South Africa's 1990s tourist
boom rudely shook KNYSNA (pronounced "Nize-na") from its gentle
backwoods drowse, which for decades made this the hippy and craftwork capital
and quiet retirement village of the country. The town, 102km east
of Mossel Bay, now stands at the hub of the Garden Route; its lack of ocean
beaches is compensated by its hilly setting around the lagoon, and some
hot marketing.
The lagoon's narrow mouth
is guarded by a pair of steep rocky promontories called The Heads, the
western side being a private nature reserve and the eastern one an exclusive
residential area along dramatic cliffs above the Indian Ocean.
Knysna's
distinctive atmosphere derives from its small historic core of Georgian
and Victorian buildings, which gives it a character absent from most of
the Garden Route holiday towns. Coffee shops, craft galleries, street traders
and a modest nightlife add to the attractions, and you may find yourself
tempted to stay longer than just one night. That the town has outgrown
itself is evident from the cars and tour buses which, especially in December
and January, clog Main Street, the constricted artery that merges with
the N2 as it enters the town.
Knysna wraps around the lagoon,
with its oldest part - the town centre - on the northern side. Along the
eastern shore the exclusive suburbs include Leisure Isle , connected
to the shore by a narrow causeway, and The Heads , a network of roads
winding up to the heights overlooking the craggy coast and a wild Indian
Ocean.
Main Street is the hub of
the city centre, and its principal attraction is the collection of craft
and woodwork shops lining the road. The Knysna Museum (Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm,
Sat 9.30am-noon; entry by donation, includes Angling Museum) on the corner
of Queen and Main streets contains a complex of minor exhibits that can
comfortably occupy an undemanding half-hour. Attractions here include South
Africa's first Angling Museum , an extensive collection of antique nets
and rods, tracing the changing technology of the activity. Look out for
the preserved coelacanth, one of several specimens in the country of a
fish long thought to have been extinct, until one turned up in a fishing
net in 1939.
About 500m south of Knysna
Tourism, at the end of Grey Street lies the Knysna Quays , the town's waterfront
complex and yacht basin. Built at the end of the 1990s, this elegant two-storey
steel structure with timber boardwalks resembles a tiny version of Cape
Town's V&A Waterfront - but probably owes its inspiration as much to
New England or Seattle, and blows away Knysna's hippy cobwebs with a breath
of upmarket supercool. Here you'll find the luxury Protea Hotel , some
clothes and knickknack shops and a couple of good eating places, including
a stunning deli-style bistro with outdoor decks, from which you can watch
yachts drift past.
A short way from the centre
in the industrial area, Mitchell's Brewery , Arend Rd, off George Rex Drive
via Vigilance and Sandpiper roads, offers thirty-minute tours (Mon-Fri
10.30am), where for next to nothing you get to sample their beers, including
Foresters Draught, a Pilsner-type lager, and Bosun's Bitter, an ale modelled
on Yorkshire bitter. The brewery is too far to reach on foot, so take a
taxi if you don't have your own transport, or stay in town and sample the
beers at one of the pubs.
Amadale
Island Lodge, Bed & Breakfast/Guest House, KNYSNA Amadala
Island Lodge is set on Leisure Isle, in the heart of the Garden Route -
Knysna. Having six very different rooms on offer, guests can be sure
that their requirements are met. The lodge is in the traditional
style of Leisure Isle and offers a warm and discerning ambience for those
wanting a welcoming base from which to explore the locality. For
your enjoyment the lodge has a full guest lounge with DSTV, DVD and CD
players and a selection of movies. The pool area is secluded and
tranquil and only for guest use ensuring your privacy when sunbathing or
enjoying the garden for breakfast or a sundowner.
Elephant
Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge, KNYSNA Elephant
Hide of Knysna Guest Lodge is situated on the Welbedacht Cliffs in Knysna.
Each suite has panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.
All suites have en suite bathrooms, aircon, underfloor heating, TV, Mnet,
DSTV, private deck, tea and coffee facilities, panoramic views. Accommodation
is on a bed and breakfast rate. Activities include whale watching
in season, Boat Cruises, Beaches, Hiking, Bungi Jumping, Scuba Diving,
Abseiling, Knysna Lagoon, Knysna Elephant Park, Buffalo Hills Game Reserve,
Sailing..
Inyathi
Guest Lodges, KNYSNA Set in a beautiful, mostly
indigenous garden Inyathi Guest Lodges give the feeling of being in an
African village instead of in the centre of town. Inyathi Guest Lodges
offer little wooden chalets, each double-bedded chalet superbly finished
and decorated with ethnic African arts and crafts from different parts
of the continent. All chalets have bathroom en-suite, while most of them
have a private verandah as well. All the chalets have their own private
entrance, which, together with the garden setting, gives you the feeling
of being in an African village, while actually being in the centre of Knysna.
