Top 10 Things to do in Knysna, South Africa

Brenton-on-Sea is great for walking and sunbathing and is popular with paragliders. A big rock formation, castle Rock, is a favourite fishing spot for locals. Swimming is dangerous because of rip currents.

Founded in 1994, The Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. The first orphaned calves (from a culling operation in the Kruger National Park) named Harry and Sally, after the famous movie of the time, remain part of the KEP family today: Harry as the dominant bull and Sally as the matriarch of the herd. Since 1994, we have cared for and raised more than thirty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the KEP herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, taking in to cognizance their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs. The present KEP herd numbers nine - the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Your elephant encounter begins starts in our Interpretation Centre where you are introduced to our elephants, through beautiful photographic and informative displays. Here you can also book an elephant-back ride, a sunrise walk with the elephants or special exclusive sundowner tour. A short video presentation gives you further insight into the Park and its elephant-orientated Missions and goals, before you enter the Park to meet the elephants. Our facilities are world class and our style of management ensures that our elephants interact with guests on their own terms. Within this habitat, we call a "controlled, free-range" environment, our daily tours offer guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants; but still gives the elephants to some freedom and choice. Guests may remain with the elephants as long as they wish, before being transported back to the Restaurant and Curio Shop. A Photography Department is also available for guests to purchase personalized photos and DVD's of their Extraordinary Elephant Encounter - making your memories last a lifetime! Our newly refurbished night quarters consist of a large covered elephant boma, which leads into an outdoor fenced camp. For an animal that can eat for up to 18 hours a day, this arrangement allows our elephants to exhibit a large variety of behaviours during the night. They are able to choose where they want to sleep - indoors or outdoors; who they want to interact with, as well as where and what they want to eat. This again contributes to one of the highest quality captive elephant management styles in South Africa. Our elephant boma and night camp are viewed from above by our Elephant Lodge guests, another first for South Africa...nowhere else in the country can you 'sleep' with elephants The need for research was recognized by The Knysna Elephant Park who then created the African Elephant Research Unit (AERU, est. 2009), aimed at improving the management and welfare of captive elephants throughout South Africa. Visitors to the park are privileged to have a close-up and personal encounter with these gentle giants, and leave having gained a healthy respect for these wonderful animals, as well as a better understanding of the African elephant and their plight across the continent. EXTRAORDINARY ENCOUNTERS - BE TOUCHED BY AN ELEPHANT

Wild Oats is a local farmers and food market open every Saturday morning until 12 noon. We are located on the western outskirts of Sedgefield at the turnoff to Sedgefield Island. An award winning Garden Route landmark we are not to be confused with the Scarab Craft Market to the far east of Engen Petrol Station or the Mosaic Flea Market across the road from Wild Oats. As a food market, our open times are limited due to the short shelf-life of many of our LOCALLY PRODUCED products which include: Free-range chicken, beef, pork and lamb, free-range eggs, multiple cheese, dairy and baked products including fresh gouda, Cheddar, blue-cheeses... milk, fresh fish, fruits, free-range & organic vegetables in season, many traditional and exotic bottled goods, organic olives, berries, rusks, koeksisters, biltong & wors, famous artisan breads, award-winning cheesecakes and goats cheeses... and on and on and on. Also a fabulous range of hot-off-the-grill breakfasts, coffees, teas and fresh-squeeze juices and smoothies. FOOD HEAVEN! Come face-to-face with our local food producers every Saturday morning, come rain or shine.

Buffalo Bay is a family beach with safe swimming and great Surfing conditions. It is also ideal for walking (all the way to Brenton on Sea) and fishing.

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.

A working art studio where the resident artist engages with visitors , provides demonstrations and gives advice to artists and collectors