With many of us wary to book an international escape this year, we are all looking locally for that next breakaway. Knysna is no doubt the gem of the Garden Route, attracting many a visitor, thanks to its untouched forests, flat-water lagoon, beautiful views, and wealth of activities, restaurants, and shops just waiting to be explored. There really is so much to do in Knysna.
Discover just 5 of our top reasons to visit Knysna today:
1. An endless array of outdoor activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will find a never-ending list of things to keep them entertained in and around Knysna. This includes surfing and kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking in the estuaries, lagoons, rivers, and oceans. Whale watching on charter boats that go out through the iconic Knysna heads is also fantastic activity, as is golfing at one of the many world-class golf courses in the surrounding area, or mountain biking and hiking through kilometers of protected reserves. Also enjoy quad biking, ziplining, horse riding, and more! The options are truly endless in that there is an activity for every day of the week, no matter your age, fitness level, or budget.
2. Some of the best views in South Africa
Knysna is undoubtedly home to some of the best vistas that South Africa has to offer. Drink in the views of the heads while sipping on a coffee at East Head Cafe, get a different perspective of the lagoon from the newly opened Featherbed Beach Bar, or venture up to one of the mountain top viewpoints and picnic sites to catch the sunset. For an accommodation option that makes the most of these magnificent settings stay in one of the apartments or penthouses at Beacon House, located directly on the Knysna heads, enjoy panoramic views from 11 Horizon Views, or indulge in a night at Alkira Lodge for a bird’s eye view of all of Knysna. A paragliding adventure is also one of the best ways to see the Garden Route when in Knysna.
3. Delicious dining around every bend
Knysna is a destination that offers so many dining options to satisfy the taste buds. Feast on fresh seafood with a view at Thesen Island or at the Knysna Waterfront, take a dinner cruise on the lagoon, or pop in at one of the weekend markets where local farmers will delight with freshly made cheeses, take away meals, homemade pies, breads, and sweet treats! To experience a unique side of Knysna’s foodie scene, book a gastronomic tour of the Knysna Township. Sample street food with the locals and discover what meals bring the community together as you cook with the locals at one of their homes. The meal is made even better with some singing, dancing, and drumming!
4. A retreat for the soul
After an incredibly tough year, we all need a bit of soul replenishing and restoration. There is no better place to do this than on the coast in Knysna. Here you can enjoy long reflective walks along the beach, with hardly another soul in sight, shop for aromatherapy products that utilize the surrounding fynbos and rejuvenate with refreshing saltwater, or stretch out those weary muscles with daily yoga and Thai Chi sessions or pampering spa sessions. Within easy reach of Knysna, you can also get in touch with nature at a variety of animal and wildlife sanctuaries, including walking with birds at Birds of Eden, or meeting great grey giants at the Knysna Elephant Park.
5. Easy to reach and explore
The good news is that all of the above is really easy to reach and explore. Knysna is located only a 5 1/2 hour drive from Cape Town, a 3 hour drive from Port Elizabeth, and 6 hours from East London. From those venturing further afield, George airport offers daily flights to many of South Africa’s big cities, including Johannesburg, and is located less than an hour away. The roads in the area are easily navigable in any vehicle and with accommodation options to suit any size of family, travelling to Knysna is a no-hassle experience. Here at Beautiful Knysna Villas, we offer all-inclusive five-star hotel-style accommodation at Alkira Lodge, large exclusive-use villas for groups of friends and families, cozy non-fuss cottages, and elegant self-catering apartments, so you have a range of accommodation to choose from depending on your needs.
So what are you waiting for? Book your next holiday to Knysna today and take advantage of all that the Garden Route has to offer!