Summer is here, and that means it’s time to get out into the sunshine and start exploring! Knysna is the ideal destination for anyone dreaming of the great outdoors – with its vast forests, magical lagoon, and plenty of hiking, walking, kayaking, cycling trails to discover, your next adventure is just around the corner.
Here are some of the best adventure activities in Knysna:
Paddle around Thesen Island
Rent a kayak or a stand up paddle board from the Ocean Odyssey centre on Thesen Island and spend an hour or two paddling around the canals of Thesen Island. The nineteen artificial islands here are linked by 25ha of waterways and over 21 bridges, making it easy to while away a few hours enjoying the peaceful serenity of this luxurious space. It’s also well protected from the wind, so it is an excellent activity most days and perfect for beginners. TIP: pack a mask and snorkel, as you might be lucky to spot the endangered Knysna seahorse on the marinas here.
Go on a Scootour through the forest
A Scootour adventure is a unique way to experience the Knysna forest. These non-motorised fat-wheeled scooters offer an exhilarating experience for all ages. To start the tour, you’ll be driven up into the forest from where you will freewheel back down to base on winding single track, meandering through the trees with the wind in your hair! Be sure to keep an eye out for local wild and birdlife along the way, including the elusive Knysna loerie.
Sandboarding at Brenton on Sea
South Africa doesn’t offer winter wonderlands and snowboarding opportunities, but we do have the next best thing. Meet the team of Dune Adventures for a sandboarding adventure at the dunes at Brenton on Sea. You’ll be strapped into your sandboard using snowboarding bindings of the highest quality as you enjoy careening down the dunes with some of the best views on the Garden Route. Epic wipeouts and a hilarious day out is guaranteed. TIP: Be sure to take lots of videos and pack a buff to keep the sand out of your nose, mouth and eyes.
Quad biking trails in Knysna forest
Southern Comfort Quads runs guided quad bike trails through the forest. Not for the faint of heart, these quad bike trails are full of challenging ups and downs and sharp turns. The quads are Honda 250cc and Rustler 260cc semi automatic quads. Although this is a family friendly activity, children under thirteen are not allowed to drive by themselves but can accompany an adult on a quad.
High speed boat rides through the Knysna Heads
Hold on tight for the ride of your life with a high speed boat ride through the Knysna Heads. Knysna Rib Adventures offers fast, thrilling rides on a power boat to experience the beauty of this unspoiled environment. Take in the pristine estuary at speed before heading out to see through the infamous Knysna Heads. With the focus being on fun, fun, fun! The ultimate boating experience and an absolute must do when in the Garden Route. TIP: Don’t forget to take a waterproof jacket or windbreaker, warm clothing, suntan lotion, sunglasses and a hat. There is dry storage available under the seats for your camera and phone.
Mountain biking in the Garden Route
When it comes to mountain biking in Knysna, the world is your oyster. There are lush forests, magnificent mountains, and rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls all waiting to be explored. Journey past towering yellowwoods or through indigeonous forests as you discover the natural beauty of the Garden Route from the back of your bicycle. Knysna Cycles can take you on a tour to discover the many wonderful mountain biking trails the area has to offer or you can hire a bike and follow the well marked trails at your own pace. TIP: It’s advised that you ride with a local or join a tour if it is your first time in the Garden Route. It’s easy to get lost with so many trails available and beginners could easily find themselves on an advanced route.
Kayak up the Knysna River
If you want to explore a bit further afield, join Dune Adventures for a watery escapade up the Knysna river. You’ll hop into a kayak and head upstream along the river gorge. Here you’ll escape from civilisation into a world where baboons, monkeys, bushbuck and a myriad of birds make their home in the misty forest. The team will show you the indigenous trees along the way as you get a glimpse of a different side of Knysna.
Go paragliding at Buffels Bay orBrenton on Sea
The entire Garden Route area is paragliding paradise but you don’t have to venture too far to take to the skies. Dolphin Paragliding offers tandem paragliding tours over the scenic villages of Buffels Bay and Brenton on Sea. Experience the magic of flying as you take to the skies with an experienced instructor to enjoy a birds eye view of one of the most stunning parts of South Africa. TIP: If you can afford it, we highly recommend booking a longer flight of 20 minutes. You’ll even get a chance to fly yourself in a controlled and safe environment.