All chalets have colour TV, coffee and tea making facilities, crisp cotton
linen and towels as well as heaters and fans. A full English breakfast
is served from 8.00 to 09.30 (earlier on request).
Knysna
Manor House, Guest House/Bed & Breakfast, KNYSNA Experience
personal service and Victorian charm at this three star, AA Highly Recommended
guesthouse accommodation that is nestled in the heart of Knysna, and situated
on the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa. Our home overlooks
the Knysna Lagoon and is within walking distance to banks, shops, restaurants
and the Knysna Waterfront. From the original yellowwood floors, to
the character of each individual room, the Victorian theme is carried throughout
our charming B&B. Our accommodation consists of thirteen en-suite
rooms that are lovingly furnished and are equipped with a TV, fan, heater
and tea / coffee making facilities.
Knysna
Tonquani Lodge & Spa, Guesthouse \ B&B \ Self-Catering, KNYSNA Knysna’s multi award winning
lodge offers luxurious individually decorated log chalets and family suites
with every conceivable comfort including minibar, complimentary port and
chocolates, tea, coffee and biscuits, TV, hair dryer, heater and fan. Nine
units have airconditioner, Jacuzzi and fireplace and the executive chalet
has a private spa for the ultimate in pampering. All units have private
patios and barbecues
and are serviced daily. For our guests’ convenience
we offer an affordable on-site laundry service. Sun loungers invite you
to enjoy the welcoming coolness of the main swimming pool which is set
in tranquil gardens. Three units have private splash pools and there is
secure on–site undercover parking. Play a game of croquet on the manicured
lawns or laze beside the swimming pool.
Phantom
Forest Eco Reserve, Guest Lodge, KNYSNA The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve,
on the southern Cape coast of South Africa, in the heart of the magnificent
Garden Route... whispers a very special magic. Nestling in the Afromontane
Forest, with endless views, shared only with our Fish Eagles, the large
and elevated luxury 'tree suites' are an African celebration of natural
textures. Fill your senses with the enchantment of the Phantom Forest
.... from the secretive Bushbuck, shy tiny Duiker, and flashy Knysna lourie,.......
to the evocative 'tree suites' ......... a feast for the soul from our
sensual forest bathrooms where one can gaze at the African night sky while
listening to the music of Nature....
Point
Lodge, Guest House/B&B, KNYSNA POINT LODGE is peaceful
and secluded with panoramic views across the lagoon to the Knysna Heads.
Superbly situated, RIGHT AT THE WATER’S EDGE, the gracious double storey
is set in beautiful gardens and owners Ryk and Amanda Cloete offer professional,
personal service and are able to help with any local information.
Each room is individually decorated in comfortable style. A scrumptious
full English and continental buffet breakfast is served in the dining room
from 8am. Guests are welcome to make themselves at home in the lounge and
honesty bar, which all overlook the lagoon. Relax at the sparkling
pool, visit the beach or use one of the canoes available at the lodge.
For a slightly more energetic day, bookings for one of Knysna's excellent
golf courses or adventure activities can be made at reception.
Villa
Afrikana, Guest House/B&B/Self-Catering, Paradise, KNYSNA Situated
in the town of Knysna, to many considered the heart of the Garden Route.
Villa Afrikana is perched high above the town, on a hill fittingly called
“Paradise" overlooking the world renown Knysna Heads and surrounding lagoon.
With its summery, gleaming white, the geometric architecture of Villa Afrikana
is already quite a sight. The stylish interior is just as defined in the
same perfect white. A modern, unpretentious interior gives the compact
Villa Afrikana a surprisingly open feel to its rooms. Look out for the
eye-catching artworks and cleverly placed objects. The attractive style
encompasses a total of 5 suites and a small apartment in this Guest House
/ Bed & Breakfast on the Garden Route.
Knysna
Hollow Country Estate, KNYSNA Knysna Hollow is set on
a secluded country estate on the outskirts of the historic town of Knysna.
The gracious Manor House forms the focal point of the lodge and is finished
with indigenous furniture, yellowwood floors and pressed ceilings.
Knysna Hollow restaurant is situated in the Manor House and serves fine
food in relaxed and warm surroundings. Guests can enjoy a drink in the
pub beside a roaring fire before enjoying a meal from the seasonal menu
accompanied by fine Cape wine. Accommodation consists of 15 thatched
cottages, each with an open-plan lounge and bedroom area, fireplace, television,
telephone, tea-making facilities and private patios, as well as 50 garden
rooms, all with pool views, tea-making facilities, television and verandahs.
