Knysna

The pearl of the Garden Route . . .
Knysna is truly what holidays are made of  –  from its unrivalled scenic beauty to its exhilarating adventure activities, its leisurely relaxing pleasures to its fine and varied cuisine – there is something for everyone.

Knysna surrounds the shimmering azure blue estuary, the very heartbeat of the town, with the magnificent Indian ocean through the entrance at the famous Heads, to the South, and the majestic Outeniqua mountains forming a dramatic backdrop, to the North.

Climate
Knysna enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year, with most of its rainfall occurring during the night.
Summertimes are filled with warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. Average Summer temperatures vary from approximately 14 deg C minimum and 25 deg C maximum with the exception of February and March, when the days are hot (around 30 deg C), the nights warm, and humidity high.
Winter days are generally quite warm, with cold nights, but seldom freezing. Average Winter temperatures vary from about 10 deg C minimum and 18 deg C maximum.

Knysna, a nature lover’s paradise . . .

Forests
The lush and mysterious indigenous forests are home to ancient towering yellowwood trees draped in “old man’s beard”, the shy Knysna loerie with its prominent crest, striking “eyeliner” and flourish of scarlet wings in flight. And, of course, the elusive Knysna elephants!

Estuary (or “Lagoon”, as it is commonly referred to)
This vast tidal expanse of water is the breeding ground of the diminutive Knysna seahorse, pansy shells and a multitude of other marine life. Also contained in its waters are the Knysna oyster beds and its wetlands provide an abundance of food for numerous bird species, including the protected black oystercatcher with its distinctive orange beak.

Ocean
The Indian Ocean crashes onto the rugged coastline of rocky cliffs and secluded sandy beaches. The undulating swells and waves are the playground of dolphins, and, during the winter months, the southern right and humpback whales.

History
Knysna has a rich and intriguing history, from its name, meaning “place of wood”, in Khoisan, the language of the earliest inhabitants of the area, to the woodcutters, timber merchants, mariners, elephant hunters, gold diggers, silk farmers and royalty – George Rex, founder of the town and alleged illegitimate son of King George III of England.

Activities
The lagoon is perfect for boating, sailing, canoeing and fishing.
Snorkelling, scuba diving, abseiling and rock fishing can be done at the Heads.
Ferry trips to the Heads and the Featherbed nature trail, sailing trips through the Heads, and deep-sea fishing, are all available.

Knysna is a golfer’s paradise, with the spectacular Pezula Championship Course overlooking the Ocean and lagoon, the Simola Jack Nicklaus Signature Course with the gorgeous view of the Knysna River, lush valleys and forest, as well as the Knysna Golf Course close to the lagoon. There are several other world-class golf courses in the surrounding areas, including the Gary Player designed Goose Valley, Ernie Els’ Oubaai and Fancourt Courses.

Other activities in the area include whale & dolphin watching boat trips, cycling, hiking, quad biking, paragliding at nearby Wilderness, helicopter flips in Plettenberg Bay, tree-top canopy tours in Tsitsikamma, and for the brave & daring, bungee-jumping at Stormsriver, the highest in the world!
Places of interest include the Elephant Park, Wolf Sanctuary, Snake Park and Monkeyland, all close to Plettenberg Bay.

Shopping
Knysna’s shops offer everything from local arts & crafts and markets to trendy and sophisticated stores.

Eating & Drinking
A variety of fresh seafood including Knysna cultivated lagoon oysters can be enjoyed with a glass of wine, or the local Mitchell’s beer, at one of the many fine restaurants in Knysna and the Waterfront.

Whatever you choose to do, your holiday in Knysna is sure to be an unforgettable experience…

Your place to stay…

Villa Paradisa Guest House