Plan your trip
GETTING THERE
The drive from Cape Town on the N2 takes about six hours, including a quick stop at the Houw Hoek Farm Stall near Grabouw for its famous pies. You can fly from Johannesburg to George with FlySafair for about R1 300 return. The drive from the airport to Knysna is about an hour. flysafair.co.za
NEED TO KNOW
The fire damage was severe in Brenton, but most places in Knysna and surrounding areas are open for business. The town’s popular Oyster Festival was hosted last year just a few weeks after the fires, to give you an idea of the area’s resilience. If you are going this year (29 June to 8 July), book your place to stay well in advance.
DO THIS
Hike the Drupkelders Trail for a swim in a rock pool. The path is a little steep but short, so average fitness is all that is needed. Get a permit from the SANParks office on Thesen Island. R30 pp adults, R15 kids. 044-302-5600 Explore township life with Mawande Yengwa, who will guide you through places such as Concordia, Khayalethu, Xolweni and Nekkies. The three-hour tour with local lunch costs R400 pp. A full-day tour also includes Knysna town and costs R1 150 pp. mawandeyengwa@gmail.com, 071-153-3017 Go stand-up paddleboarding on the Swartvlei Estuary near Sedgefield or on the Knysna Lagoon (tides permitting – it can get choppy on the water) with Garden Route Trail. They can tailor an excursion based on your interests and skill level. A three-hour outing costs from R1 200 pp, including champagne breakfast. gardenroutetrail.co.za Hop on a Segway for an hour-long lakeside guided jaunt along the promenade in the waterfront area. Tours start and end at Mitchell’s Brewery, where you can enjoy a beer afterwards. R300 pp. knysnasegwaytours.co.za See seahorses. Knysna is known for its endangered, endemic seahorses, but because they are so small and camouflaged they’re difficult to spot in the lagoon. Rather head to the SANParks offices on Thesen Island to see the seahorses they have in tanks. Free entry. 044-302-5600 Join in the fun of the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, a highlight on the gay calendar that includes music, theatre and a dazzling street parade. From 24 – 27 May. pinkloeriefoundation.com
EAT HERE
Bazala, at the Waterfront, serves delicious South African food. I especially enjoyed the Big Boerie burger (R75) with roosterkoek and chakalaka. There’s also a Sunday roast for R95 pp. 044-382-1693 Rise ‘n Shine Restaurant in Judah Square is strictly vegetarian, and does smoothies and Caribbean-style dishes. R100 pp for a starter, main and dessert; booking essential. 073-422-7114 or 078-180-1172 East Head Café serves delicious, healthy food with a view of the Knysna Heads. On a sunny day, the outside area is blissful. The calamari cost R94. 044-384-0933 Île de Païn is an artisanal bakery and restaurant on Thesen Island everyone raves about. Awesome rolls for R68. 044-302-5705
STAY HERE
Forest Edge is on the doorstep of some of Knysna’s best forest trails and the five self-catering cottages are tranquil and comfortable. From R512 pp sharing (each cottage sleeps four). Dinner and breakfast on request. forestedge.co.za Dover on Sea Beachfront B&B in Sedgefield is a 20-minute drive from Knysna, and has glorious sea views. From R800 pp sharing, including breakfast. doveronsea.co.za Knysna Houseboats was a highlight of my trip. Fitted out with a bedroom (the sheets were super comfy), kitchen and lounge area with an extra sofa bed. From R1 815 for two and R198 pp extra. The boats sleep four. knysnahouseboats.com