Knysna, a charming coastal town on South Africa’s Garden Route, is loved for its natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor adventure activities. From quad bike trails to lagoon cruises, Knysna offers a range of experiences for every traveler. Make sure to add these top 10 must-do activities in Knysna to your next trip:
1. Knysna Elephant Park
Get up close and personal with these gentle giants at the Knysna Elephant Park. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued elephants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to interact with these magnificent creatures.
2. Quad Bike Trails in Knysna
Explore Knysna Forest’s rugged terrain on a quad bike trail. Discover hidden trails, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints while feeling the rush of off-road quad biking. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Knysna pine and indigenous forests during a 1 or 2-hour quad biking excursion and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
3. Whale Watching or Marine Eco Tour
Experience the magic of the ocean with a whale watching tour (June – November) or a marine eco tour (December – May) in Knysna. Witness majestic whales, playful dolphins, and an array of marine life.
4. Sunset Sailing Cruise
Set sail on a relaxing sunset cruise along Knysna’s tranquil lagoon. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you glide across the water, soaking in the stunning coastal scenery. After an exhilarating sailing experience, you will head back to calmer waters within the Knysna estuary, where the crew will set up a scrumptious sunset spread of savoury snacks, cheeses, and seasonal fruits. Complimentary bubbly is served to toast the sunset as it releases its golden hues across the sky and over the lagoon.
5. Lagoon Cruise
Discover the beauty of Knysna’s lagoon on a leisurely 75-minute boat cruise to the famous Knysna Heads, passing through Featherbed Bay which offers calm turquoise waters. Cruise past lush forests, scenic hillsides, and quaint waterfront homes, and keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife that calls the lagoon home.
6. Oyster Cruise
Indulge in Knysna’s culinary delights with an oyster cruise. Learn all there is to know about one of the world’s most loved delicacies, taste the difference between wild and cultivated oysters, all whilst cruising the lagoon to the Heads and surrounds.
7. Scooter Tours
Embark on an exhilarating scooter adventure through Knysna’s forests. Zip along downhill tracks on a non-motorised scooter, enjoying stunning forest views. A scenic minibus ride takes you to the best hills for your descent. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as the Knysna Loerie, bushbuck, and wild boar.
8. Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay
Venture to nearby Plettenberg Bay to visit Birds of Eden, the world’s largest free-flight aviary. Explore this tropical paradise and encounter a variety of bird species from around the globe. Spanning 2.3 hectares of partly forested land, with a 3.2-hectare mesh and a 1.2-kilometer walkway, this sanctuary is home to over 3500 birds from 220 different species and subspecies.
9. Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour
Embark on a canopy tour in the nearby Tsitsikamma Forest. Soar through the treetops by ziplining from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor. Take in panoramic views of the forest canopy and surrounding mountains.
10. Monkeyland in Plettenberg Bay
With over 550 apes, monkeys, and lemurs, Monkeyland provides a forever home to ex-captive primates from closed-down zoos, parks, or even former pets. Embark on a 1-hour guided tour through the 12-hectare indigenous forest. Along the way, encounter a diverse array of primates living freely in their natural habitat. Learn about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts while enjoying ample opportunities for photos and questions.
Knysna offers a wealth of activities for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re exploring the lush forests, cruising along the lagoon, or getting up close to elephants, Knysna promises an unforgettable experience.
Book these exciting activities with Tours & Tickets SA and embark on an unforgettable journey through Knysna and the Garden Route.
