At the heart of the Cape’s Garden Route, Knysna is one of the country’s most enduringly popular visitor destinations and has been voted ‘South Africa’s Favourite Town’ on several occasions.

Its Mediterranean-style climate, majestic mountains, uncrowded beaches, numerous lakes and amazing variety of flora and fauna, offer visitors endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

The stunning Knysna Lagoon with its backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains and crystal clear blue waters flowing into the Indian Ocean

Knysna enjoys a unique and picturesque location. Built on the banks of an 11km long lagoon, it nestles between the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean. It is surrounded by deep forests and guarded by the Knysna Heads - the impressive cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon. Drive to the top and you’ll be rewarded with splendid panoramic views across the lagoon and to the mountains beyond.

This thriving town is a hive of activity and offers a diverse range of shops and boutiques, cafés and fine restaurants, many of which serve the local culinary speciality – lagoon-cultivated oysters.

The fun of taking part in one of the many events during The Knysna Oyster Festival during July

Being a year-round holiday destination, Knysna hosts a number of internationally famous festivals, notably the Oyster Festival in early July which is a 10-day extravaganza of sporting events, shows, exhibitions, markets and, of course, oyster eating!

Other events include the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras (gay festival) in April/May, Gastronomica (food & drink) in September and various rallies, sports contests, marathons and cycle races throughout the year.

Knysna is the ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route and all its attractions. The area offers a bewildering choice of outdoor activities, from sailing, cycling, hiking and surfing to bird and whale watching, photography, boat trips and game drives. Golf addicts will be in paradise as many of the Cape's finest courses, including Simola and Pezula, are right on the doorstep.