Author: Keagon Borchards

Knysna, along with many parts of the Garden Route and Western Cape, is a water-stressed destination, a reality shared by communities across South Africa. The town remains fully open, welcoming and ready for visitors, with a proactive and responsible approach to water management across the tourism sector.

Ms Lungiswa Goya, Manager: Economic Development at the Knysna Municipality, said that the town continues to operate normally, with water-saving measures in place. “Our accommodation providers, restaurants and tourism operators are open, with extensive measures in place to ensure water is used efficiently, responsibly and thoughtfully.”

“Across the destination, tourism businesses have implemented water-saving systems and operational practices, including low-flow fittings, greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting and staff training, ensuring that no drop goes unused or wasted, with visitor comfort remaining a priority.”

Elmay Bouwer from the Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC) said that tourism businesses across Knysna and the surrounding areas remain committed to welcoming visitors. “We are managing water resources responsibly and safeguarding the natural assets that define the destination. Across the sector, sustainable operational practices and alternative water sources are being used to reduce pressure on municipal supply, ensuring guests feel welcomed, comfortable and cared for while acting responsibly in the current climate. At the same time, keeping the local tourism economy active is vital for jobs and livelihoods, particularly during periods of water stress.”

She said the GKBC Tourism Forum and Visit Knysna are engaged through planned discussions to determine further collaborative ways and to shape a unified voice for the industry, while identifying the support required during this challenging period. “Through this approach, operational priorities and how the destination is represented nationally and internationally are being guided and strengthened. We will have various engagements at World Travel Market and Africa’s Travel Indaba to ensure a clear, confident and consistent message to trade partners and travellers alike.”

”Knysna Estuary remains open and safe for recreational activities.”

Goya said Visit Knysna would also like to reassure visitors that the Knysna Estuary remains open and safe for recreational activities. “Despite the recent cancellation of the Chukka Festival, regular independent water quality testing at designated recreational areas, including Bollard Bay and the Knysna Heads, has consistently met required safety standards.”

An exciting events season ahead

Knysna’s calendar remains full of energy and excitement, with several much-loved events coming up:

• The Knysna Fringe Festival, from 19-21 March, is a vibrant celebration of theatre, comedy, dance, music and visual arts. celebrating creativity, performance and local talent;
• The Italy in Town Knysna Street Festival edition at Thesen Harbour Town celebrates Italy with Italian food, culture, music and automotive flair on the 21^st and 22^nd of March,
• The Simola Hillclimb from the 30^th of April to 3 May is a highlight on motor enthusiast calendars. The 2026 event will be the sixteenth edition of South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event, now recognised as one of the best on the global Hillclimb calendar.
• The iconic Knysna Oyster Festival, a flagship event combining sport, food, culture and community spirit, will take place from 3 to 12 July.

“These events reflect the resilience, creativity and Knysna’s hospitality,” said Goya.  “They also demonstrate how a destination can host world-class experiences while remaining environmentally responsible.”

Think before you use – enjoy Knysna water-wise

Visitors are warmly encouraged to enjoy everything Knysna has to offer, while adopting simple water-wise habits during their stay:

• Shower smart: Keep showers short and turn off the water while soaping.
• Tap pause: Turn taps off while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Reuse with purpose: Hang towels to reuse rather than requesting daily changes.
• Report leaks: Inform your host if you notice dripping taps or running toilets.
• Choose water-wise dining – support establishments prioritising sustainable practices.

“Saving water doesn’t mean compromising the visitor experience,” she added. “It simply means thinking before you use and joining local residents in protecting the natural resources that make Knysna such a special place.”

“Our estuary, lakes, forests, beaches, restaurants, events and experiences remain open and ready to be enjoyed. By using water responsibly, visitors help ensure the destination continues to thrive for generations to come.”

For updates, event information and water-wise travel tips, follow Visit Knysna on its official platforms.

Thesen Harbour Town in Knysna is set to come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Italy as the second annual Knysna Italian Street Festival returns on 21 and 22 March.

Following last year’s success, the event will be held over two days at the beautiful, upmarket Thesen Harbour Town. Promising a vibrant, immersive celebration of Italian culture that is not to be missed, organising duo Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt of Knysna PR and Carien Loubser of Brainwave said the festival will offer visitors a true taste of la dolce vita in the heart of the Garden Route. “Expect the irresistible aroma of authentic Italian cuisine and fine wines, to live music and family-friendly festivities. Adding to the experience will be an iconic showcase of Italian motoring excellence. From classic Vespas and Fiats to legendary Ferraris and Lamborghinis, celebrating both old-world charm and modern design.”

Collaboration with ItalCham
This year marks an exciting collaboration with ItalCham, the Italian-South African Chamber of Trade and Industries (ItalCham). Pamina Bohrer from ItalCham said that, following Italy in Town: Cape Town’s success, they aim to host three annual Italy in Town events across South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Garden Route edition in Knysna. “The events are about celebrating Italian culture, cuisine and lifestyle beyond the major metropolitan centres. This partnership brings together the ItalCham mission to promote Italian excellence in South Africa with the Festival’s strong local roots and vibrant community spirit. Through this collaboration, ItalCham will support the festival in strengthening its Italian identity, fostering cultural exchange, and creating meaningful connections between Italian businesses and brands and the South African public.”

