9 of the Best Nature Reserves and Game Parks in Knysna
Knysna is surrounded by protected forests, estuaries, coastal reserves and mountain catchments that form part of the Garden Route National Park and surrounding conservation areas. These nature reserves protect the indigenous Knysna forest, coastal fynbos, rivers and one of South Africa’s largest estuaries, while offering accessible outdoor activities close to town. Visitors can explore forest walking trails, lagoon and estuary environments, coastal viewpoints and mountain wilderness areas, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, fishing (permit required) and scenic drives. The reserves range from large national parks and state forests to small urban conservation areas within Knysna itself, making them suitable for short walks, family outings and longer nature experiences throughout the year.
Knysna National Lake Area
The National Lake Area near Knysna forms the middle section of the Garden Route National Park and includes the expansive Knysna Lagoon estuary covering roughly 15 000 ha, with about 1 800 ha of water, one of South Africa’s largest estuaries. It is open year-round, 24 hours and free to explore for outdoor water activities like kayaking, birdwatching and fishing (note bait collection is restricted). There’s no accommodation within the lake area itself, but plenty of options are available in Knysna town. Pets must be kept under control in public areas. Things to do include watersports on the lagoon, scenic walks along the shore and exploring wetland habitat rich in birdlife and marine species, including the endemic Knysna seahorse. Plant life ranges from wetland sedges and reeds to coastal fynbos on adjacent shores, while animals include abundant waterbirds and some small mammals in surrounding forest edges. GPS: approx -34.02, 23.03 (Knysna Lagoon central) — exact points vary across the reserve. Contact: Garden Route National Park/Bird permits via SANParks reservation office 044 302 5600, reservations@sanparks.org
Diepwalle (Forest Section, Garden Route National Park)
The Diepwalle area of the Knysna Forest lies north-east of Knysna and is part of the Garden Route National Park. It is open all year, typically from 06:00 to 18:00 for trails and forest access. Diepwalle doesn’t have formal accommodation in guest houses, but forest camping decks and SANParks tent camping are available (book via SANParks). Pets are not permitted inside SANParks forest camps. Hikers can enjoy multiple marked trails such as the Elephant Walk routes through indigenous forest with huge Outeniqua yellowwoods and streams, while the Forest Legends Museum and scenic self-drive Rooted in Time routes highlight local history. The surrounding flora includes dense Afromontane forest species such as yellowwood, stinkwood and tree ferns, and fauna includes diverse birdlife and small mammals typical of the Knysna forest (elephant sightings are extremely rare now). GPS: approx -33.945, 23.157 (Diepwalle Forest area). Contact: SANParks Garden Route National Park – Knysna (reservations)
044 302 5600, reservations@sanparks.org
 Featherbed Nature Reserve
The Featherbed Nature Reserve sits on the Western Head at the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon and operates educational walking tours year-round (no independent accommodation). Access is by ferry from Knysna, and tours usually include guided trails through coastal fynbos and forest to ancient sea caves and viewpoints. Pets are not permitted on guided tours. This privately owned reserve is known for scenic boardwalks, indigenous coastal vegetation and small antelope like duiker. Plant types include coastal fynbos and milkwood forest, while animals include small buck species and abundant birdlife adapted to the coastal habitat.
 Remembrance Drive, Knysna.
044 382 1693, bookings@featherbed.co.za
Goudveld State Forest
The Goudveld State Forest lies north-west of Knysna within the indigenous Knysna Forest complex of the Garden Route National Park. There’s no formal lodge accommodation here, but hikers can explore picnic sites, natural pools and numerous forest tracks on this old millwood goldfields site year-round (usually day access 06:00–18:00). Pets are not permitted on forest trails. Things to do include forest hiking, picnicking and swimming in forest streams. The forest’s plant life is classic Afromontane, with Outeniqua yellowwoods, stinkwood and hard pear trees, and animals include forest birdlife and small mammals typical of this habitat.
