East of Cape Town in South Africa on the ‘Garden Route’ through South Africa is the lovely town of Knysna, set beside a beautiful lagoon and surrounded by forests, lakes and golden beaches on the Indian Ocean.
From luxury resort hotels to well-appointed bed and breakfast accommodation, Knysna has an enormous range of choice for staying for a night or for much longer. It's a very popular tourism destination, especially during the summer months, and there is accommodation available to suit all budgets.
Top Things to do and see in Knysna
Located between the sea and hills, Knysna is rich in flora and fauna. Natural watercourses and luscious greeneries provide habitat for thousands of animals, and presents opportunities for tourists to see and interact with nature upon their visit to Knysna.
Birds of Eden Bird Sanctuary is a vast dome covering a gorge and forest, allowing over 2000 previously captive birds to fly free.
The Knysna Elephant Park is an attraction where you can not only learn about these magnificent mammals, but also see them up close and even touch them. The staff is knowledgeable and the animals are lively, creating a wonderful experience for young and old. A safari ride or drive is another good way to see the scenery, animals, and learn about the area. The Knysna Lagoon and Buffalo Bay are also worth visiting and should not be missed.
Go on a monkey safari at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, the first facility of its kind, where monkeys roam freely through the forest.
Knysna, a festival celebrating all things natural about Knysna and its surrounding area, is a good way to see what makes this place so special. Runners will enjoy the Trail Run, which is a good way to witness some spectacular scenery. The Recycled Band Competition promotes musical talents that perform with musical instruments made out of recycled materials.
Knysna Hotels
Knysna accommodation ranges from frugal to fantastic, so finding one to suit you is largely dependent on what you want to do and where you want to go. There are plenty of luxurious touches to Knysna accommodation, with boutique hotels, inns and resorts, five-star hotels and excellent quality guesthouses providing hotel standard facilities and services. En suite rooms, guest lounges and public areas are hotel features. Eco-friendly practices are highlighted, and many of the hotels and bed and brealfasts in the area ramp up their ‘green’ practices. Budget travellers will find plenty of cheap hotels in Knysna, good bed and breakfasts and facilities for backpackers, as well as a wealth of self-catering accommodation for the more independent visitor.
Activities for Children
Though they will enjoy the wildlife in the natural world around them, with visits to see elephants, monkeys and exotic birds, as well as trips to golden beaches, children will eventually need a break. They will love the opportunity to let off steam at Adventureland Plett, a thrilling water park featuring long and adrenaline fuelled slides and tubes. Jungle gyms, trampolines and swings are also on hand when a break from watery activities is needed.