African Reservations

The town is primarily built on the northern shore of a large warm-water estuary, fed by the Knysna River. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. These are popularly known as "The Heads", and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters.

The town is a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among the British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate. Recently the town has also become a preferred destination among golfers, as the town boasts several world class golf courses including Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and the well-established Knysna Golf Course situated on the lagoon. Knysna too is a favourite haunt of artists, restaurateurs and hippies. The nearest beach is located at Brenton-on-sea which lies directly west of the heads and is continuous with Buffalo Bay, a popular surf spot.

Thesen Islands is an award winning marina development located in the scenic Knysna estuary. The islands is linked by a causeway and bridge to the mainland, and is within walking distance of the scenic waterfront, yacht harbour and town center of Knysna, one of South Africa’s most picturesque and popular coastal towns. All the homes are built in a colonial maritime architectural style, conforming to Knysna’s vernacular architecture and its historical maritime and timber connections.

The Featherbed Company gives visitors to the Garden Route 'an unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon'. The Lagoon, more accurately defined as an estuary, has five fresh water rivers flowing in from the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains meeting with the surge of sea water from the Indian Ocean through the mighty headlands – known as the 'Knysna Heads' - the grand sandstone cliffs towering above the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon.

The Featherbed Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is a premier eco-experience on the Garden Route accessible by ferry only. Featherbed is a privately-owned registered nature reserve and a South African heritage site.

Knysna Oyxter Festival: The annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival is one of South Africa’s most popular festivals with huge appeal for sports lovers, families and those in search of a great party!

More than 100 exciting events ranging from cycling, running and adventure races to wine and whisky tastings and gala evenings, are expected to draw about 65 000 people to the beautiful Garden Route town over the 10 days of the festival.

The festival’s two main sporting events, the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, will give participants the unique opportunity to run and cycle through the ancient indigenous forests of Knysna and experience the scenic beauty of the area.

And if marathons are not your style, there’s a full programme of adventure and soft sports for the whole family to participate in, including paddling, golf, bowls, soccer, night biking and angling.

Oyster-related events include the annual oyster-shucking (opening) competition, the ever-popular oyster eating competition and the Pick n Pay Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras – a fabulous evening of oysters and wine tasting.

Oyster Hotspots will be selling oysters in a variety of tastes and flavours at give-away prices!

The South African Navy, which always plays a huge part in the success of the Festival, will once again be visiting Knysna, making a grand entrance through the Knysna Heads in their huge minesweepers. And the Navy’s internationally acclaimed band will entertain festival-goers during the street parade and live concert at the Waterfront.

There’s a great programme for kids too – the Pick n Pay Young Oyster Festival includes youth theatre, puppet shows, creative art workshops and cooking courses. The Knysna Sport School Sports Fair will give kids the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of sports, free of charge.

The Pick n Pay Oyster Festival Guide featuring the full programme and a list of all Hotspots, will be available soon from the Knysna and Sedgefield Tourism offices.
Watch the Press for details!