Visit Knysna, Knysna Tourism, Garden Route, South Africa

Knysna welcomes visitors for the end-of-year holiday season

With less than a month to South Africa’s summer holiday season, Visit Knysna is ready to welcome national and international travellers eager to experience the region’s warm hospitality, pristine natural surroundings, and wide variety of outdoor adventures.

“Knysna, like much of the Southern Cape, is experiencing a prolonged dry weather condition, but our tourism sector has stepped up with strong water-saving measures to ensure we remain a world-class destination,” says Lungiswa Goya, Manager: Local Economic Development & Tourism. “We want visitors to know that Knysna is open, prepared, and excited to welcome them. Their support sustains our local economy, and our natural assets are as beautiful and open as before.”

Elmay Bouwer from the Greater Knysna Business Chamber said businesses, especially in the tourism industry, are mindful of the conditions and have implemented measures to reduce water flow. “These include fitting low-flow devices, suspending non-essential laundry services and managing pools sustainably. Many tourism businesses have implemented water-wise systems, and most activities remain unaffected by the restrictions.”

Goya said visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and signature experiences Knysna is known for – from lagoon adventures and forest hikes to scenic viewpoints, vibrant markets, and picture-worthy beaches. “Food lovers can indulge in Knysna’s thriving culinary scene, while families will find a variety of child-friendly activities, nature excursions, and creative spaces to explore. Knysna also remains committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair-friendly beaches, viewpoints, and thoughtfully designed public areas, including the region’s distinctive mosaics and art installations.”

She said a dynamic line-up of seasonal events – from festive markets to live performances and community activities – promises to add colour and energy to the holiday experience. “As always, we look forward to welcoming visitors who are ready to explore, unwind, and experience the spirit of Knysna,” says Goya. “Your visit truly matters, and our town is ready to make your holiday memorable.”

For more information on activities, events, accommodation, and responsible travel tips, visit Visit Knysna’s official channels or email info@visitknysna.co.za.

THIS IS KNYSNA CAMPAIGN CELEBRATED

A meet-and-greet with media and participants in Visit Knysna’s “This is Knysna” campaign was held this afternoon at the Turbine Hotel.

Ms Lungiswa Goya, Manager Economic Development and Tourism, welcomed everyone and reiterated the importance of the community and the Municipality working together. “We need to collaborate to showcase the best of our destination. The residents have an important role to play, and their actions, as much as our initiatives, help us shape the destination and the visitor experience. We appreciate the contributions of private institutions and hope that we can continue and build this relationship.

The campaign is a digital initiative that highlights residents whose actions have made a positive contribution to the Greater Knysna area and helped shape the visitor experience. Six videos have been created focusing on individuals who, through their actions, have enhanced the destination. Whether a tourism experience has been made, a nationally recognised farmer’s market created, a mosaic or art route, or improving the town’s gardens, they all play a role in the visitor’s experience. We recognised them and thanked them.”

Goya said a report from the social media monitoring company Sprout Social indicated that the digital campaign, launched at the beginning of September, has generated more than 1 million impressions, 33,930 engagements, reached more than 49,000 people, and resulted in Visit Knysna receiving 954 messages. “To date, it has created more than a million views on the various Visit Knysna platforms with a total of 33,930 engagements.”

The videos can be viewed on Visit Knysna’s Facebook (@visitknysna) and Instagram (@visitknysna) pages, and on YouTube (visitknysna).
For more information on the campaign, please email info@visitknysna.co.za or call Visit Knysna on +27 (44) 382 5510.

Home of Golf Africa Strengthens Continental Leadership

Expanded partnership unites George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism, Mossel Bay Tourism, Visit Knysna, and Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism under a single destination brand celebrating South Africa’s premier golf coastline.

The Garden Route’s drive to position itself as The Home of Golf in Africa has gained major momentum with the addition of new regional tourism partners.

The initiative, originally championed by George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism through the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA), now officially includes Mossel Bay Tourism, Visit Knysna, and Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism, solidifying a united front to promote one of the world’s most scenic golfing regions, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration.

