Main Road.
Times Dawn to dusk
Cost R100 (adults)
R80 (teens)
R50 (children)
R240 (family rate via mySOS app only)
Where to find it Dormehl Farms, Barrington, on Ruigtevlei/Karatara road off N2 (5km from Sedgefield heading to Knysna)
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Wilderness
Kingfisher Trail
There are five hikes in the Wilderness National Park. The only one that leads to a waterfall, where you can swim and picnic, is the 3.5km Giant Kingfisher Trail along the Touw River. For a pleasant, shady stroll through the forest beside the river, there’s the 7.2km Half Collared Kingfisher Trail, or the 4.1km Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail, which leads to the Duiwe River picnic spot. To explore the fynbos-lined shores of the Serpentine and the beach, choose the 10km Pied Kingfisher Trail (great for birders).
Duration 1 – 4 hours (depending on trail)
Times 7am – 5.30pm (SANParks office)
Cost R50 (adults conservation fee); R25 (children conservation fee)
Contact 044 887 0046
Where to find it Ebb & Flow Camp (SANParks office), Ebb and Flow Drive, off N2
Boating on The Lakes
Wilderness National Park protects the natural wonderland of this corner of the Garden Route, which stretches from the Touw River mouth to the Swartvlei estuary, with five lakes in between – not forgetting the pristine beach and forests. It’s called Wilderness for good reason! There are many ways to enjoy its beauty, but one of the best is in a canoe. Paddle down the placid Touw River or along the twisty-turny Serpentine, a channel that connects to Island Lake, where you’ll find a picnic spot onshore (it’s great for birdwatching too).
Good to know Eden Adventures rents out single and double canoes by the hour, half-day (5 hours) or full-day. You will need a permit from SANParks, included in rental fee.
Times Daily, 8am – 5pm
Cost R120 per hour; R280 half-day; R330 full day (single canoe)
R150 per hour; R400 half-day; R600 full day (double canoe)
Permits R50 (adults); R25 (children)
Where to find it Fairy Knowe Hotel, Dumbleton Road, Wilderness
See the Map of Africa
A popular spot to take photos and break a road trip, this viewpoint in Wilderness Heights is perfectly positioned to appreciate a land formation in the shape of Africa created by the Kaaimans River in the densely forested valley below. Look in the other direction, and you’ll see an 18-kilometre stretch of beautiful coastline and the five lakes. It’s a favourite launch site for paragliders, and a great spot for a picnic on the lawn.
Good to know On the way there or back, stop at the Hallo Coffee food truck.
Where to find it Remskoen Street, off Hoogte Road
Explore the Kaaimans River
This serene river invites exploration, and on this guided kayaking trip run by Paradise Adventures, you’re taken across a dam to a waterfall surrounded by lush forests, where you can swim and have a picnic (there’s a gourmet option with cheese and wine). If you’re up for something more adrenaline-pumping, choose the wet-and-wild kloofing trip, or combine kayaking, kloofing and abseiling in the ultimate Adventure Tour.
Good to know They also rent out two-seater kayaks (R400 for 4 hours) if you want to paddle around the Garden Route dam on your own.
Times 8.30am or 1.30pm (kayak rental); guided trips are according to client’s time requests
Duration Kayaking 3 hours; kloofing 4 hours; adventure tour 5 hours
Cost R500 kayaking
R650 kloofing
R1 200 adventure tour
R400 gourmet picnic for two
Where to find it Garden Route Dam, 113 Stander Street, George
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Acrobranch Garden Route
For a fun family day of outdoor activity, this rope-based aerial obstacle course is just the ticket. Nestled in a patch of forest, it provides a network of brain- and muscle-stimulating routes to navigate in a picturesque, fresh-air setting. Aerial platforms are connected by swing ropes, bridges, beams, nets and foefie slides. For the little ones (aged 3 – 6 years), there’s Acro-twigs, then Monkey Moves for slightly older kids (or nervous adults!); Swinging Tarzan steps it up a level, and for the brave hearts, there’s High Flying, the highest course which ends with a 130 metre Big Zip ride.
Times Wednesday – Sunday, 9am – 6pm (including public school and public holidays)
Duration 2 hours
Cost R150 – R330 (depending on course)
Where to find it Timberlake Organic Village, N2 (towards Sedgefield)
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Mountain-biking in Wilderness
Owned by pro adventure sports athlete and ex-pro mountain-biker Marthinus Esmeyer, Paradise Adventures offers customised mountain biking packages on the Garden Route’s best trails, depending on your skill and fitness level. The riding opportunities in the area are endless and there is something for all ages and skill levels. Trail surfaces vary from forestry roads and Jeep tracks to singletrack in the mountains. Either way, you’ll enjoy traversing through pristine afromontane rainforest, fynbos and some pine forest. There are many scenic swim spots for those who’d like to take a dip or just fill up your water bottles with pristine mountain water.
Times Varies
Duration 3 hours
Cost R500 per person
Where to find it Garden Route Dam, 113 Stander Street, George
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