Knysna
Log-Inn Hotel, KNYSNA Built in 1998, the Knysna
Log-Inn Hotel embodies an "indigenous" concept that combines the character
and the spirit of the surrounding indigenous forests with Knysna's romantic
history. On entering the lobby of one of the largest log structures in
the Southern Hemisphere, exquisitely carved solid Yellow wood trunks tower
upwards to the magnificent Scandinavian hammer trusses. Rays of sunshine
flooding through the spectacular stained glass windows, illuminate the
splendid solid Yellowwood staircase. The autumn hues of the slate flooring
and the extensive use of natural river stone combine with the wood to create
an atmosphere of tranquil balance. Truly "in tune with nature".
Protea
Hotel Knysna Quays, KNYSNA Situated on one of the best
hotel sites in Southern Africa, the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays enjoys a
stunning outlook. Located on the banks of the famous Knysna Lagoon
and facing the sea through the Knysna Heads, this exciting hotel development
is also an integral part of the vibrant Knysna Quays Waterfront, with its
vast selection of restaurants, bars and speciality boutiques. Facilities
at the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays include a swimming pool with a uniquely
designed wooden sun deck, individual moorings and jetties at your doorstep.
Start your day on a high note with a sumptuous breakfast in our superb
Breakfast Restaurant before browsing through the next door boutiques and
curio shops or discovering the flea markets in Knysna`s main street.
St
James Of Knysna, Country Hotel, KNYSNA In the heart of the Garden
Route, nestled on the shores of the famous Knysna Lagoon, with dramatic
views, lies this exclusive five star Country House Hotel. Set in
magnificent gardens, this privately owned Country House Hotel has two swimming
pools. Other recreational facilities include Boating picnics, Sundowner
cruises, Water skiing, Swimming, Games room, Angling, Shopping & Tavern
Tours.Enjoy a Sundowner cruise, water-skiing or sightseeing on the Knysna
Lagoon from our private jetty.The Hotel boasts a superb dining room and
well stocked wine cellar. Country style breakfasts, light lunches, teas
and snacks are also served on the various patios and terraces. The Paquita
Bar, with its lagoon facing patio is a warm and friendly meeting place.
The
Graywood Hotel, KNYSNA Come and relax and enjoy
the tranquillity of this 3 star timberlog hotel. The vibe, friendliness
and helpfulness of staff, and an excellent nights rest is what we are best
known for. Centrally situated in Grey Street we are a mere 200 m
walking distance from the many departure points of local activities at
the Knysna Waterfront as well as town centre. Shoppers will delight in
the array of shops available in Knysna. 49 tastefully decorated en-suite
bedrooms invite you to unwind in comfort and style. Each room is equipped
with air-conditioning, electronic safes, remote control TV’s (local channels
only), direct dial telephones, hairdryers and tea and coffee facilities.
Facilities include a sparkling swimming pool and wooden sundeck, which
is surrounded by a beautifully manicured courtyard garden.
Azure
House, Luxury Self-Catering/Lagoon View, KNYSNA In the tranquil suburb of
Paradise, Azure House reflects elements of Cape Cod and the Caribbean,
with breathtaking views across the lagoon to the Knysna Heads. Spacious,
stylish, self contained suites include private furnished covered patios,
where breakfast is served, whilst watching the yachts sail by or the Choo-tjoe
steaming its way across the lagoon. Relax at the pool and enjoy a sundowner,
listening to the sound of the Knysna Loerie in the indigenous garden, or
play and challenging game of golf at Pezula or Simola golf courses nearby.
Bayhouse,
Beachfront Luxury Self-Catering Villa, KNYSNA Situated
on a picturesque lagoon beach on Leisure Island in Knysna, Bayhouse is
ideal for a family beach holiday. With accommodation for up to 10
people, this large, upmarket, self catering home is superbly located and
well-equipped to cater for families with children of all ages. Leisure
Island is the most sought-after destination for holidaymakers in South
Africa’s Favourite Town. A small island (just 4km in circumference) in
the lagoon, it is linked to the mainland by a causeway and is secure, private
and tranquil with many delightful beaches and panoramic views of Knysna,
the famous Knysna Heads and Featherbed Nature Reserve across the estuary.
Blue
Haze, Self-Catering House, KNYSNA This accommodation is a
self catering 3 bedroom unit with 2 bathrooms one ensuite. It is in a secure
town house complex with full security and electronic gates. The complex
has a full laundry. In the unit all linen, cutlery, crockery, fridge with
deep freeze, microwave oven, and all standard kitchen appliances are supplied.
