A Garden Route Town for all reasons, with a climate to match!
Knysna's history weaves a colorful tapestry of woodcutters, seafarers, gold-diggers and timber merchants. The fascinating origins of the town's timber and shipbuilding industries have its roots in the mysterious forests where Knysna Elephants abounded.
The area became established in the early 1800's when the demand for timber began to grow. The wood cutters braved unknown territory seeking out the valuable woods such as Stinkwood and Yellowwood. In the late 1800's, a tiny gold nugget was discovered in the forest, and the mining village of Millwood sprang up. This was short-lived, however, as the gold yields remained small and hard to find, now the only remains of Millwood is the abandoned mines and a small tea house - operating as Mother Holly's.
The Knysna Heads are famous, not only for the grand sandstone cliffs, which tower above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon, but also for the many recorded shipwrecks which have occurred over the past 150 years.
Today Knysna is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Having been declared the Garden Route National Park this naturally scenic area is abundant with activities, offering something to do for the young AND the young at heart!
The vast estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon, offers numerous water sports including sailing, canoeing, fishing and skiing. The surrounding indigenous forests have a number of marked trails for hiking and mountain biking. Various adventure sports are on offer including quad biking, abseiling, kite surfing and paragliding.
Take time to discover cultures different to your own - 'rock-and-ride' an Emzini taxi tour to the colourful townships and join the dancing and drumming. Did you know Knysna has the biggest Rastafarian community in South Africa? Why not allow yourself some space to enjoy our special area for a bit longer…you might just have the time of your life!
Some of our favourite places within 50km
- Leisure island picnic spot on Bollards Bay
- Buffalo Bay beach for walks and bodyboarding
- Jubilee Creek forest walk in Millwood and Mother Holly café
- Mountain bike trail in Garden of Eden
- Whale & dolphin marine Tours
- Saturday organic farmer's market in Harkerville
- Nature's Valley and Oudtshoorn…these areas are abit off the beaten track, but really are worth the drive.
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Knysna Gallery
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| click on thumbnails to view gallery |
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| Knysna - Garden Route – Western Cape - South Africa |
| Physical Address | 9 Herons Way, Old Place, Knysna |
| Postal Address: | PO Box 3536, Knysna 6570 | | GPS coordinates | 34° 02’ 34.79’’S & 23° 04’ 14.68’’E |
| Tel: | +27 (0)44 382 9964 |
| Fax: | 086 544 0209 |
| Email: | info@heronsway.co.za |
| Knysna Festivals |
| Pink Loerie | Early May every year |
| Oyster Festival | June/July every year |
| Rasta Earth Festival | July every year |
| Gastronomica | September every year |
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