Knysna Information and Tourist Attractions
Knysna Information and Tourist Attractions
Western Province – Garden Route – Knysna
Knysna Information
Located in the Western Province, on the world famous Garden Route you will find the picturesque town of Knysna a place of magical and mysterious beauty. Knysna a natural paradise is surrounded by lush indigenous forests, clear lakes and golden beaches, providing the perfect playground for the sports enthusiasts. Knysna has been voted the number one tourist destination in South Africa.
The Knysna lagoon is sheltered and protected from the sea by two dramatic sandstone headlands called the Knysna Heads. The Knysna heads must be the most stiking geological feature along the entire Southern African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River. From here, panoramic views unfold to the Outeniqua Mountains, observe the tides both in the Lagoon and the coastline.
The Knysna Forest a spectacular tourist attraction, being the largest indigenous forest in South Africa. Comprising of approximately 80,000 ha. There is an abundance of fauna and flora with many exotic species such as stinkwood, yellow wood, black wood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. In places, the forest is extremely dense and virtually impossible to penetrate. The Knysna elephants roam these forests and until recently there was only one elephant left and due to the local residents of Knysna they have been reintroduced to the forests.
The Knysna Waterfront, is alive with water activity, including numerous boats, yachts, paddle- cruisers and catamarans to their very own floating restaurant, making up the famous Knysna Ferries. These vessels are able to navigate upstream and to enter the Knysna Heads. These breathtaking natural geographic outcrops that separate sea from lagoon offer amazing scenery and awesome sunsets, a must for any Knysna visitor. The best way to experience this is aboard the Zakat a catamaran which cruises through the Heads while sipping champagne and having Knysna oysters. Knysna being on of the biggest tourist attractions in South Africa is a must for any discerning tourist.
Knysna Climate
Knysna has a temperate climate – comfortable hot summers (summer temperatures average 27 degrees C / 80.6 degrees F) and comparatively mild winters (winter temperatures average 14 degrees C / 57.2 degrees F in the daytime) More information on Knysna climate
Knysna Tourist Attractions
Explore Knysna tourist attractions and activities. There is so much to do in Knysna and the surrounding Knysna area from mild family activities to extreme adventure activities.
The Outeniqua Choo tjoe.
The Outeniqua Choo tjoe is one of Knysna tourist attractions, take a trip down memory lane and experience a ride of a lifetime on South Africa's only remaining scheduled steam train built in the 1940's and of the passanger carriages over 100 years old. The Outeniqua Choo tjoe. On this 52km journey between George and Knysna, the Choo jtoe offers its passangers the most spectacular scenery of the Indian Ocean coastline. More information on Knysna Outeniqua Choo tjoe tourist attraction
Featherbed Nature Reserve
Featherbed Nature Reserve is a prime example of eco-tourism and in order to protect the splendour of the natural beauty, access to the Reserve is controlled. Numbers are limited and visits are only permitted in the company of the Reserve's specialist guides. The tourists to the Featherbed Nature Reserve can enjoy a drive to the top of the Western Head in a 4 x 4 Unimog vehicle with trailers, stopping at a magnificent view point en route. Here unsurpassed views of the Lagoon, mountains and Knysna can be enjoyed.
Knysna Elephant Park
Join the southern most elephants in the world at the Knysna Elephant Park where our resident family of African elephants and world-class guides will unravel the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants. The park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free range environment in the heart of the famous Garden Route. More information on Knysna Elephant Park tourist attractions
The Paddle Cruiser
South Africa's only paddle driven vessel. Partake in this unique experience and cruise to the famous Knysna Heads. This vessel offers fine dining while enjoying the sunset. The Paddle Cruiser offers lunchtime cruises departing at 12:15pm and the dinner cruises departing at 16:15pm More information on Knysna Paddle Cruiser tourist attractions
Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna boasts with the longest running South African festival. The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, this is a huge tourist attraction. This festival is held yearly and normally in July month. Tourists flock to this picturesque coastal town in the thousands to partake in this 10 day experience of fun and activities for the whole family. More information on Oyster Festival
Knysna Whale and Dolphin Watching
Outstanding Whale watching opportunities exist in Knysna, a breathtaking town along the Garden Route . Viewpoints are are at Brenton-on-Sea and the famous Knysna Heads at the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon. Whales have been known to enter this tranquil lagoon in Knysna. More information on Knysna Whale watching tourist attractions. The whale watching capital of the world for landbased viewing is in Hermanus. More information on Hermanus whale watching
