Here are our best spots to stay at, eat, drink and play when in Knysna

In the midst of a lush, indigenous forest, tranquil lakes, majestic mountains and golden beaches, lays an out-of-this-world paradise called Knysna. Like the forest elephants, the Knysna Loerie and over 200 species of fish calling this ‘home’, you too will lose your heart to this charming small town.

Described by the local Tourism Board as “a place that feeds the soul”, Knysna is a much-loved holiday destination amongst both South Africans and Internationals. Its lagoon, forest, mountains and rivers make it ideal for leisure and outdoor adventures of which Knysna has plenty of.

Craft shops, flea-markets, boutiques and cosy cafés spread out within the town while local landmarks – Thesen Island, Leisure Isle and The Heads, add their own uniqueness to the town.

Without a doubt, the Knysna waterfront hosts some of the finest restaurants in South Africa and there is nothing better than watching the mirror-smooth waters of the lagoon turn bright red and orange as the sun sets behind rolling hills while enjoying a sundowner.

Home Food and Travel magazine recently explored this fascinating town. Here is most of what you will need to know before landing in Knysna.

The Lofts Boutique Hotel, located in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon, is arguably one of the best places from which to explore Knysna and its surrounds. Set within the remodelled timber-frame of the old Knysna boatshed, this 4-Star establishment offers six luxurious two-bedroom self-catering units, seven Exclusive Lagoon Suites and five Luxury Loft Rooms.

With uninterrupted and breath-taking views of the Knysna Lagoon as well as Thesen Harbour Town on which is it situated, The Lofts Boutique Hotel offers guests, coffee stations, air conditioning, TVs with DSTV, digital electronic safes, hairdryers and Wi-Fi internet access.

Their sparkling swimming pool is one of my favourite features and their friendly staff, for which nothing is too much trouble, is what sets The Lofts apart for me.  The Lofts is definitely where you want to stay if you’re looking for luxurious accommodation in Knysna.

For more information, call 044 302 5710, email reservations@thelofts.co.za or visit www.thelofts.co.za

A visit to Knysna is incomplete without venturing out to explore the ocean. The Ocean Odyssey team is passionate about showcasing the prolific marine life and incredibly picturesque coastline that Knysna has to offer.

They are popular for their whale-watching and eco-marine tours where one can observe whales in their natural environment from as close as 50m.

Knysna is blessed with year-round sightings with large pods of dolphins and regular sightings of Brydes whales. From June through to December, you can sight incredible migrating Southern Right and Humpback whales as they skirt the Knysna coastline while making their way to the tropics.

One can also explore the waterways of Thesen Island and the Knysna Lagoon with their Stand-up Paddel Boarding or rent one of their self-powered and environmentally-friendly, rechargeable Electric Bikes on which you can discover Knysna.

Their new Ocean Journey gift and décor shop is bursting at the seams with something for everyone from an eclectic range of nautical-themed décor and accessories, branded clothing, jewellery, toys, to photographic canvas prints and interesting books about the marine environment.

For more information, call 044 382 0321, email info@oceanodyssey.co.za or visit www.oceanodyssey.co.za

Shepherd’s Tree is a charming coffee shop, hidden between the trees in the heart of Knysna. Overlooking a part of the lagoon towards the Knysna Heads, it offers a big grass area and playground where kids can safely play while moms can sit back and relax.

The porch area is covered and playfully decorated with multi-coloured bunting flags to add a playful touch.

Walking through the many rooms of this old-house that was transformed into a coffee shop and backpackers, your mouth will start watering as lovely smells escape from the kitchen and fill the air. They focus on parties and functions and they also have a boardroom that can be booked out.

On a recent visit, I did not wait long before one of their friendly waiters welcomed me with a big smile and took my order. Shepherd’s Tree offers a variety of breakfasts, nibbles and sweet treats. My rooibos tea arrived in a beautiful pot with a dainty pink dotted cup – a fancy tea party for one.

I then wolfed down the best flapjacks I’ve had in a long time and was ready for the day ahead.

As I was leaving, I had a quick chat with Tania, the owner of the coffee shop, who told me that they are part of the Eden Initiative, a group of like-minded people in the private sector, who focus on building up the community and develop local entrepreneurs.

“It’s all about skills development here,” she said.

Visit them at 61 Waterfront Drive, Knysna, contact them on 044 382 2066 or visit their website at www.shepherdstreecs.wixsite.com

No visit to Knysna is complete without a delicious meal from the popular ïlê de païn. Also situated in the old Boatshed on Thesen Island, it looks like a quaint corner coffee shop from the outside, but once you walk in, it feels like you’re entering Narnia with its never-ending wonder world of freshly-baked breads and pastries before the earthy aroma of freshly-brewed coffee wakes up your soul.

