Knysna Things to Do

This was the highlight of our 4 day stay in Knysna, it was a superb way to escape the holiday frenzy in the town of Knysna itself during December. We did Go Vertical's Full Day Knysna Adventure Trail which is a combination of Canoeing and then a Beach walk.

They provide all the life jackets, a waterproof bag for your car keys, camera etc. Our guide Garth gave us a safety briefing before we started and then the group started the paddle the Jetty where we'd parked.

The kids loved the canoeing, the boats are sit on tops, really easy to paddle and you don't feel like you're going to fall out. We paddled towards the heads first it was really beautiful, the kids had a ball on the small waves at Leisure Isle. For us it was great to be out on the water, we saw quite a few birds, fish etc our guide told us all about the lagoon, I must admit, we were having too much fun and I can't remeber the details.He did say that if you're a keen bird watcher the full day canoeing trip (they offer different trips) it the best.

We finished paddling and got off at Brenton (the otherside of the Lagoon) where Garth said we'll take a 'short walk to the top of the hill' so we'll have a view with our lunch. That short walk is quite stiff! Took quite a bit of puffing, but the views worth it and that's how we got to the beach.

We were apparently lucky with the tides so after lunch which was sandwiches (not the run of the mill though, nice bread, salad, decent cheese, amazing iced choccocino - a coco and coffee combo, snack bars) we went down some steep stairs called fishermans walk and onto the 'hidden beaches'. We didn't even know about Brenton beach, let alone these beautiful coves, caves and gorgeous mini beaches. The tide was low so we spent some time looking at the rock pools. This was really really beautiful.

We then headed onto the main section of the beach, stopped for a swim and walked at a really relaxed pace to Buffalo Bay. Amazing experience, we ended the tour with coldrinks and beers and then Garth transported us back to our car in Knysna.

All in all this was a stunning experience, Garth our guide was great, the food was good and well, the scenery is spectacular. I can only recommend this trip.

Be aware, the next day you'll feel that canoe trip in your arms!

We booked about 2 weeks before the trail, we found them on the net, but you can book by phoning them the day before. They cater for vegetarian's which was great for us, the lunch was a treat and you can't believe how hungry you get.
You need to take beach wear and a pair of shoes to walk up the hill in,e.g. trainers
Sunblock, a hat and sun glasses are an absolute must.
You're given a bottle of water, but I'd take extra, it's thirsty work.
There are other canoing options available, full day, half day and I recon the sunset paddle must be great, but I think the option we chose was the best.
Only thing I regret is we didn't take a camera........

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The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe is the last steam hauled scheduled passenger train operating in South Africa taking in the scenery between George to Knysna

A single costs R70 adults & R50 children with a return costing R80 & R60
during season 1/9 - 30/4 daily services except sunday
Off Peak 1/5 - 31/8 service monday, wednesday & friday

departs Knysna 9.45 arrives in George 12.30 so 2.5hrs journey
Departs George 14.00 arrives back in Knysna 16.30

We did not do the train journey but did catch the train as it crossed our path in Brenton near Belvedere

George, nestling below the magnificent Outeniqua Mountains is the sixth oldest town in South Africa. The area consists of a remarkable blending of mountains, rivers, indigenous and cultivated forests, colourful shrubs and wild flowers, glorious beaches and rich farmlands. It is also home to the nostalgic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe steam strain, a crocodile park and a host of scenic walks, birdwatching spots and picnic and braai facilities.

The antique Outeniqua Tjoe-Choo Train rides from Knysna to George and back, and this several times each day.
The trail goes over bridges and through tunnels, and from the train you will enjoy the most splendid views on the Outeniqua Mountains at one side, on the golden beaches and the Indian Ocean at the other side.
Coming from Knysna the train will stop at Goukamma, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Victoria Bay after which it reaches its endpoint being George. The full trail takes 2.5 hours - the length of the trail is only about 70 km! If you don't want to do the whole trail, there is a shuttle bus that takes you back to your starting point.
When you're in the area, you will no doubt hear the train come/leave. The sound of the horn is deafening and the smoke of the steam engine (at departure) is spectacular!

Wilderness is situated about fifty kilometers from Knysna, about forty minutes pleasant drive through the what is often referred to as the Garden Route "lake district". Golden stretches of beach are washed by the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean.

Inland only a few kilometers from the sea, the Outeniqua Mountains form an impressive backdrop. Walks along the beach with swimming in the warmer months are a must for the day tripper. In the afternoon take a quiet stroll along the boardwalk which meanders through the reeds of the Wilderness Lagoon. Two spectacular view sites are; Map of Africa situated above Wilderness and Dolphins Point above the mouth of the Kaaimans river.

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Knysna Castles at Noetzie offers spectacular scenery, simple comfort and a variety of great activities such as hiking, fishing, whale watching, forest picnics, walking trails and swimming in fantastic surroundings. It is approx 20km from Knysna and you have to travel a dirt road, but it is in good condition. When you get to Noetzie, you have to climb dowm 150 steps to get to the beach and then it is a bit of a walk to view the castle's

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you wont believe how big it is till u see it your eyes, 800 years old and 33 m long....if you are near dont miss it... its awsome
Woodville Big Tree, over 800 years old, creates shaded areas with its massive branches, making it a great picnic spot. Take a stroll along the boardwalk (also wheelchair-friendly) which is part of the Pied Kingfisher Trail and home to a wide variety of birds

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The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour© is a unique eco-wilderness adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest.

The first of its kind in Africa, the canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above the forest floor...