Home - Travel Destinations - Knysna – Best Places to Stay and Top Things to Do (SA’s Garden Route)
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Home - Travel Destinations - Knysna – Best Places to Stay and Top Things to Do (SA’s Garden Route)
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
What a first impression: standing by the lagoon while boats drift past and the two great sandstone cliffs of The Knysna Heads guard the narrow entrance to the sea.
Knysna is a picturesque town nestled along South Africa’s renowned Garden Route in the Western Cape Province. Surrounded by lush forests, tranquil lagoons, and rugged coastlines, Knysna offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and small-town charm, making it an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
At the heart of Knysna lies the stunning Knysna Lagoon, framed by the iconic Knysna Heads—two towering sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Indian Ocean.
Above and beyond being a beautiful travel destination, Knysna has also appeared as the backdrop in several films and television productions.
While exploring Knysna, make time to visit the Daleen Matthee Big Tree, named after the beloved South African author, or immerse yourself in nature on the enchanting “Circles in the Forest” hiking trail, inspired by her works.
Like all the travel destinations we love most, Knysna has its own special character that you won’t quite find anywhere else along the Garden Route.
It usually takes place in late June or early July each year, running for about 10 days and offering food, sports, markets, and entertainment in town.
It’s the biggest winter event on the Garden Route calendar. During the festival you’ll find oyster tastings, cooking competitions, wine events, fun runs, cycling races, and lively food markets spread around town and the waterfront.
Travel tip: July is winter in Knysna, but the festival creates a festive atmosphere and accommodation fills quickly. Booking early makes a big difference if you want to stay close to the lagoon.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Take a sunset cruise on the lagoon: A sunset cruise is a great way to see the lagoon and surrounding areas from a different perspective. Look out for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins.
Keep an eye out for whales along the coast of nearby Plettenberg Bay—one of the best spots for whale watching in the region. From mid-May to February, the chances of spotting these magnificent creatures are high.
Humpback whales, often accompanied by their calves, arrive in early November and linger until late February, with the occasional sighting in May and June adding to the excitement.
Nature’s beauty is all around. Take the time to explore the surroundings while you’re here.
There are quite a few fabulous places nearby to visit. Towns like:
and many more (it all depends on how far you would like to drive).
Driving from Mossel Bay to Storms River—or even just up to Plettenberg Bay—is a fascinating journey packed with incredible stops and experiences along the way. If you’re looking for more tips on what to see, where to go, or the best spots to visit, feel free to reach out on our Facebook page. We’re always happy to share suggestions—just mention this article! In the meantime, here are a few ideas to get you started:
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Go mountain biking: Knysna is known for its mountain biking trails, which offer a variety of terrains, including forest tracks and challenging climbs.
Knysna offers stunning views and some of South Africa’s most famous beaches, including the enchanting Noetzie Beach, known for its unique castles. South African beaches are renowned for their soft sands, and Noetzie is no exception. What sets it apart is the chance to stay in one of the iconic beachfront castles, making it an unforgettable experience.
The oldest castle, at Noetzie, was built as a holiday house in 1930 out of the local natural stone. The story is told that the owner had no intention of building a “castle”, but simply used the stone for practical reasons. Then someone remarked: “All you need to do is to add a few turrets and you’ll have a castle”. So that is exactly what he did and it became known as “The Castle”.
While the Noetzie Castles aren’t historical fortresses or sites of epic battles, they’re charming beach homes designed in a castle style. Even so, staying in a beachfront castle is a pretty unique and memorable experience!
Knysna is set just a few minutes from Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, and with the famous Brenton-on-Sea, and with Noetzie nearby, there are many accommodation options available.
Buccara Knoetie (also called Lindsay Castle) has six bedrooms and six bathrooms, sleeping up to about 12 guests, which makes it popular for families or groups renting the whole place together. Part of the charm is that it’s a bit remote. Guests usually need to walk down steps from the parking area to reach the castle, which adds to the feeling of arriving somewhere secret and hidden.
Travel tip: The castles at Noetzie Beach are one of the most photographed spots near Knysna. Even if you don’t stay overnight, walking down to the beach to see the stone castles against the cliffs is a memorable stop along the Garden Route.
The stone castles at Noetzie Beach near Knysna feel like something from a storybook, standing alone between forest and ocean on one of the Garden Route’s most dramatic stretches of coastline.
Also along the beautiful coastline, another castle rises above the trees and the waves, continuing the quiet, slightly surreal feeling of this hidden corner near Knysna.
WHY WE RECOMMEND: Buccara Pezula Castle in Knysna offers a stunning beachfront stay, with pool and sea views, a private beach area, and free WiFi. The villa includes a fully equipped kitchen, family-friendly amenities, and luxury touches like wine, fruit, and chocolates. Perfectly located near Noetzie Beach and Pezula Golf Club, it’s a unique and relaxing getaway.
With a view like this from my Castle, I sure would be happy. 🙂
Also set in Knoetzie, a few steps from Noetzie Beach, Craighross Castle offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free WiFi, and a shared kitchen. Featuring a patio, the villa is in an area where guests can engage in activities such as hiking and canoeing.
The nearest airport to Knysna is George Airport (GRJ), about a one-hour scenic drive along the Garden Route.
For international arrivals, the closest major gateway is Cape Town International Airport (CPT). From there, Knysna is about a 5 to 6 hour drive along one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal road trips — a route that passes through changing landscapes, small towns, and ocean viewpoints along the Garden Route.
Most travelers either rent a car at Cape Town airport for a self-drive journey, or fly onward to George Airport for a quicker final stretch into Knysna.
Driving is part of the experience. Distances are longer than they appear on the map, and the roads wind through forest, farmland, and coastal stretches that make every trip feel like a small road journey rather than a quick transfer.
Forest Valley Self-Catering Cottages with stunning panoramic views of the forests, valley, and mountains surrounding Knysna, also have a swimming pool. The cottages include private decks with BBQ facilities and hammocks. Each comes with a well-equipped kitchen and dining area, a lounge with a fireplace, and a satellite TV. Top location. Highly rated by guests.
The lagoon looks calm, yet the ocean outside is powerful where it meets the sea at The Knysna Heads. Swimming is not allowed here because the tides are strong and unpredictable, but the viewpoints above the cliffs are some of the best on the entire Garden Route.
The town itself is compact and easy to move around, especially around the waterfront. Many visitors base themselves close to the lagoon so restaurants, boat trips, and sunset walks are all within a short stroll.
Give yourself time on the water. A lagoon cruise or a ferry-style trip reveals Knysna from its best angle, with forested hills on one side and open water leading out toward the famous Heads on the other.
They are both about elephants, but they are very different experiences.
Simple way to see the difference:
Always make sure you book with a reliable vendor. We would recommend booking with the below reliable link.
