Things to see and do in Knysna

Top attractions, outdoor activities and local experiences in and around Knysna

  • Diepwalle Elephant Trail
  • Jubilee Creek Trail
  • Coney Glen Road
  • Touw River Pass
  • Swartriver pass
  • Outeniqua trail
  • Nature Reserves in Knysna
  • Sparrebosch fisherman’s walk
  • Knysna Fort was a small defensive structure built in the mid-19th century, and was a small defensive structure on a hill overlooking the Heads, in case of foreign naval threats along the southern coast. It was built using stone quarried from the hill where it stands. It was never involved in any battles
  • The Knysna Literary Festival aims to stimulate the children of the area and encourage them to embrace literacy and to expose locals and visitors alike to the many South African authors who take part in the event each year. info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za
  • Knysna Timber Festival event celebrating wood, usually in March, 072 024 1032, info@timberfestival.co.za
  • Kom-se-pad is a scenic (off-road) drive from the Gouna forest to Diepwalle
  • Tsitsikamma Beach is considered one of the best in the country
  • Knysna Forest marathon-076 195 4832
  • San Ambroso Catholic church. This church was built in 1892 by Rev Rooney for Italian silk-spinning immigrants. It is now a popular wedding venue. Gouna Road take the Old Cape Road, then turns off, just past Simola.
  • Prince Alfred’s pass
  • Klein Karoo Kampioenskappe Stock cars Oudtshoorn Motorklub, held in July
  • Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival in April https://www.pinkloeriefoundation.com/
  • 7 passes MTB challenge
  • Oyster Festival is held in July

  • The Holy Trinity Church at Belvidere dates to the 1850s but resembles a small Norman-style church from the 11th or 12th century. It was commissioned by Thomas Henry Duthie, George Rex’s son-in-law, and is now a national monument. The stone pulpit was carved from a single block, and the bell above the entrance was made in England and briefly lay underwater after being dropped during shipping.

    The church was designed by Sophie Gray, whose work appears across South Africa. The surrounding gardens and old gravestones create a quiet, reflective setting.

  • Visit the SANparks office on Thesen Island, where you can see and learn about the only known estuarine species of seahorses in the world, which are endemic to the area. The seahorses swim at speeds of more than 500 body lengths per second. Their eyes move independently, like those of a chameleon. The males have a pouch, similar to a kangaroo’s; the female lays her eggs in this pouch.
  • Interactive art route, featuring public art such as large sculptures, murals, and mosaics.