Activities to chose from in and around Knysna

TYPE: Waterpark
WHERE: Bewteen Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Outdoor Fun – Big fun and sports in the sun at water park Adventure Land.

Supertube – One of the most popular rides, the 75m supertube will keep you coming back for more as it thrills you with twists and turns and finally spits you out into a pool of gushing water.
2 Lane Racer – Challenge your friends and family to a race and fly over humps and almost lift off as you zoom towards the finish line.
Kamikzazi slide – Not for the faint hearted and designed for the speed freaks. This slide takes you to new levels of excitement as you feel yourself sliding on air “P.S. Wedgie Alert”
Free Fall slide – For the ultimate rush, drop down a 12m free fall slide “P.S. Wedgie Alert”
Raging Rapid Tube ride – Rush down the raging rapids, fly around the corners and finally slow down as you calmly float into the main pool.
Mini-Supertube – The mini-supertube caters for the youngster and the more calm at heart.
Kiddies Slides & Pool – Designed for your little ones.

The rides are a kids delight.

Physical Address:
Adventure Land, Garden Route, South Africa, South Africa

TYPE: BEACH
HOURS: Everyday
WHERE: Buffalo Bay

If walking is more your thing, you can indulge in a 12km beach walk surrounded by indigenous natural bush and white sands. There are a few routes that are shorter and will take you through the bush which eventually lead you back onto the beach. These walks are short and suitable for all ages.

If you’re travelling with a troop of active kids, why not get them enrolled in a surfing lesson for the day? You’ll find a surf school at the parking lot just above the beach. Take a picnic along too, so that you can spend the whole day there. If you’re in the mood for a soft serve, go up to the restaurant and order one. They are one of the best in the Garden Route.

Buffels Bay is an ideal swimming beach. During peak seasons there are lifeguards on duty, they will put flags out on the beach to ensure safe swimming. Be sure to stick to these demarcated spaces, as there can be currents at certain places on the beach.

The road to Buffels Bay is just as amazing as the beach itself. From the N2 (towards George), take a left at the sign “Buffalo Bay”. The road will wind its way to the beach (about 5 km). Surrounded by indigenous plants, a true feeling of holiday will take over your senses. In the peak season you may have to park at the top parking lot as it gets very busy. This is a beach not to be missed!

NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES: National Park
HOURS: Everyday 8.30am to 5pm
WHERE: Garden Route

A mosaic of ecosystems, it encompasses the world renowned Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, a variety of mountain catchment, Southern Cape indigenous forest and associated Fynbos areas. These areas resemble a montage of landscapes and seascapes, from ocean to mountain areas, and are renowned for its diverse natural and cultural heritage resources. Managed by South African National Parks, it hosts a variety of accommodation options, activities and places of interest. A jewel in South Africa’s crown, the Park is a prime example of the country’s unique fauna and flora and will offer unforgettable views and life-long memories

The bird and plant lists are updated regularly and can be found on our website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/

Duration: 90 min Cruise, Dinner after disembarkation.
Daily Departures at 5pm
Rate: R1300 per couple

Knysna is arguably one of SA’s most romantic destinations, and no honeymoon is complete without an idyllic sunset followed by dinner at Quay Four Restaurant. Create lasting memories when you book a Sunset Cruise with Knysna Charters! Indulge your romantic side, sit back, smile into the camera while you enjoy your complimentary wine and oysters. The sun settng on the magnificent Knysna Lagoon is truly spectacular, and who can pass up an unique photo opportunity in the Knysna Heads? The Honeymoon Sunset Cruise is a fully guided cruise and is inclusive of complimentary white wine and oysters for tasting. Guests have a choice of a savoury or fresh seafood pan and bottle of sparkly at Whet Restaurant when they return from the cruise. Drinks with dinner at the restaurant are for the guests’ own account.

Cruises depart daily from Whet Restaurant (previously Quay Four Restaurant), on Thesen Island. Please remember your camera, sunblock, sunhat and wind breaker (just in case!)

