The name Knysna is a Khoi word but the meaning seems to be unclear. There are however a few theories " place of wood", "Fern leaves", or "Straight down" (in reference to the heads).

Situated on banks of the lagoon, Knysna offers indigenous forests, historical buildings and a beautiful beach located at Buffalo Bay. Knysna is best known for its indigenous timbers and timber products. The town has an abundance of flea-markets, restaurants and bistro's.

Knysna is home to the Knysna Elephants, the unique seahorse and the Knysna Loerie. A large selection of accommodation, restaurants and enjoyable activities make Knysna the perfect holiday destination. The town is flooded with History and quaint buildings and museums can be found.

The Knysna Forest, comprises 80,000 ha and lies just behind the town. It is the largest indigenous forest in South Africa. The fauna and flora is abundant and boasts exotic species, including yellow-wood, stinkwood,ironwood, blackwood, Cape chestnut and white alders. The forest is dense in places and almost impossible to penetrate. The forest houses the Knysna Elephant and until recently there was only one Elephant cow left , however due to the efforts of the Knysna residents, Elephants have been reintroduced into the forest.

The famous Knysna Heads that run between mountain cliffs and edge through the channel into the lagoon is a spectacular site. Numerous caves lie along this path and a very interesting ship wreck lies in the channel which can be viewed by scuba divers. The NSRI Aquarium is also located in this area. There are small beaches located on the lagoon. Featherbed Nature Reserve is accessible by ferry and trails can be arranged.

Noetzie is famous for its ‘castles’ - stone holiday houses complete with battlements and parapets. The Eucalyptus Plantations line the road into Noetzie. The name Noetzie, meaning ‘black’, refers to the dark waters of the Noetzie River.

Visit the Knysna Elephant Park and Get upfront and personal with the Knysna elephants.

The Knysna Oyster Company has a Oyster Tavern situated on the Thesens Jetty and fresh mussels and oysters are available. The oysters are harvested from the lagoon.

Restaurants

Paquitas
Exquisitely set in the heart of the Garden Route, nestled upon the rocks at the paw on the famous Knysna Heads, you are sure to find this great combination of restaurant, grill, pizzeria and pub. Paquitas is a superb family restaurant catering for everyone in some flavour filled way.

Can-de-lite Bistro
- Can-de-Light is situated in the main street of Knysna and is located in the heart of the Garden Route in South Africa. The Can-de-light Bistro will offer the visitor a wonderful Bon Vivant experience.

Things to do and Attractions

The Knysna Elephant Park
Learn about the sad and mystical story of the Knysna Elephants - the world's Southernmost elephants. The park offers a rare and exciting opportunity to get close to these gentle giants, who live in a controlled, free range environment Tel +27 (0) 44 5327732.

Millwood Gold Mines
The Old Goldmine at Millwood, tells of a time when the destruction of the Knysna forest started in earnest (Millwood Mine Walk, 5.6 km). Because the mine did not yield so much gold, the miners started killing elephants en masse. They sold the ivory and left the carcasses to rot in the forest. They also started felling indigenous trees to supplement their income.

Knysna Heads
Breathtaking views of the stormy sea channel and the opposite shore. Several caves lie along this path. A restaurant and coffee shop are conveniently situated to provide good food and refreshments to visitors.

Featherbed Nature Reserve
Ferry trips departing from Knysna Waterfront and guided trails to the reserve are available. Knysna Ferries also offer a round trip to the Heads and the waterfront, as well as sundowner cruises from 17h30 - 19h00 (summer). A full bar, fresh Knysna oysters and a light meal are also available. Ferries depart from Thesen's Jetty. For reservations and enquiries tel. +27 (0) 44 3825520.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
It operates between George and Knysna twice daily, excepting Sundays and certain public holidays. Tel. +27 (0) 44 3821361.

The Tourist Information office can be found in Main Street. Tel +27 (0) 44 3825510.

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