The Knysna Italian Street Festival has become a key platform for showcasing authentic Italian food, wine, music and family traditions in the Garden Route. Bohrer said the inaugural Festival in 2025 attracted more than 2 200 attendees. “Visitors came from as far as Port Elizabeth and Still Bay. ItalCham is proud to be associated with an initiative that celebrates Italy beyond the major cities and highlights the richness of Italian culture at a community level.”

A PASSION FOR ALL THINGS ITALIAN
The organisers said sponsors are key to hosting a quality experience. Chris van der Merwe from REMAX Coastal, the Festival’s main sponsor, said they are excited to be involved. “We love Italian cars, wine and food and are privileged to be part of the event. ItalCham involvement and the inclusion of the event in the Italy in Town collection are exciting, and I look forward to working with them to create an authentic, truly Italian experience. We also appreciate the support of Visit Knysna.”

EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE ON QUICKET
Ticket sales have opened and are available on Quicket, with early-bird tickets in February at R150 pp, pre-event tickets in March at R180, and R200 at the entrance. Limited VIP tickets are available at R500 pp and include reserved VIP seating, welcome drinks and a charcuterie board. Click here to buy tickets

With world-class flavours, unforgettable performances, and a stunning display of Italian automotive passion, the 2026 Knysna Italian Street Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of culture, connection and celebration.
Buon appetito, Knysna – Italy is coming to town!

Follow the festival’s social media channels for regular updates:
Facebook: @knysna_street_festival
Instagram: @knysna_Italian_street_festival

For more information about the event, please contact Nicci Rousseau-Schmidt on +27 83 299 7777, or email nicci@knysnapr.co.za.

For stall enquiries, please contact Tammy Cobey on +27 81 701 0272 or email tammy@eventcostudio.co.za.

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.

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.

Knysna takes centre stage in the cycling world this weekend as it hosts the start of Nedbank Gravel Burn – the seven day, 800 kilometre gravel bike race that is set to showcase South Africa’s diverse landscapes from the leafy Garden Route to the arid Great Karoo and onwards to the Eastern Cape, finishing in iconic African bushveld at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

Riders from around the world have begun arriving in Knysna, filling hotels and guest houses across town. Registration takes place on Saturday at The Moorings hotel, which will also serve as the official start on Sunday, 26 October. From there, 500 riders will roll out on Stage 1, beginning their journey through forests, over mountain passes and across the vast open plains of the Karoo.

Nedbank Gravel Burn celebrates endurance, adventure and South African storytelling. After their days of endeavour, riders will camp under the stars in remote Burn Camps along the way, where access to the race is limited to competitors and crew. This makes the start in Knysna the only public opportunity to experience the race in person.

WHERE TO WATCH

Spectators can watch the start at The Moorings on Sunday, 26 October to see the riders set off at 08:30. Enjoy a Vida e Caffè coffee, pick up a copy of the official race magazine and be part of the excitement as the 500-strong field rolls out through Knysna. The route takes riders up Simola Hill with sweeping views over the town, then through the coastal forests before ascending Prince Alfred’s Pass on their way to Avontuur, the site of the first Burn Camp.

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR

The field includes Olympic Champion and Tour de France stage winner Tom Pidcock, Paris Roubaix Femmes champion Alison Jackson, and many of the world’s leading endurance riders. They will compete for a share of the $150,000 prize purse, the largest in global gravel racing and for the honour of lifting the handcrafted Fire Starter Trophy.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

For Knysna, the event brings a welcome opportunity to share its natural beauty, hospitality and sense of community with visitors from around the world. The race will be featured in a 26 minute daily television show on SuperSport Action each evening at 21:30 during race week. It will also be covered across global cycling media and the event’s social channels, placing Knysna firmly on the international cycling stage.

BE PART OF IT

Residents are invited to watch the start and bring their ‘Knysna energy’ to this special occasion of the inaugural Nedbank Gravel Burn start.

For more information, visit www.gravel-burn.com or follow @gravel_burn on social media for live updates, race stories and behind the scenes coverage.

About Nedbank Gravel Burn
Nedbank Gravel Burn is a 7-day, 800km gravel stage race through South Africa’s diverse landscapes. From lush coastal forests to the vast Great Karoo, riders enjoy remote camps under starry skies and conclude their journey at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, encountering Africa’s iconic Big 5 wildlife. The race inspires, challenges and connects riders in equal measure.

For more information, visit: gravel-burn.com

Knysna is renowned for its natural beauty, and landmarks like the famous Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve are on the list of Top 10 things to do in the Garden Route.

The area also has an asset that often goes unnoticed: it is a living, breathing community of people, stories, and traditions that make the town extraordinary. It isn’t just a destination. It’s the people, the stories, the traditions, and the spirit that shape it.

This Tourism Month, Visit Knysna celebrates these stories and individuals by launching a people-centered digital campaign. Ms Lungiswa Goya, Manager: Local Economic Development Manager at the Knysna Municipality, said they will introduce some of the individuals who help shape the visitor experience, the “guardians of the forest, storytellers in mosaic, market icons, and everyday locals.”