There is a CD playing HiFi and Television. The unit has a patio with built
in braai facility and outside table and chairs. The unit is within
walking distance of the main town and all amenities. Knysna has been SA’s
Town of the year for 3 years and is renowned for its mountain views forests,
Heads, and lagoon beauty. There is Deep sea fishing charters, diving, river
fishing, river cruises, hiking and walks, abseiling, yachting, house boating,
4 Golf courses within 10 km’s, forest tree top walks, Art and Crafts ...
Brenton
on Rocks, Self-Catering Townhouses/Suites, BRENTON-ON-SEA (12 kms from
Knysna) Do you yearn for a piece
of heaven on earth, a resting place built on rocks, where the Southern
Right Whale can be seen when they return from the South Pole (July to November)
to mate and to give birth to their calves? There is just such a place,
where the lapping of foam-white waves soothes a fatigued mind and body,
with a heavenly view over a shining sea in which the dolphins play. We
offer two villas, one with 3 bedrooms, and the other with 4 bedrooms.
Both are totally self-catering and fully equipped. We also have 2
Honeymoon Suites, 3 Family Units and 2 Standard Double Rooms. All
suites have basic kitchenettes, equipped with microwave, kettle, toaster,
fridge, crockery and cutlery. All units have DSTV and all bathrooms
are equipped with heated towel rails.
Forest
Edge – Nature-lovers’ Retreat, Self-Catering Cottages, KNYSNA Nature-lovers'
retreat: birds, game, secluded rock pools, forest walks & biking trails.
Sundowners with fireflies and cosy log-fires. Experience the Magic
of the Forest... Off the beaten track, quietly nestling in the Millwood
Indigenous Knysna Forest, Garden Route, Western Cape: a self-catering vacation
haven for nature-loving families, stressed-out city-dwellers, adventurers
& honeymooners. Each fully equipped 2-bedroomed cottage houses up to
5 persons. Both accommodations offer an authentic, memorable and affordable
break-away holiday experience.
Lightleys
Holiday Houseboats, Self-Catering Houseboats, KNYSNA LIVE THE DREAM ... aboard
our fully equipped, 4- or 6-berth self-sail houseboats. We’ll show you
how to pilot your boat and how to navigate around the Lagoon and make you
Captain Of Your Own Holiday. Because, whether you choose catered or self-catered
charters, you’ll be free to explore the safe, tranquil waters of the Knysna
Lagoon. Our 6-berth aluminium-hulled Aquachalets and newly-built
4-berth GRP Leisure Liners come complete with bedding, galleys (with fridges
and gas stoves), ‘heads’ (shower rooms with chemical toilets) and portable
barbecues. And our shore facility offers spacious ablution blocks and an
indoor/outdoor conference and functions venue. For holiday-makers,
houseboating is your accommodation - and it’s your entertainment.
With Lightleys Holiday Houseboats you’ll enjoy all the pleasures of boating
- and you’ll have the ideal base from which to explore the Garden Route.
Taliesin,
Thesen Island, Knysna Lagoon (Ref: 32081), KNYSNA Taliesin is a stunning well
designed house nestling in gardens in a fantastic location. It is designed
to take advantage of the views and Knysna breezes, with many large windows
and cathedral ceilings. Its quality fixtures and fittings make it good
to look at and comfortable to be in. It accommodates twelve adults in luxury.
Taliesin is built as close to the waters edge as possible. The sea water
laps its pool deck at high tide. It is steps from the beach, tennis, squash
courts & bird reserve. There are three quality restaurants on Thesen
Island itself, one being the award winning Ile Du Pain. Their bread, pastries,
lunch and breakfasts are an experience. Scenic views from its decks take
your breath away. Taliesin offers a base for any kind of holiday whether
active or relaxing. The area has something to offer everyone. Sleeps
12.
Villa
Afrikana, Guest House/B&B/Self-Catering, Paradise, KNYSNA Situated
in the town of Knysna, to many considered the heart of the Garden Route.
Villa Afrikana is perched high above the town, on a hill fittingly called
“Paradise" overlooking the world renown Knysna Heads and surrounding lagoon.
With its summery, gleaming white, the geometric architecture of Villa Afrikana
is already quite a sight. The stylish interior is just as defined in the
same perfect white. A modern, unpretentious interior gives the compact
Villa Afrikana a surprisingly open feel to its rooms. Look out for the
eye-catching artworks and cleverly placed objects. The attractive style
encompasses a total of 5 suites and a small apartment in this Guest House
/ Bed & Breakfast on the Garden Route.
