Juanita Williams

With indigenous forests on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other, Knysna sits at the heart of the Garden Route like a natural amphitheatre. The town wraps around a tranquil lagoon, guarded by dramatic sandstone cliffs known as the Heads. It's a place where outdoor adventure meets fresh oysters and where you'll be as lucky to spot dolphins from a sailboat as you are ancient yellowwood trees on a forest hike. Need accomodation? Book one of these Knysna Airbnbs. Knysna earned its reputation as a timber town in the 1800s, and those forests still dominate the landscape today. There's more to this Garden Route favorite than trees and water, but let's acknowledge their main character energy, shall we? Between the adventure activities, farm-to-table restaurants, and artisan markets, you'll find a laidback coastal vibe that keeps visitors coming back. Not sure where to start? Here are the best things to do in Knysna.

You might not realise it, but there is a thread connecting locals to a number of spots that were not necessarily built for tourists. From Sepial’s quietly radical kitchen in Woodstock to Khayelitsha’s grassroots theatre, these places hold Cape Town’s real character — creative, resilient, and deeply rooted in community.  They’re built for us (but luckily we'll share). They ask you to engage, not just consume. To listen as much as you look.   And in a city where inequality can feel immovable, they remind you that hope often hides in small, stubborn acts — a market stall, a guest book, a performance in a shack. If you want to discover the authentic spirit of the Mother City, try a day trip. Weave your way through these hidden corners and meet some of our talented creators.  Morning: Markets, Green Spaces and Hidden Histories Montebello Organic Market Montebello Organic Market – A Conscious Start Within the creative hub of Montebello Studios in Newlands, the Inseason Mobile Market serves as a bridge between small-scale farmers and city kitchens. Co-founders Tapiwa Shelton Chibanda and Kelvin Munashe Chigweshe bring farm-fresh, organic produce from Philippi’s horticultural belt and Khayelitsha directly to locals. Time Out Tip: You can order a box of seasonal vegetables and free-range eggs — customised to your tastes — or browse in person, chatting to the friendly team about where your carrots grew and whose hands pulled them from the earth. Their approach is radical in its si

The invitation to spend time at the Turbine Hotel on Thesen Islands in Knysna couldn't have come at a better moment. After several challenging weeks, I badly needed a recharge. What better place than a beautifully converted power station in one of South Africa's most stunning towns, where history meets modern luxury in a truly unique way.  Located along the Garden Route, the Turbine Hotel is about a 6-hour (roughly 500 km) road trip from Cape Town. It's a rewarding and scenic drive through dramatic mountain passes, as well seaside towns like Mossel Bay and George, before arriving in the lagoon-side paradise of Knysna.  Why stay at the Turbine Hotel and Spa The hotel is surrounded by water on three sides, providing easy access to activities such as kayaking, whale watching and boat rides to nearby nature trails. This peaceful island setting provides a tranquil escape, while keeping guests connected to Knysna's natural beauty and vibrant community. The hotel's design also perfectly blends respectful nods to its industrial past with modern boutique luxury that pampers you while honouring the original building's spirit. The history buffs among you will love the owners' dedication to preserving the authenticity of the original power station. The reception area immediately commands attention with wallpaper featuring original turbine plant plans, and throughout the hotel, large machines and steel pillars are thoughtfully preserved and incorporated into the décor. Some of these artef