Things to do in Knysna

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Knysna

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Where to stay

Knysna travel guide

Knysna Quays which includes a river or creek

Knysna which includes a sunset, general coastal views and tranquil scenes

Knysna showing rugged coastline, tranquil scenes and general coastal views

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve which includes surf, rocky coastline and a sandy beach

Knysna featuring a beach, general coastal views and mist or fog

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What to do in Knysna

Popular places to visit

Knysna featuring mountains, general coastal views and landscape views

Knysna Lagoon

Sheltered from the rough sea swells by two rugged headlands, this brilliantly blue lagoon is a boating and watersports hotspot.

Knysna Quays

Shop for hours in sleek malls, dine with spectacular views and take a boat charter out onto a lagoon from one of the most scenic harbors on the Garden Route.

Brenton Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Brenton Beach during your travels in Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Knysna showing a beach, tranquil scenes and general coastal views

Buffalo Bay Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Buffalo Bay Beach during your trip to Knysna? You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Knysna showing rugged coastline, landscape views and mist or fog

Eastern Head View Point

Enjoy spectacular views over the brilliantly blue Knysna Lagoon and the sheltering sandstone bluffs, and watch waves crash into the rocks at this cliff-top lookout.

Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve

See some of the Western Cape’s wonderful wildlife in a coastal nature reserve that combines the flora and fauna of both the ocean and the land.

Outeniqua Transport Museum

Have fun with all the family browsing this museum’s impressive array of historic steam trains and vintage cars, along with photographs and other artifacts.

Knysna Waterfront

You can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Knysna Waterfront during your trip to Knysna. You can seek out the golf courses while in the area.

Pezula Golf Club

Enjoy a round of golf in Knysna at Pezula Golf Club. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Areas of Knysna

Knysna Central

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting Knysna Central, you might make a stop by sights like Knysna Quays and Knysna Waterfront.

Waterfront

Unique features of Waterfront include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Knysna Quays or Knysna Waterfront while you're exploring the area.

Thesen Island

If you're spending some time in Thesen Island, Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Paradise

5/5(11 area reviews)

Paradise is noteworthy for its gardens, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Knysna Lagoon and Garden Route National Park.

Rexford

While Rexford isn't home to many top sights, Knysna Golf Club and Leisure Isle are some notable places to visit nearby.

Belvidere

Travellers like the restaurants in Belvidere, and Knysna Lagoon is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is Knysna worth visiting?

One of the most common things to do in Knysna is explore Buffalo Bay Beach. Tick this major attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of this area's culture and fishing.

How do I spend a day in Knysna?

After you've checked off top attractions like Buffalo Bay Beach and Eastern Head View Point, spend some time exploring Knysna's shopping and dining scene.

What is the top tourist attraction in Knysna?

Buffalo Bay Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Knysna and should be high on every must-do list of the area.

Is three days enough to stay in Knysna?

Three days in Knysna is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many guests spend three days on average. Buffalo Bay Beach, Eastern Head View Point and Outeniqua Transport Museum are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Plettenberg Bay.

Is Knysna a walkable city?

With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Knysna is a good destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Drupkelders Hiking Trail and Knysna Quays. Then take a stroll around Paradise, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Knysna Central, which is about 0.48 kilometres away.

What are some activities to do in Knysna with kids?

If you're searching for tours and attractions for all of your group, we've got some terrific ideas for what to do in Knysna with kids.

What to do in Knysna for adults?

From delicious food and cultural attractions to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there are loads of interesting things to do in Knysna for adults.

Are there free things to do in Knysna?

From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Knysna. If you're looking for inspiration, ask a local tour guide for recommendations. Buffalo Bay Beach is a top spot for anyone looking to save on their travel adventures.