10 Great Things To Do When Next in Knysna: When was the last time you were in Knysna? This ever popular Garden Route town has plenty to offer. The middle of the year is when thousands of people descend on this town for the Knsyna Oyster Festival and those who’ve been training take part in either the Knysna Forest Marathon and Knysna Cycle Tour.
But when the buzz of the Oyster Festival calms down and the tourists leave this town doesn’t go to sleep … it does the opposite of that. Reason being because there is so much to do in and around the town of Knysna. Not only is the town filled with festivals but your will find a host of Things to Do in Knysna. I’ve taken a slice out of all the exciting places to visit and things to see and have round up 10 great things to do when you’re next in town …
Beer Tasting & Tour at Mitchells Brewery
An absolute must visit is the Mitchells Brewery, here you can discover all there is to know about brewing fine natural ales. The tour guide will enlighten and excite you with terms such as Mash Tun, Whirlpool and Grist Hopper. After your tour you’ll be taken to the sales area for a tasting and a chance to purchase some of the ale to take home. If you’re a group of 6 or more persons you are able to arrange an alternative tour time to the scheduled tours.
Address: Arend Street, Knysna Industria, Knysna, Garden Route
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382-4685
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 08h00 to 17h00. Please contact us for Tour & Tasting Times.
Canoeing on the Knysna Lagoon
If you’re feeling a little bit energetic and would like to get out on the water why not hire yourself a Canadian-syle canoe for either one or two persons from Lightleys River Runners (who are known as The Boat People). The canoes are very easy to use and would be the perfect opportunity to take that special someone on a little romantic outing … don’t forget it is Valentines Day next week. Or if romance is not what you’re after and you’re looking for birds of the feathered variety this would also serve you well. If you like, you can arrange for a delicious picnic as well which includes succulent oysters and a bottle of bubbly
Oyster Farm Tour
Knysna is very well known for its oysters. This is something that not everyone is a fan of, but if you are one who loves these slippery shellfish then I would highly reccommend an Oyster Farm Tour. On the tour you will learn all there is to know about The Knysna Osyter as it grows wild on this stretch of coastline. The tour drifts off towards the Knysna Heads and your guide will not only find out a bit of the history of the Knysna Head but also all you need to know about the oyster beds. The tour includes drinks, lights snacks and three oysters per person (you’ll taste both wild and farmed oysters). If three is not enough don’t fret there will be oysters on sale.
Address: Tours depart from Thesen Island Harbour, Knysna
Opening hours: Tours depart at 11h00, 13h00 and 15h00 daily and last 90 minutes
A Pastry from île de pain
Come to île de pain Bakery and Café where bread is not just bread, it is a religion. Every morning the crew get up before the crack of dawn to create the most scrumptious bread you have ever tasted. Thus ensuring île de pain is one of the most popular eateries in Knysna. You’ll find the first artisan, wood-fired bakery in South Africa at the Thesen Island in the Knysna Waterfront. The eatery offers a delectable selection of pastries which include baked pear tartlets, or choose something from the simple breakfast menu. Be warned though you might enjoy yourself so much you’ll want to stay on for lunch deciding between healthy gourmet salads, delicious tarts or their signature beef burger. Whatever you do make sure you come hungry!
Address: Thesen’s Island Street, Knysna Waterfront, Knysna, Garden Route
Telephone: +27 (0)44 302-5707
Opening hours: Please enquire
Harkerville Saturday Market
You’ll find this market situated on the N2 between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Why make the effort you might ask, perhaps because it has been going for 10 years and is not just a flea market, nor a craft market, it isn’t even just a farmers market … it is a combination of all three. You can be looking for any number of things from books to organic vegetables, sumptuous home-baked goodies to locally produced cheeses. Relax under one of the trees and enjoy breakfast with friends and family – the perfect opportunity for a catch up.
Address: On the N2, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
Telephone: + 27 (0)44 533-9094
Opening hours: Saturday mornings from 08h00 to 12h00
Dine aboard the Paddle Cruiser
Take a trip on the only paddle-driven vessel in South Africa and enjoy a completely unique Knysna Lagoon experience. Decide between a lunch time (12h30 departure) or evening (18h15 departure) cruise. The evening cruise will allow you to relax into the evening while sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset. Feast on a large a la carte selection which features a Tapas Mediterranean menu for lunch and a 3-course Mediterranean buffet for dinner – and of course when in Knysna savour a succulent oyster.
Address: Remembrance Lane, off Waterfront Drive, Knysna, Garden Route
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382-1693
Opening hours: Lunch cruise at 12h30 and evening cruise at 18h15
The Red Barn Restaurant & Country Store
Nestled amongst Macadamia nut orchards this recently renovated, 20 year old Cape Cod style barn is a wonderful place to you to purchase fresh produce, browse through local art and dine of wonderful creations from the talented chef at the Red Barn Restaurant. The menu is inspired by seasonal produce and you can expect to find artisan meats, cheeses and a range of other produce that is produced either locally or on site. Come and spend a lazy lunch with your friends and enjoy a glass of wine from their extensive wine list.
Address: Fern Gully Farm, Rheenendal, Road, Knysna, Garden Route
Telephone: +27 (0)82 739-0962
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday and Public holidays from 09h00 to 16h00 and Friday night the kitchen closes at 22h00
The Dry Dock Food Co
A wonderful venue for a large group of friends or an intimate dinner for two. With three separate floors you might think you don’t need to book but due to their popularity it’s adviseable to give them a call. The location couldn’t be more ideal as it is situated at the Knysna Waterfront and you’ll leave wanting to come back soon because the food is delectable. Lunch is served daily from 12h00 to 18h00 – I would suggest something from the many seafood options, you’ll be begging for more. If you are a fan of prawns they have some many options of how it is prepared you are rather spoilt for choice.
Address: Shop 1, The Waterfront Knysna Quays, Knysna, Garden Route
Telephone: +27(0)44 382-7310
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 12h00 to 22h00
Day Sailing Charter with Springtide
Take up position at the help of the 50 foot yacht, Outeniqua, thanks to Spring Tide Sailing Charters. This will be a sailing experience like no other – sail through one of the most notoriously difficult sea passages in the world – the Knysna Heads. The crew will let you enjoy a lagoon cruise and then carefully take you through the Knysna Heads and sail on towards Buffalo Bay. When you return you can anchor down and enjoy a few delicious treats and even a swim to cool down. The Outeniqua was hand built by owner and skipper, Stephan Pepler and has been a luxury sailing yacht since 1998.
Address: The Outeniqua Yacht is situated in front of Building 34 South
Telephone: +27 (0)82 470-6022 or +27 (0)82 829-2740
Opening hours: By arrangement
The Anchorage
The Anchorage has a strong history of more than 20 years so you can be rest assured that this is a local favourite. The restaurant offers an unpretentious evening with traditional seafood dishes and perfect steaks. The Anchor Platter includes mussels, prawns, calamari and linefish alternatively if you’re looking for the best in both worlds you can opt for the steak and prawn combo. For pudding treat yourself to a South African favourite, Malva Pudding or a splendid Amarula crème Brule.
Address: 11 Grey Street, Knysna, 6570, Garden Route
Telephone: +27 (0)44 382-2230
Opening hours: Please enquire
No matter what you’re after you will find it in Knysna! Please share your best experiences with us in the comments section below…
Knysna Info:
- Knysna Attractions
- Knysna Accommodation
- Things to Do in Knysna
- Garden Route Hotels
- Garden Route Accommodation
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