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An update from Evaneos
Knysna

Knysna (South Africa)

Practical information about Knysna

  • Family
  • Romantic
  • Beach / Seaside Resort
  • Viewpoint
  • Countryside
  • Lake
4 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
5 hours' drive from Cape Town
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Knysna

Travel writer
13 travel articles

A magnificent lagoon inland, with an impressive strait towards the Indian Ocean.

My suggestion:
Have brunch in a little restaurant which looks onto the pass to enter the lagoon: the view is uninterrupted!
Summary:

Sadly famous amongst French football fans for being the location of their national team's revolt but perhaps little known to those from the UK, Knysna is a magical place when you walk around it. On one side, you have the lagoon with some marshes and peaceful waters which make the birds who come to rest there happy. On the other side, from the top of the cliffs, you have an uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean.

The pass to enter the lagoon is renowned for being one of the most dangerous in the world. Even if I haven't experienced it, the magnificent view that you can have over the lagoon from the top of the cliffs which surround it does not really invite you to go there by boat. However, the small creeks which stretch out from our feet at the base of the cliffs make you really want to go down to explore. It even seems that there is the possibility to visit some of the caves which are hollowed into the cliffs.

Despite the influx of tourists, it's a very calm and quite well preserved place. The perfect place to spend some relaxing family days, in one of the most beautiful spots of the Garden Route.

View over the pass to leave the lagoon, from the cafe's terrace.
Fred Jasseny Travel writer
11 travel articles

A must-see stopping place on the Garden Route, Knysna is a peaceful green sanctuary bordered by lagoons that are protected from the ocean by impressive cliffs.

My suggestion:
Stay in the hills of the town so you can admire the incredible sunset over the lagoon and easily go hiking in the surrounding forest.
Summary:

Knysna completely charmed me. I got a bit of fresh air during walks in the vast forest that surrounds the town. The atmosphere is conducive to relaxing and observing nature.

To the south-east of the town, there is an incredible view that is worth devoting half a day to. The waves of the Indian Ocean crash against the rocks furiously and randomly. The view from the viewpoint captured my attention for around ten minutes and then I descended towards the beach wedged between the rocks. I tried to go for a swim, but the current is definitely too strong. I advise against it.

The area surrounding the residential district that borders the lagoon is perfect for a swim. The water is warm, which is quite rare in this region of South Africa. At the end of the day, I lounged on one of the many restaurant terraces just beside the harbour. It's decided: I will return!

The bay in Knysna