TYPE: Photography Course
WHERE: Knysna

Join us for a exciting one or two day photographic course

To be a good photographer, you need lots of imagination. If you are painting a picture, you can invent your subject, but in photography, the subject is there and can look very ‘ordinary’. The art lies in turning the ordinary into the amazing !
So if you don’t succeed, take the time to read about The Ian Fleming School Of Photography.
Our Students are young and old, and they experience the beauty of The Garden Route.
Our Students can be established Photographers, novices or intermediate shooters. It’s not necessary for you to be an experienced Photographer; we cater for beginners to Professional Photographers. All our courses are based on the level of the people on the course. And don’t worry if you don’t have the right camera, we can supply.
After you complete our courses, we guarantee that you will take better photographs and understand your camera completely

Physical Address:
11 Grey Street Knysna

Postal Address:
PO Box 2658 Knysna 6570

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES: Elephant Park
WHERE: Knysna

The Knysna Elephant Park (est. 1994) was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Today, it has become a world-class facility, having cared for and raised more than forty elephants. These animals include relocated animals, orphaned calves, elephants rescued from culls and ex-circus animals. Some have become part of the resident herd, others have moved onto other reserves and facilities in the Western and Eastern Cape, depending on their personalities, bonds with other animals and welfare needs.

The present KEP herd numbers nine – the largest domesticated matriarchal herd in the country. Our style of management offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with our elephants, on elephant terms. Responsible and educational interactions allow guests to appreciate the awe-inspiring presence of these animals, but still give the elephants the space and freedom to choose where they want to move, what they want to eat and who they want to interact with. There are no fences to spoil the close encounter and our environment encourages elephants to exhibit natural behaviors.

Elephant experiences include daily ‘Be Touched by an Elephant’ Tours (departing from reception every 30 mins), as well as Elephant Back Rides, Elephant Walks, Exclusive Safaris, Sundowner Group Packages, as well as Sleepovers in the Elephant Lodge. No reservations are necessary for daily tours, but bookings are essential for all other elephant encounters.

Visitors to the park are privileged to have a personal encounter with our gentle giants, and leave having gained a newfound respect for these animals, as well as a better understanding of the African elephant and its plight across the continent. Most importantly, by visiting the Park and experiencing our elephant herd, guests make a direct contribution to elephant husbandry and care. Visitors to the Park enable us to give our elephants the best possible facilities, nutrition and care. They also allow us to offer other elephants in need the chance of a better life.

Facilities include an on-site research unit, volunteer program, interpretation center, restaurant and playground, curio shop.

The Park is open 365 days a year, from 09h00 to 16h00 daily.

GALLERY: FINE ART
HOURS: Everyday 8.30am to 5pm
WHERE: Off Waterfront Drive, Knysna

The gallery also handles the work of the South African masters and works closely with vendors and collectors. Recent sales include major works by Gerard Sekoto, J.H Pierneef, Lucas Sithole and Robert Hodgins.

The owner is Trent Read, the elder son of the late Everard Read, who was the doyen of South African art dealers and Trent is the fifth generation of his family to be a dealer. He worked at Christies in London for several years and also worked in the USA but most of his career has been spent as a director of Everard Read in Johannesburg. He moved to Knysna in 1994 and opened the gallery in 1997. Trent is considered an expert in contemporary South African art but his knowledge of the fine and applied arts in general is broad. Clients of the gallery have access to a wide spectrum of expertise from his international links.

The gallery moved to Thesen House in 2010 and there are very few galleries anywhere to have such beautiful space in which to operate. We have recently opened a new venue in the same building – A Different Drummer handles ceramics, objets de vertu, photographs and fine tribal artefacts, and has rapidly established a reputation for excellence with collectors, architects & interior designers.

We have a regular program of exhibitions in Knysna but also regularly mount shows elsewhere in South Africa, in Europe and the USA. We consult to museums, corporate and private collectors both here and internationally and offer expert advice on the care and maintenance of collections. Our expertise in the design of environments to show art at its finest is used extensively by architects and designers. We value for insurance and probate.

TOURS:Hiking & Biking
WHERE: Knysna

Specialising in leisure and pleasure walks, hikes and cycles

Our aim is to introduce visitors to a different side of Knysna and its surroundings through guided walking and cycling tours that take in stunning scenery, local cuisine and fine wines as well as places of historical and natural interest.

Postal Address:
PostNet Suite 203 Private Bag X31 Knysna 6570

Available daily from 9am to 4pm, weather permitting.
Rate: R100 per person, per hour (valid until end of April 2018).

Hire a kayak and explore the Knysna Lagoon from a unique perspective.’Take your time, stop at the beach,and catch some sunshine along the way!’ Hire a kayak in Knysna and head off to explore our pristine lagoon on your own schedule. Kayaking is great fun for the whole family, provided you can swim! For first time kayakers, don’t be nervous – the kayaks are stable and easy to manoeuvre, and you’re guaranteed to create some funny, adventurous memories. Kayak rental rates are based on a per kayak, per hour basis. No previous kayaking experience is necessary. Remember to apply sunblock before heading out, and a sunhat is a must. Life jackets and paddles are provided. Bringing along your phones or camera’s is not advised.

