Knysna nestles on the banks of a beautiful lagoon in the heart of South Africa's popular Garden Route. Surrounded by ancient indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches, this popular holiday destination is a haven for nature lovers and is a world-class playground for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts.
At the same time, the quaint and atmospheric town is bursting with alternatives for those who prefer to immerse themselves in culture, history, arts and crafts, shopping and the pursuit of culinary excellence.
The Graywood Hotel is a short 300m walk from both the town centre and Knysna Waterfront, which is the departure point for boat cruises and ferry rides to the Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve.
Other activities in and around Knysna include:
- Golfing
The Garden Route is without a doubt the golfing mecca of South Africa. Championship courses designed by Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Ernie Els combine with local public and mashie courses to cater for every skills level and budget.
Knysna alone boasts three golf courses
- Pezula
With five tees to every hole, the widely acclaimed Pezula Championship Course is accessible to players of all abilities.
- Simola Golf and Country Estate
Designed by the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus, to challenge and inspire.
- Knysna Golf Club
A friendly and relaxing club with a course along the Knysna estuary overlooking the Heads.
Plettenberg Bay offers further choice:
- Goose Valley Golf Estate
Designed by the legendary Gary Player, the course borders the Keurbooms lagoon.
- Plettenberg Bay Golf Estate
Proclaimed as a nature reserve and built to USGA specifications.
George is within easy reach with a good selection of courses:
- Fancourt
The original Garden Route golf destination has four courses, two of which are open to the public - The Links and Bramble Hill. Designed by Gary Player.
- Oubaai
The high-profile course designed by SA's current golfing hero: Ernie Els.
- George Golf Course
Still a favourite among locals and visitors.
- Scenic views
Take a walk along the Knysna Heads or travel the lagoon by ferry for an alternative viewpoint. The surrounding area is dotted with picnic sites that offer panoramic views of the ocean or indigenous forests.
- Beaches
Swim in the lagoon at Knysna's Leisure Isle or enjoy the golden sands and ocean breakers at nearby Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay and Noetzie.
- Surfing
Buffalo Bay draws surfers from far and wide. Hire equipment and learn from scratch or hone your skills.
- Diving and snorkelling
Diving along the Knysna coastline and snorkelling the lagoon is a great experience. Several reliable operators offer equipment hire and courses.
- Sailing and boating
With over 18 square kilometres of lagoon and a tidal system of over 1.7 metres (five feet) Knysna draws sailors from far and wide who enjoy swapping stories at the third oldest yacht club in South Africa, with its most hospitable 'bar'. Hire a yacht / boat for the day or opt for the ferry cruise.
- Marine and lagoon animals
Join an ocean safari to view whales and dolphins in their natural environment or see the endangered Knysna Sea Horse (Hippocampus Capensis) on Thesen Island Harbour or at Featherbed Bay.
- Bird watching
Birds of Eden is the Garden Route's very own world class, free flight bird sanctuary. The unique two hectare dome (the world's largest) spans a gorge of indigenous forest. Or grab your binoculars and scan the trees and skies for the brilliantly plumed Knysna turaco (or Knysna loerie) as well as the Knysna warbler, two of the many other unusual species found in our area.
- More animal encounters
Monkeyland is a unique primate sanctuary that offers a comfortable new life to many species from several continents that were bred in captivity. Experience elephants much closer than is possible at The Kruger Park or Addo Elephant Park - visitors are allowed to touch and feed these wonderful creatures.
- Horse Riding
Knysna offers breathtaking trails. There are a number of riding schools in the area catering for both the novice and experienced riders. Each school offers unique horse riding trails, so choose between forest, coastal, fynbos and mountain views.
- Hiking
Besides the area's long stretches of sandy beach, the Garden Route boasts many nature reserves and protected areas with trails and rambles of varying lengths - enjoy the view and the fresh air of this much loved region.
- Cycling and Mountain Biking
The Garden Route is host to the "Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race", "Pick `n Pay Knysna Cycle Tour" and "Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge". Work up a sweat speeding downhills or explore the forests at leisure along the many marked cycle routes.
- Canoeing
Join an organised trip or, if you are experienced, enjoy the peace and quiet of a paddle around the lagoon.
- Abseiling, paragliding, paintballing, quad biking
Get an adrenalin rush! Reliable operators ensure a fun day out.
- Craft routes and art galleries
Fabric painters, weavers, ceramicists, wood and metal workers, fine artists - the choice is wide and the quality outstanding.
- Restaurants and gourmet experiences
This is oyster country so indulge in locally farmed fare, or opt of any one of the many top-notch restaurants catering to every taste and budget. Don't forget to try the beers from Knysna's own Mitchell's Brewery.
- History
The town has a proud history and several museums and restored buildings bring the past to life. Visit the Millwood House Museum and Goldmines, or one of the churches with a "long memory".
- Festivals
From the "Pick and Pay Oyster Festival" in July to the "Gastronomica Festival" in September and the "Pink Loerie Mardi Gras" in April, Knysna knows how to throw a party…
- The Graywood Hotel is very centrally located and ideally situated for sight seeing.
- 05 minutes walk from Knysna Waterfront (300 m)
- 05 minutes walk from Ferries (300 m)
- 06 minutes walk from Knysna Station for Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Steam Train (330m)
- 05 minutes walk from the City Centre (300 m)
- 45 minutes drive from George Airport
- 25 minutes drive from Plettenberg Bay
 Tourism Grading Council
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