“This expanded partnership transforms Home of Golf Africa from a local initiative into a regional force,” says Charl Marais, Chairperson of Home of Golf Africa. “By bringing together our neighbouring tourism offices, we’re amplifying the region’s visibility on a global stage – from Mossel Bay’s dramatic cliffs to Knysna’s lagoon fairways, the Garden Route now speaks with one powerful voice.”

A GOLF DESTINATION WITHOUT EQUAL
The Garden Route’s golfing appeal lies in a concentration of excellence found nowhere else in Africa. Within just two hours’ drive, golfers can experience 12 world-class courses – seven of which rank among South Africa’s Top 30, and each a masterpiece of design, diversity, and scenery.
The Links at Fancourt, currently rated No.1 in South Africa, leads this prestigious collection, joined by The Links Experience, Montagu and Outeniqua courses at Fancourt, Kingswood Golf Estate, Oubaai, George Golf Club, Pinnacle Point Estate, Simola Golf and Country Estate, Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Golf Club, and Mossel Bay Golf Club.

These courses carry the signatures of golfing legends, from Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Peter Matkovich, and Darren Clarke among them, and have hosted international tournaments such as the Presidents Cup, NTT Dimension Data Pro-Am, and SA Open events.

SCENERY THAT RIVALS ANY FAIRWAY ON EARTH
Every course along the Garden Route tells a story through its setting. From Pinnacle Point’s dramatic clifftop holes overlooking the Indian Ocean to George Golf Club’s classic parkland design framed by the Outeniqua Mountains, the region delivers a sensory experience beyond the game itself.

Knysna’s lagoon-side courses, Oubaai’s coastal cliffs, and Simola’s forested ridges create a diversity of landscapes that few golf destinations in the world can rival. This combination of ocean air, mountain vistas, and indigenous forest transforms every round into a journey and every swing into a memory.

DESIGNED FOR GOLFERS, BUILT FOR TRAVELLERS
The Garden Route’s allure extends far beyond the greens. It offers a complete lifestyle experience where golf meets adventure, relaxation, and discovery.
Players can enjoy Big Five safaris, wine tasting, culinary experiences or outdoor adventures within the entire Garden Route and Klein Karoo region. With its mild year-round climate, the region provides ideal playing conditions 365 days a year, making it a dream destination for international golfers escaping northern winters or extreme heat.

A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP FOR GLOBAL REACH
The Home of Golf Africa brings together 12 exceptional golf courses along one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. The collective effort ensures consistent international branding, shared marketing investment, and a stronger voice in attracting global tour operators, media, and travellers to South Africa’s southern coast.

Partner Courses Include:

Mossel Bay: Pinnacle Point Estate, Mossel Bay Golf Club
George: The Links, Montagu, Outeniqua, and The Links Experience at Fancourt, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, Oubaai Golf Estate
Knysna: Simola Golf & Country Estate, Pezula Championship Golf Course, Knysna Golf Club

“This collaboration is more than symbolic; it’s a practical, strategic step to elevate the Garden Route’s standing in the global golf tourism arena,” adds Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager for George. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for growth, visibility, and community development across the region.”

A CONTINENTAL BENCHMARK FOR GOLF TOURISM
With its blend of championship golf, spectacular scenery, and five-star hospitality, the Garden Route’s Home of Golf Africa brand sets a new standard for golf tourism on the continent.

The region has already earned worldwide acclaim:
The Links at Fancourt is ranked #1 in South Africa and among the Top 100 courses in the world (Golf Digest).
Pinnacle Point Estate is hailed by Golfscape and Global Golfer as one of the Top 10 Most Scenic Courses on Earth.
Simola and Pezula are consistently featured among South Africa’s Top 30 courses.
Fancourt Hotel & Estate is the multiple winner of Africa’s Best Golf Hotel at the World Golf Awards.

ABOUT HOME OF GOLF AFRICA
Home of Golf Africa was established by the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA) NPC with the mission to connect golf lovers around the world to South Africa’s most iconic fairways, hidden gems, and welcoming communities.

The initiative promotes the growth, sustainability, and accessibility of the sport throughout the Garden Route while driving economic and tourism development in the region.