Kayakers set off from Whet Restaurant (previously Quay Four Restaurant), on Thesen Island. Drinks and snacks are not provided on this activity, but guests are welcome to bring along their own water and refreshments (remember all refuse must be brought off the water again).

Our coastal town of Knysna and Oysters go together like champagne and caviar, sea and sky, summer breezes and cold beers … if you’re more than a little intrigued by oysters, then join us for the ultimate oyster experience on the spectacular Knysna Lagoon. Learn all there is to know about one of the world’s most loved delicacy, taste the difference between wild and cultivated oysters, all whilst cruising the lagoon to the Heads and surrounds. Ask questions, take photo’s, excite your taste buds – all on board our “Oyster Boat” with a small group of guests. The cruise includes complimentary local white wine and oysters for tasting. Extra oysters are available on pre-order to enjoy on the boat. Cruise includes an oyster educational experience, complimentary white wine, and half a dozen fresh oysters per person.

Cruises depart daily from Whet Restaurant (previously Quay Four Restaurant), on Thesen Island. Please remember your camera, sunblock, sunhat and wind breaker (just in case!) And remember – our boat is perfect for families and children of all ages are welcome.

TYPE: Restaurant, Club
HOURS:Everyday 9am to 6pm
WHERE: Main Road, Knysna

Open: Mon to Fri 9am – 6pm / Sat & Sun 9am-2pm / Public Holidays 9am-2pm.

This centre offers more than 600 spacious, undercover parking bays, with 24-hour security in and around the centre for peace of mind. Special parking bays are allocated for disabled persons near the entrances for ease of access. Knysna Mall also offers its visitors clean, modern restrooms and baby changing facilities for privacy and comfort.

Warm welcomes, attention to detail and excellent service turns the everyday mundane into a celebratory experience. Be sure to visit Knysna Mall for a celebration of style and pure pleasure!

This is a hands on, indoor (and so all-weather), oyster demonstration, where you learn all about this famous delicacy, have a go at “shucking” or opening an oyster and tasting the difference between the wild and cultivated varieties.

The Oyster Experience is also perfect for large groups on tour and school groups. Please contact us for availability and further catering options.

The demonstration is conducted at Quay Four Restaurant on Thesen Island, and includes 2 oysters per person (one wild and one cultivated), subject to availability. A “The World is Your Oyster” Activity Sheet is provided for junior school groups, and an “Oyster Fact Sheet” is provided for senior school groups.

Drinks and snacks are not provided on this educational, but guests are welcome to purchase drinks from the bar at Quay Four restaurant and bring them along. We can also arrange for a table reservation for guests at Quay Four when the educational has ended.

RECREATION: Boating
WHERE: Knysna
Cost: R500pp

1 Hour Adventure Trip

Take a scenic trip through the Knysna Heads and out to sea with Knysna RIB Adventures. We will travel along the magnificent coastline and you can view the sea grottos from a perspective you haven’t seen before. Brenton-on-sea is next and the waves will play before you as the RIB runs along the backline before returning to the Knysna Waterfront after going past Bruce’s Banks, Ashmead and Featherbed Bay.

Costs: R 500 per person, maximum of 12 persons per trip, minimum of 4

2 Hour Eco Adventure Trip

An early morning start is required for this amazing trip. First we exit the famous Knysna Heads and then take you on a journey past the coastline up close and personal. You will see rock formations and waves crashing into grottos from a unique perspective. The RIB travels along the beautiful Brenton Beach coastline before heading out at sea once past the famous Buffalo Bay surf spot. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean before being amazed by the castles at Noetze. The trip goes to 34Degrees, Bruces’ Banks, Featherbed Bay, Ashamed Channel and Bollard Bay before going back to the Knysna Waterfront.

Costs: R 950 per person, maximum of 12 persons per trip, minimum of 6

Teambuilding

Knysna RIB Adventures offers great combination trips for tea building exercises, from scavenger hunts by boat, to beach braai’s, kayaking excursions linked to high speed boat trips and much more. Please contact to enquire.

