Where to stay
Hotels in Knysna
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At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English and Afrikaans and Xhosa
Local currency
ZAR
(ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Thesen Island
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% expected
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
85 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Knysna Oysters
Fresh Seafood
Braai (BBQ)
Biltong
When to visit Knysna
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: December
Busiest: Dec-Jan
-
Jan90
Warm, sunny, busy
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Feb88
Warm, sunny, pleasant
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Mar85
Mild, sunny, good
-
Apr80
Mild, pleasant, calm
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May70
Cooler, mild, quiet
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Jun65
Cool, wet, calm
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Jul60
Cool, wet, quiet
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Aug68
Cooler, improving, calm
-
Sept78
Mild, sunny, blooming
-
Oct82
Mild, sunny, pleasant
-
Nov86
Warm, sunny, good
-
Dec92
Warm, sunny, very busy
Things to do in Knysna
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
4 places
Lagoon Cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve
Knysna Lagoon 4 hrs
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride, nature walk, and buffet lunch at a private reserve.
Hike in the Knysna Forests
Diepwalle 3 hrs
Discover ancient trees and diverse wildlife on a tranquil forest trail.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Knysna Heads 2.5 hrs
Embark on an ocean adventure to spot majestic marine life (seasonal).
Visit the Knysna Elephant Park
Harkerville 2 hrs
Interact with rescued elephants in a responsible and educational setting.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Wander through Thesen Island Harbour Town
Thesen Island 3 hrs
Browse boutiques, art galleries, and enjoy waterside dining.
Any time of day
2 places
Explore the Knysna Heads
Knysna Heads 2 hrs
Witness the dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the lagoon's entrance.
Taste Knysna Oysters
Waterfront 1 hr
Savor fresh, locally harvested oysters at a waterfront restaurant.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Knysna
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Knysna Sunset Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
2-Hour Quad Biking Guided Excursion Through the Knysna Forests
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Scenic Lagoon cruise with the Bella Vita Champagne Lounger
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Knysna Private Sailing Sunset Cruise, on board luxury catamaran
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sunset Boat Cruise on Bella Vita Champagne Lounger
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with captain's steak Braai & Bubbly
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Serendipity Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
Free cancellationFind deals
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Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Knysna
Straight-line distance from the centre of Knysna.
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