In greater Knysna there is no right or wrong way to enjoy your couple’s getaway, as long as you relish your time away together!
You can be as active as you wish, participating in innumerable activities, or you can spend your time simply relaxing and taking in the scenic views and the fresh sea and country air. Here’s a list of the top 10 things for couples to do which include some fun, adventurous activities and some downtime.
Start the day right
Ease into the day with a leisurely breakfast or brunch. Knysna is fortunate to boast a number of top eateries, some with exquisite views, offering world-class food and service. And of course if you start the day with the famous Knysna oyster, your weekend is off to a good start!
Visit the beach
Who doesn’t love the beach? And there are no fewer than 11 pristine beaches in the Greater Knysna area. From the remote and mysterious Noetzie, Bollard Bay with its calm lagoon waters, Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay, to the stretch of five sandy beaches alongside each other in Sedgefield, each beach has its own unique appeal.
Explore Featherbed Nature Reserve
A visit to Knysna would not be complete without visiting the beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. Book a 3 or 4-hour eco experience and enjoy a return ferry trip across the Knysna Lagoon, a drive to the top point of the reserve in a 4×4 vehicle and trailer, an optional guided 2,2 km walk through coastal forest and fynbos to the ancient sea caves. The four-hour excursion includes a buffet lunch under the milkwood trees.
Hike or bike in the forest
Knysna’s mysterious forests are just waiting to be explored and you can choose to hike or bike along an established trail on your own or book a guided tour.
Pack a picnic
Finish off your hike or bike with a forest picnic. Buy some delicious local produce and opt for one of the many picnic spots. Or drive out towards Buffalo Bay for a picnic on the banks of the Goukamma River. Another great option is the Cloud 9 viewpoint in Sedgefield which boasts exquisite views.
Paddle together
Take a slow paddle across the lagoon or along the dark waters of the Goukamma or Knysna Rivers. You can rent canoes, kayaks and SUPs in Knysna – try SANParks on Thesen Harbour Town, River Deck on the Buffalo Bay Road or Knysna Charters.
Browse the Sedgefield markets
A Saturday morning visit to the markets in Sedgefield will be a highlight of your stay in Greater Knysna. All three markets – Wild Oats Community Farmers Market, The Mosaic Market and Scarab Village – offer delicious breakfast or brunch options. Spend the morning browsing the unique art and craft stalls before enjoying a beer at the quaint Sedgefield Craft Beer brewery.
Fancy some adrenalin fuelling ziplining?
Knysna Ziplines is the newest and most exciting adventure activity on the Garden Route! Participants are driven deep into the Harkerville Forest to the lines which span the gorge below. The shortest line is 380m and the longest is just under 700m. Your zipline will see you zigzag along the gorge towards the ocean 250m above the forest canopy.
A sunset cruise
For a romantic end to your stay, book a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon and through The Heads. Cruises depart at regular times from the Knysna Quays and Thesen Island or you can charter the yacht and crew for your own private cruise to toast the sunset. Find more information here…
