🏐 Things to Do in Knysna

2026 Local Guide3 listingsUpdated March 2026
Knysna
⛰
The Heads
100m High Cliffs
Two massive sandstone cliffs guard the narrow entrance to the Knysna Lagoon
🌳
Forest Trails
200km+ Mapped
SA's largest indigenous forest with trails from 1km strolls to multi-day hikes
🐘
Wildlife
Rich Biodiversity
Knysna turaco, seahorse, and the legendary forest elephants call this area home

Did You Know?

⚓
The Knysna Heads are considered one of the most dangerous harbour entrances in the world — many ships have wrecked attempting the narrow passage.
🌴
Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head is only accessible by ferry and is one of SA's most pristine private nature reserves.
🐦
The Knysna Turaco (Knysna loerie) is a bright green forest bird found only in this region. Listen for its distinctive "kow-kow-kow" call.

Must-Do Experiences

▼Top Pick

Featherbed Eco Experience

Ferry, 4x4, guided walk, and buffet lunch on the private Western Head reserve.

The full Featherbed experience costs around R695pp and takes 4 hours. Includes a ferry across the lagoon, a 4x4 drive to the top of the Western Head, a guided nature walk down, and a seafood buffet. Book at the Knysna Waterfront office.

▼Free

Hike to the Eastern Head

Walk the trail to the Eastern Head lookout for spectacular views of the lagoon.

Park at the Eastern Head car park and walk the 2km trail to the viewpoint. It's free and takes about 45 minutes round trip. Best at sunrise or sunset. Continue to Coney Glen beach if you want a longer walk.

▼Family Friendly

Knysna Elephant Park

Get close to rescued African elephants on guided interaction tours.

Located 20km from Knysna on the N2. Elephant interactions from R350pp (1 hour). The park rescues and rehabilitates elephants. Feeding and touching experiences available. Book morning slots for the most active elephants.

🔒 Local Secrets

🌳
Garden of Eden — This free forest walk (10 minutes off the N2) has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through 800-year-old yellowwood trees. Most tourists miss it.
🌊
Belvidere lagoon paddle — Rent a kayak from Featherbed and paddle the calm western lagoon arm at sunrise. You'll see flamingos, kingfishers, and barely another soul.
🚗
Phantom Pass — This gravel road through indigenous forest is one of SA's most scenic drives. Free, 12km, and connects Knysna to Phantom Pass — stop at the forest viewpoints.
Knysna's activities centre on its spectacular natural setting — the lagoon, the Heads, and the surrounding indigenous forests. From free hikes and kayak adventures to guided eco-experiences and wildlife encounters, there's something for every budget and fitness level. Many activities run year-round thanks to Knysna's mild climate.
Featherbed Nature Reserve★★★★★4.7(3,200)R695pp
Western Head, Knysna Lagoon
A private nature reserve on the Western Head accessible only by ferry. The full eco-experience includes a 4x4 ride, guided walk through coastal fynbos and milkwood forest, and a legendary seafood buffet lunch.
📞 Call📍 Directions
Knysna Heads Viewpoint★★★★★4.8(5,400)Free
George Rex Drive, Eastern Head
The iconic sandstone cliffs forming the narrow entrance to Knysna Lagoon. Walk the Eastern Head trail for panoramic views of the lagoon, Indian Ocean, and Western Head. One of the most photographed spots on the Garden Route.
📍 Directions
Knysna Elephant Park★★★★☆4.4(2,870)R350pp
N2 Highway, 20km east of Knysna
An elephant rescue and rehabilitation sanctuary where visitors can interact with African elephants. Guided tours include feeding and touching experiences. A meaningful encounter for families and animal lovers.
📞 Call📍 Directions

More in Knysna

Knysna HubRestaurantsAccommodation

Garden Route Activities

Plett ActivitiesWilderness ActivitiesOudtshoorn Activities
↑