Steam Train Entering Knysna
Steam Train Entering Knysna
Knysna 2000 and earlier

Welcome to Knysna.org 

This is a guide to Knysna with Accommodation and activities for your information 

 

The name Knysna is a Khoi word but it’s uncertain as to its exact meaning. It could mean ‘place of wood’, or it could mean ‘fern leaves’, but its most probable meaning is straight down’ – an obvious reference to the Heads. Knysna Heads must be the most striking geological features along the entire southern African coastline. They flank a deep but potentially treacherous channel through which the sea pours in to flood the wide and breathtakingly pretty lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River.

.Knysna’s history began in the year 1804, the year that saw the arrival of George Rex, rumoured to be the illegitimate son of King George lll. He purchased the estate known as Melkhoutkraal on the shores of the lagoon and moved his entire family and considerable entourage down to Knysna to settle.

Knysna is one of the Southern Cape coast’s best known holiday destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful lagoon – it offers many activities and attractions of a wide variety. The most well known attraction being the heads – two great sandstone cliffs guarding the mouth of the lagoon which connects the estuary with the sea. A lookout has been erected on the Eastern Head, commanding spectacular views of the lagoon, Leisure Isle and Knysna. The Western Head is a privately owned nature Reserve – Featherbed Bay. The Knysna Lagoon is one of the few places along the coast and in the world that supports a oyster hatchery. And the Knysna oysters are reputedly among the tastiest in the world. Millwood House Museum in Queen Street houses material relating to the history of the town, and includes artifacts once owned by George Rex. It was built from yellowwood at the end of the previous century during the gold rush. From Millwood, it was later moved to Knysna.

Knysna has many attractions in the surrounding area as well, one of the most spectacular being the Knysna Forest, which is still evident in many places within the town as well. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa comprising of tall and ancient trees of local and exotic species, including stinkwood, yellowwood, blackwood, ironwood, white alders and Cape chestnut. Not forgetting the ferns, creepers and wild flowers which add colour to this endless green collage. The forest is vast and extremely dense in places making it impenetrable. Animal life is limited to a few small antelope and a large variety of birds, such as the famous Knysna Loerie. Home to the once great herds of Knysna Elephants, it is believed that only one lonely cow remains today.


Another historical attraction is the Millwood Gold Mines. Alluvial gold was found here in 1885, which caused a rush to the area. Jubilee Creek, the exact spot where gold was found, provides a tranquil and beautiful picnic area, with many enjoyable forest walks in the area. Buffalo Bay is the closest beach to Knysna, one of the safest for swimming along the coast and enjoyed by many holiday makers every year. It is very rocky in places, making it a great angling spot, there is also a small slipway available for small boats.

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Paradise Private

About Paradise Private Zen Studios Come and experience bio-inspired solidwood architecture at Paradise Private, lovingly designed & handcrafted with romance……
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Buffelsbaai Waterfront Accommodation

Buffelsbaai Waterfront is the jewell of the Garden Route!! Buffelsbaai (also known as Buffalo Bay) has one of the most……
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BRENTON ON SEA COTTAGES

Brenton on Sea is a safe, small coastal town 15km west of Knysna.  Brenton (as locals call it) is comfortably……
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Log Cabin Brenton on Sea

Lovely ocean views on your drive to the cabin , and as a bonus beautiful valley views from the cabin……
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The Knysna Beach House

The Knysna Beach house Accommodation Beach House  3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Guest toilet Dining room Lounge Fully equipped kitchen Undercover……
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Thesen Islands Destinations

LUXURY SELF-CATERING HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION THESEN ISLANDS Thesen Islands Destinations offers you luxury, self-catering holiday rentals on Thesen Islands in Knysna……
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Paradise Private

About Paradise Private Zen Studios Come and experience bio-inspired solidwood architecture at Paradise Private, lovingly designed & handcrafted with romance……
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Knysna Quays Apartments

Knysna Quays Self Catering Accommodation Elegance and convenience combined for your holiday on the beautiful Knysna Lagoon. Within walking distance……
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Cosy Room Knysna

Cosy Room Knysna A cozy room for two, or one, in the centre of Knysna, Garden Route South Africa. Within……