The 10 Best Things to do in Knysna
Before I tell you the best things to do in Knysna, we have to go over the pronunciation. To be honest, I kept calling it “kin-ya-sna.” Don’t bother asking how I came up with that nonsense because I have no clue. Knysna is pronounced “nys-na”. Simple!
Garden Route Itinerary Suggestion:
From Gondwana Game Reserve and after a stop in Mossel Bay, drive to Knysna. Make a stop at Holy Trinity Belvidere Church before you enter the town. Check in at Knysna Inn and then head to Sirocco for dinner and walk around Thesen Island. The next day, have breakfast at Oaks on Main. Drive to Knysna Heads Viewpoint then spend some time at Coney Glen Beach. Head back to Thesen Island for a 2h10min scenic cruise. Have lunch and then continue on your Garden Route trip. If you’re following my Garden Route Itinerary, your next stop is Plettenberg Bay!
We stayed just 1 night in Knysna but it’s a super popular town both among tourists and locals so it would be easy for you to extend your trip to 2 or 3 nights.
The 10 Best Things to do in Knysna
#1 Go on a sailboat ride
We went on a 2-hour sailboat ride with Ocean Sailing Charters. It was amazing! Check out my full review here.
#2 Visit Knysna Head Viewpoint
Parking is available at the viewpoint. Walk along the pathway to get stunning views of the coast.
#3 Attempt to get in the water at Coney Glen Beach
The water looks beautiful but it’s freezing at Coney Glen! We attempted to get in several times but it just wasn’t comfortable… Instead, we lounged and (of course) took 1 million photos. Maybe you’ll have better luck getting in!
#4 Eat and hang out at Oaks on Main
This lovely compound on Main Road in Knysna is a collection of shops and cafes. Jafar and I had a great coffee and quiche at Snobs Coffee Roastery. The Node juice bar is also highly recommended and the Mexican taco place looks good too.
#5 Eat seabass bobotie at Sirocco
Eat on the water on Thesen Island at Sirocco for a little bit of everything. They have pizza, fresh fish dishes, sushi, and oysters. We had sushi as a starter. I got an excellent seabass bobotie with a side salad. I definitely recommend it—especially for those like me who love bobotie. Although it’s listed as an appetizer, I felt that it was a good size (especially with the salad) and the sushi starter.
#6 Take a walk around Thesen Island
Thesen Island reminded me of coastal towns in North Carolina (where my brother lives). The setup with the houses and boardwalk really gave me that small-town feel.
#7 Stay at Knysna Inn
We stayed at Knysna Inn on Main Road. There is secure parking. We had a room with 2 beds and a small kitchenette (microwave and sink). That’s all we needed for our one-night stay! It’s an affordable option for most travelers and it’s near Oaks on Main so you can head there for breakfast.
#8 Holy Trinity Belvidere Church
Although we didn’t have a chance to make a stop, the Holy Trinity Belvidere Church looks like a beautiful church worth the detour off the highway. Visitors praise its architecture and garden.
#9 Visit Leisure Island
Another thing we didn’t have time for… Leisure Island is a cute island with a small beach. According to some of my own googling, Bollards Bay Beach is less crowded than others in the area. Nadines Corner looks like a nice spot to get lunch.
#10 Drupkelders Hiking Trail
This 3.5km out-and-back trail is something of a hidden gem, at least according to this blogger. Take a dip in the rock pool. Booking is essential.
What did you think of the 10 Best Things to do in Knysna? Let me know in the comments!