Office: +2744 382 0667

Mobile: +2772 393 0197

TOURS:Guided Segway Tours
WHERE: Knysna

We offer a one hour Guided Lake-Side Tour on a paved path with stunning views of the Estuary and Birdlife. Before each tour, guests receive a comprehensive orientation by an experienced official Segway trainer. This training takes between 15 and 20 minutes per group and covers important safety and operational procedures. The tour follows the winding paved pathway to George Rex Drive 1.2km away from the start at Mitchells Brewery.

We use CHIC OFF-ROAD PERSONAL TRANSPORTERS: The Segway Chic Off-road Personal Transporter is exceptional easy and safe to use. A two wheeled vehicle that moves on the command of the driver leaning forward and back, left and right. As you push the control stick forward they gyroscope built in will move forward. At first you will get to grips with the strange sensation of movement but at the end of this hour’s experience your confidence will grow and you’ll be navigating paths and completing obstacle courses on the Segway.

Duration: 90 min
Daily Departures at 5pm
Rate: R500 per adult, R160 per child (4-12 years)

There is no better way to end off the day – enjoying wine and oysters on a relaxing boat cruise and taking in the magnificence of Knysna as our African sun starts to set over the lagoon. Indulge your inner romantic and join us onboard our “Oyster Boat” as we head off slowly towards the impressive Knysna Heads, and take in the splendor of the tranquil lagoon as the sun sets on another perfect day in Africa. Relax while you enjoy a glass of wine with a few fresh local oysters. The cruise is slow and leisurely, ultimately relaxing and one can’t help but just sit back, and take it all in! The sunset cruise is a fully guided cruise and is inclusive of complimentary white wine and oysters for tasting.

Cruises depart daily from Whet Restaurant (previously Quay Four Restaurant), on Thesen Island. Please remember your camera, sunblock, sunhat and wind breaker (just in case!) And remember – our boat is perfect for families and children of all ages are welcome.

TYPE: SPA
HOURS: Everyday 8.30am to 5pm
WHERE: Thesen Isle, Knysna

Restore your well being by indulging in treatments on offer from vichy shower scrubs, massage, hot stone therapy, reflexology, body wraps, specialised Clarins and Guinot facials and bridal treats to OPI manicures and pedicures or surrender yourself to one of our Half day or Full day Packages on offer that will pamper you from head to toe. Relax on a lounger on the pool deck and soak up the view before and after a pampering treatment or unwind in a soothing Hydrotherapy Jet Bath or even an eucalyptus infused Sauna cabin before beginning treatments. Le Spa Tranquille has a wide range of treatments on offer to ensure all needs are met. We also cater for groups, personal needs and requests. Our friendly staff look forward to meeting and spoiling you

You will get to experience the township life through schools, artists, locals and shop owners. You get to see and understand how the townships started and how they have evolved into a community of passion and ubuntu.

We will share a few Xhosa wods together and participate in a local art class for school kids. You will also interact through music with locals and sample traditional foods and see how they are prepared. Come see the local projects and awareness campaigns for HIV (Aids)

RECREATION: Scooter Tours
WHERE: Thesen Island, Knysna

A scenic minibus ride takes you into the hart of the forest to the best hills to start your descent. All of this while on the lookout for the our local wild life, the majestic Knysna loerie, the shy bushbuck and wild boar.
Scooters are non motorized making this eco friendly. These Swiss designed scooters are used in the Alps during the summer season on the ski slopes when the snow is gone. All trips are guided by professional qualified guides.

Physical Address:
Quay Four Restaurant, Thesen Island, Knysna

TYPE: Market
WHERE: Knysna

Food stalls, handicraft and entertainment for the kids. The Friday Supper and Craft Market is co-coordinated by a team of Montessori Staff and is run as the school’s main fundraiser with the bar staffed by volunteer parents.

The Market is open from the First Friday in September to the second-last school Friday in June, every week from 4 – 8 pm out of season and to 8:30pm in Season (School holidays). The Market is situated alongside the Knysna Montessori School in Narnia Lane, Welbedacht. The Friday Market provides an advertised trading place which is locally, nationally and internationally supported for its ambient family atmosphere. It includes supervised parking, seating and shelter, bonfires and live music, a quality craft selection, a bar and an amazing choice of locally produced food which may be enjoyed on the premises or at home. On Saturday mornings the market is cleaned. The grass is regularly cut, sawdust spread for damp when needed and the gardens, fields, parking and stalls maintained

Physical Address:

Narnia Lane, Welbedacht