GPS: approx -33.888, 22.965
(Goudveld area off Bibby’s Hoek) 044 389 0129 (for trail permits and info)
Goukamma Nature Reserve
The Goukamma Nature Reserve lies on the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield around Buffalo Bay and is open year-round, typically from about 08:00 to 18:00. It offers picnic sites, day trails, canoeing, swimming and boating on the Goukamma River and Groenvlei Lake; fishing permits are required. There’s no formal SANParks lodge accommodation here, but CapeNature self-catering timber lodges and permit bookings are available within the reserve area. Pets are not permitted inside sensitive conservation zones. Activities include hiking, canoeing, sailing and birdwatching across the varied ecosystems of coastal dune fynbos, estuary and freshwater lake. Plant life includes milkwood, yellowwood and candlewood forest interspersed with Cape dune fynbos, and fauna includes over 220 bird species, vervet monkeys, bushbuck, bushpig, mongoose, otters and seasonal whales offshore.
GPS: -34.0687, 22.9482Â Goukamma Nature Reserve, Buffalo Bay, Western Cape, South Africa. Â CapeNature Goukamma office 087 087 3945/46, bookings 087 087 8250, goukamma@capenature.co.za
Gouna (Gouna State Forest)
The Gouna State Forest lies north of Knysna and adjacent to the Diepwalle forest area, forming part of the larger Knysna indigenous forest complex within the Garden Route National Park. There is no formal accommodation here, though portions of the Outeniqua hiking trail pass through this forest; hikers use trail huts such as Rondebossie Hut on the multi-day Outeniqua Trail. Pets are prohibited on SANParks trails. This forest area features an unworked natural indigenous forest with dense hardwood canopy and deep shade, hosting typical forest bird species and mammals like small antelope or duiker, with flora dominated by Outeniqua yellowwood, stinkwood and ancient forest understory plants. GPS: approx -33.95, 23.10 (Gouna section near Diepwalle). Contact: SANParks Garden Route National Park – Knysna +27 44 302 5600, reservations@sanparks.org Visit Knysna
Pledge Nature Reserve
The Pledge Nature Reserve is a small but important urban reserve located on the Knysna estuary edge, close to the town centre, open year-round during daylight hours. There is no accommodation within the reserve, and pets are not permitted. The reserve protects remnant Knysna coastal forest and estuarine vegetation and offers short walking paths ideal for birdwatching and quiet nature breaks. Visitors can see indigenous trees, wetlands and tidal mudflats that support waterbirds and waders. Plant types include milkwood, candlewood and estuarine reeds, while animal life consists mainly of bird species, small reptiles and invertebrates.
Corner of Pledge Street and Main Road, Knysna, approx -34.036, 23.047.
 Knysna Municipality Environmental Management 044 302 6300.
Steenbok Nature Reserve
The Steenbok Nature Reserve is a compact conservation area situated on the eastern side of Knysna, near residential suburbs, and is open daily during daylight hours. There is no accommodation, and pets are not allowed. The reserve provides a short circular walking trail through coastal forest and fynbos, making it suitable for quick walks and environmental education. Visitors can see indigenous forest pockets, birdlife and occasional small antelope such as grysbok. Vegetation includes coastal fynbos, milkwood and forest shrubs, while animals include birds, small mammals and reptiles.
 Steenbok Street, Knysna, approx -34.047, 23.078.
Knysna Municipality Environmental Management 044 302 6300.
Fisherman’s Walk & Estuary Conservation Area
The Fisherman’s Walk follows the Knysna Estuary shoreline from Thesen Island towards the lagoon mouth and forms part of the protected estuarine environment, accessible year-round. There is no accommodation, and pets must be on leads where permitted. The route is popular for walking, birdwatching and enjoying views of the lagoon and Knysna Heads. Visitors can observe tidal flats, salt marsh vegetation and a wide variety of waterbirds and marine life. Plant life includes salt-tolerant estuarine plants and reeds, while animals include wading birds, fish and invertebrates.
 Access via Thesen Harbour Town or Waterfront Drive, approx -34.035, 23.040.
 SANParks Knysna office 044 302 5600.
