The best things to do in Knysna

What is it? A private nature reserve accessible only by ferry, offering guided tours via tractor, trailer, clifftop walks, and lunch with views over the Knysna Heads.

Why go? This is Knysna's signature experience, and for good reason. The Featherbed Ecotour combines breathtaking scenery, pristine nature, and exceptional dining into one unforgettable outing. Your journey begins with a scenic ferry ride across the legendary Knysna Lagoon to the western head of the famous Knysna Heads, accompanied by the witty and informative guide who shares fascinating stories about the area's famous locals.

Upon arrival at the private Featherbed Nature Reserve, you'll board a 4x4 vehicle for a slow, sightseeing ride up the steep slopes to the clifftop plateau. Along the way, you'll hear about the unique fynbos vegetation, indigenous forests, and rich history. The panoramic views from the top are simply, for want of a better term, spectacular. Make sure you have your camera ready for the Knysna Heads, azure estuary, and the Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon.

After the vehicle tour, enjoy a mostly downhill walk through ancient forest trails and dramatic paths. The reserve is home to rare Cape Blue duiker, bushbuck, and an incredible variety of bird species. 

Don't miss: The highlight of this bucket list experience is the 2.2km trail and takes about an hour. It's described as doable for most fitness levels, but please accept the offer of a sturdy stick to steady your steps as you walk.

The buffet lunch, consisting of fresh seafood, succulent roasts, seasonal salads and tasty desserts, at the reserve's restaurant under the milkwood trees is a fitting reward for those who struggled back up those 140 steps to view the cave. It's adventure, education, and indulgence rolled into one outing.

Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Time Out Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season, and bring your camera for incredible photo opportunities.

For a completely different perspective on Knysna's beauty, set sail on the open ocean with Ocean Sailing Charters, member of Cape Country Routes. Feel the wind in your hair and the spray on your face as you glide through the famous Knysna Heads and, if the weather allows, out into the Indian Ocean.

There's no better way to understand the power of the Knysna Heads than from the deck of a sailboat passing between them. These towering sandstone cliffs have claimed countless ships over the centuries, and the narrow passage into the lagoon still commands respect, making the passage through them all the more thrilling.

From the water, no doubt you'll gain a whole new appreciation for their majesty and understand why sailors feared and admired them.

Ocean Sailing Charters offers various options, from romantic sunset cruises to full-day adventures. The experienced crew will have you participating in the sailing if you're keen, or you can simply relax with your glass of sparkles and let the wind do the work. Once you're out on the open ocean, keep watch for dolphins riding the bow wave and whales breaching during migration season (June to November).

Whether you choose a leisurely sundowner cruise with sparkling wine and a delicious fillet braai or a more adventurous sailing experience, this is an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Knysna.

Don't miss: The sunset cruise option, when the light turns the cliffs golden and the town sparkles across the water.

Time Out Tip: You'll have to go barefoot, dress in layers and bring sunscreen. The weather can change quickly on the water, and the wind can be cool even on warm days.

Bookings & Reservations: 076 761 0353/online

What is it? A forest trail through the Goudveld State Forest with two route options (3km or 9km), featuring wooden boardwalks, river crossings, and circular platforms built among ancient trees.

Why go? This is indigenous forest hiking at its best. The trail follows the Goudveld River through dense Afromontane woodland, where yellowwood, stinkwood, and Cape blackwood trees have been growing for centuries. Wooden walkways guide you through the wettest sections, while the sound of birdsong - loeries, forest buzzards, Knysna woodpeckers - follows you the entire way.

The circular platforms that give the trail its name are scattered throughout, offering contemplative spaces to pause and look up into the canopy. Choose the shorter 3km route (about 1.5 hours) for an easier walk, or tackle the full 9km loop (2.5, 3 hours) for a more comprehensive forest experience. Both options feature some elevation and uneven ground, but the shade and beauty make the effort worthwhile.

Don't miss: The early morning hike, when mist hangs in the trees and the forest feels primordial.

What is it? A lively harbour-side complex filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, and boardwalks overlooking the lagoon.

Why go? This is Knysna's social hub, where locals and visitors gather for sundowners, fresh seafood, and people-watching. Browse the boutiques for locally made crafts and art, then settle into one of the waterfront restaurants for oysters - either wild, harvested from the coastal rocks or cultivated Pacific oysters from the Western Cape's oyster farms. They're served fresh with lemon or Tabasco. The wooden boardwalks are ideal for a post-dinner stroll, with boats bobbing in the marina and the Heads silhouetted against the sunset. It's also the departure point for most lagoon cruises and water activities.

Don't miss: Timing your visit with the weekly Scarab Village craft market (Fridays and Saturdays) for handmade goods and live music.

What is it? A secluded beach backed by forested cliffs and famous for the quirky stone castles built into the hillside.

Why go? Noetzie feels like a secret, even though it's only 10km from town. The beach is accessible via a steep winding road or a forest trail, and once you arrive, you're met with golden sand, rock pools, and those distinctive castles, built by eccentric owners starting in the 1930s and still privately owned today. The beach is quieter than Knysna's main swimming spots, making it ideal for a peaceful afternoon with a book. The walk down through the forest is beautiful, but be prepared for the climb back up.

Don't miss: Low tide, when the rock pools reveal starfish, anemones, and small fish.

What is it? A pristine indigenous forest with easy walking trails beneath ancient yellowwood trees.

Why go? If the full Circles in the Forest trail feels too ambitious, the Garden of Eden offers an easier introduction to Knysna's woodlands. The main trail loops for about 2km through old growth forest passing yellowwoods that are over 600 years old. The canopy creates natural shade, crystal-clear streams trickle through the undergrowth, and wooden bridges add to the fairytale atmosphere. It's an easy walk suitable for all ages, and the sense of stepping back in time is immediate. The trailhead is just off the N2, making it a convenient stop if you're driving the Garden Route.

Don't miss: The massive Outeniqua yellowwood tree near the start of the trail. It's one of the forest's oldest inhabitants.

What is it? Knysna's famous oyster tradition, available at waterfront restaurants and oyster bars throughout town.

Why go? Knysna has a long association with oysters, and while commercial farming in the lagoon ceased years ago, you'll still find excellent oysters throughout town. Local restaurants serve both wild coastal oysters harvested from nearby rocks and cultivated Pacific oysters from the Western Cape's premier oyster farms in Saldanha Bay. Visit waterfront establishments to taste them at their freshest - order them raw with lemon, grilled with garlic butter, or baked with cheese. Each preparation highlights the briny sweetness of these mollusks. Pair them with a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy the lagoon views.

Don't miss: Asking your server about the origin of the oysters - some restaurants feature both wild and farmed varieties.

What is it? A multi-use reserve with mountain biking and hiking trails offering views over the lagoon and forests.

Why go? For visitors who want to work up a sweat, Pledge Nature Reserve delivers. The trail network caters to different fitness levels, from gentle walks to challenging mountain bike routes that climb into the hills above Knysna. The views from the higher trails take in the entire lagoon, the Heads, and the patchwork of indigenous forest and fynbos below. It's popular with trail runners and mountain bikers, but hikers will find plenty of quiet spots to explore. The diversity of landscapes - forest, grassland, rocky outcrops - makes every section feel different.

Don't miss: The sunset hike to one of the elevated viewpoints, when the water turns silver and the town lights begin to flicker on.