Location: Knysna
Top Things to do in Knysna
The 6 Best Nature & Wildlife Areas in Knysna, Western Cape
Knysna stands out on South Africa's famed Garden Route thanks to the sandstone cliffs that dramatically separate its tranquil lagoon from the pounding surf of the Indian Ocean. It's also home to the country's largest indigenous forest. Hop aboard a ferry for a ride through the scenic highlights. The Millwood Mines at Jubilee Creek, site of a major gold rush in 1885, provide a picturesque spot for a picnic. Be sure to try some local oysters during the renowned annual festival.
Restaurants in Knysna
1. Featherbed Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,075 reviews
Featherbed is a privately-owned, registered Nature Reserve and a South African Heritage Site, No.59. It is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.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.
Reviewed By pierrek100 - Stellenbosch, South Africa
This is a highly recommended tour. After receiving a friendly welcome at the Featherbed Co ticket office and with our ticket and boarding pass issued, we made our way onto the ferry and a scenic cruise over the Knysna Estuary. We learned quite a bit about the history of the area from the tour guide as we cruised under a beautiful blue sky, with the Knysna Yacht Club, Waterfront and Thesen's Island on the north bank and the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the south bank. Interesting craft, from sailboats to houseboats, floating on the glassy surface of the estuary, added to kick off a day with many photo opportunities. When we landed at Featherbed there was a quick rest opportunity. Then we headed to the brand new 30 seater viewing vehicle that would transport us to the top of the reserve. The reserve had endured a devastating fire in 2017, but soon it was clear how nature and the owners responded as all about us it was green and beautiful and we could already begin to experience the great views over the estuary. Once we reached the top we disembarked for our 2,2km scenic walk through the beauty of the reserve with its indigenous plants and trees down towards the southern rocky edge of the port entry. One of the most dangerous port entries in Africa due to all the sharp rocks on both the northern and southern side. From the outset, it was clear that we would have many views of the spectacular meeting of the Knysna River and the Indian Ocean. We made our way down all the way to the sea caves where ages of pounding waves bored huge openings in the rock creating 10m high caves. Spectacular pictures were taken. We walked to the Featherbeds Milkwood restaurant along the side of the water on a wooden path. The view across the estuary showed off the beautiful waterscapes and the mansions built among the trees on the northern head. The water in the estuary lay calm beside the path, here and there making small white beaches. The sailors who slept there in their seagoing vessels in times gone by used to say that the calm waters in the estuary made it feel like they slept in a featherbed. It became known as Featherbed Bay. When we reached the Milkwood restaurant a wonderful buffet-style meal of traditional South African fare was waiting for us. We could sit down in a beautiful setting under indigenous Milkwood trees at a beautiful indigenous Yellowwood tabletop and enjoy a sumptuous meal. Walking through the various areas of the large newly rebuilt restaurant I was impressed by its understated style and how such a large structure melts into the hillside in such an environmentally sensitive way. On the way back to the dock at the Cruise Cafe, I reflected that this tour should e a must on any visitors itinerary whether local or international. Don't miss this.
2. Knysna Elephant Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,837 reviews
The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Over the last 25 years, the park has cared for and raised more than 40 elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers ten – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with.
Reviewed By carriannb2018
One for the bucket list, offers a intimate experience with these gentle giants where you can personally feed them and walk around with them and your personal guide. Will be back.
3. Goukamma Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Goukamma is situated between Buffalo Bay and Sedgefield, and offers wonderful beaches, epic sand dunes, flowing river mouths and unspoiled coastal forests.
Reviewed By charitycomms - Upper Beeding, United Kingdom
Just park by the Goukamma sign on the road to Buffalo (Buffels) Bay and walk across the dunes to where the river meets the sea for a beautiful warm bath in river tannins or wave-bashing sea experience. Loads of birds at the river mouth so take your binoculars. Lovely spot for sunbathing, picnic or walk the beach looking for dolphins. Just fab.
4. Pledge Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Visit Pledge Nature Reserve in the heart of Knysna to view indigenous plants to the area and some history. Before Knysna was officially named a town, it was made up of small settlements, one of which was Newhaven, just east of today’s Long Street – the lo g straight roadthat bisects the town and runs down to Thesen Island.
Reviewed By Mar186525 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We had rather a problem getting into the reserve which has a strange system whereby you insert the code on your ticket (from Polvo the nearby cafe) into a keypad and the warden operates the gate release - except it didn't happen. 30 minutes later with a lot of help from the wonderful manageress in Polvo we were in and it was worth it. Well marked paths climb through lush grounds to a viewpoint with spectacular views over Knysna and across the islands in the bay to the Indian Ocean. Abundant birdlife including a sparrowhawk which perched only feet from us. Plentiful benches by the ponds and throughout. Take a book and relax then have coffee and a muffin in Polvo
5. Gerickes Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By adriennee360 - Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
We booked the Moonlight Meander with Judy Dixon over full moon and low tide. It was so fascinating we went back in daylight to explore again.
6. Goukamma Marine Protected Area
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