Orange tables and white chairs spread across the wide hallways inside the building, contribute to an amazing setting where I found enthusiastic waiters greeting customers like old friends.

Owners, Markus and Liezie, are clearly experts in the industry and have put a lot of thought into their extensive menu that has options for every palate.

My favourite is their guacamole toast with goat cheese, topped with a handful of greens and seeds and a poached egg on the side. Your range of choices when it comes to beverages is just as impressive. My wake-me-up and get-me-going drink whenever I visit ïlê de païn, is a Cá phê dá – a delicious Vîetamese iced coffee with condensed milk.

You can visit ïlê de païn at 8-10 The Boatshed, Thesen Harbour Town, or contact them on 044 302 5705. Their trading hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 08:00 – 15:00.

The Knysna Elephant Park, established in 1994, was the first South African facility to house and care for orphaned African elephants.

Having cared for and raised more than forty elephants, which include relocated animals, orphaned calves, and ex-circus animals, their current herd number stands at nine.

The Knysna Elephant Park offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with their elephants whilst being educated about the animals. They believe that everything should happen on the elephants’ terms and allow responsible interactions where guests can appreciate the presence of these majestic animals.

For more information, call 044 532 7732, email bookings@knysnaelephantpark.co.za or visit www.knysnaelephantpark.co.za

Providing fantastic service, delicious food and very comfortable accommodation, The Russel Hotel offers a choice of eighteen en-suite rooms, which are ideal for families, leisure travellers and businessmen alike.

This 3-Star hotel is conveniently located close to the town’s diverse attractions and fine eateries.

My room and marbled en-suite bathroom were beautifully decorated. The bed had crisp white linen, with aquamarine and biscuit colour accessories, which complemented each other perfectly. It was clean, spacious, and let in just the right amount of sun on a cold spring afternoon.

The rooms are equipped with all the amenities you would need for your stay, including selected DSTV channels, a safe, air-conditioning, and a microwave, bar fridge, cutlery and coffee/tea-making facilities.

Options on the breakfast menu include the Russel Classic, the Quick Start, a vegetarian breakfast, traditional omelettes, a Continental breakfast and a Full English breakfast. Absolutely delicious!

The Russel Hotel is a must visit! Manager, Deswin, and his staff go out of their way to ensure that you have a comfortable stay.

Call 044 382 1052/8, email reservations@russelhotel.co.za  or visit www.russelhotel.co.za

I’ve visited Knysna Herons Guest House quite a few times and, from experience, I know that this 3-Star establishment, at the expert management of Robert and Quintin, never disappoints.

Knysna Herons recently won a Lilizela Award for the best 3-Star Bed & Breakfast in the Western Cape for the second consecutive year.

The ‘Hoopoe Room’, in which I stayed, is a stylishly decorated double room equipped with a hairdryer, flat screen TV, shared DSTV, a desk, sofa, safe, towels, air-conditioning, mini fridge as well as tea and coffee making facilities. The room has a private entrance onto a small deck with an amazing view of their beautiful garden and its sparkling swimming pool.

Knysna Herons Guest House exceeded my expectations and I left feeling refreshed and ready for the busy day ahead. I can highly recommend this guest house to anyone planning a memorable family or romantic getaway to Knysna.

For more information, call 044 382 1313, email info@herons.co.za or visit www.herons.co.za

Set in the heart of the peaceful and tranquil Leisure Isle, Rivertide Lodge is a must if you’re looking for a place that the whole family can enjoy. Offering both B&B accommodation and self-catering apartments, you won’t be bored with activities such as swimming, cycling, fishing, canoeing, boating, tennis and birdwatching all a short stroll away.

Their B&B rooms are equipped with a fridge as well as a tea and coffee tray while a full English breakfast with fresh fruit, yogurt, cereals and a variety of cheeses will be waiting for you in the morning.

The self-catering apartments have fully-equipped kitchens, a separate lounge, bedroom, en-suite bathroom and a private balcony or garden area.

Friendly owner, Caroline, ensures that you have a comfortable stay and gives you plenty of ideas for exciting activities to make your Garden Route visit a memorable one.

For more information, call 083 306 9892, email info@rivertidelodge.co.za  or visit www.rivertidelodge.co.za 

Anyone, who has ever been to The Knysna Heads, will know that it leaves you standing in awe of this beautiful collaboration of lagoon, cliffs, and forest that Mother Nature shows off with on the far east side of Knysna.

Situated on the rocks, at the famous Eastern Head, is East Head Café – the perfect spot to enjoy delicious cocktails as the sun sets. With the most spectacular views, this restaurant has some of the best seafood and salads I’ve ever tasted. 

I chatted to chef, Greg Coleman, who explained that their ethos is to use the freshest ingredients that they can source locally and to cook from scratch.

East Head Café has been welcoming both locals and visitors in Knysna for more than eight years now and we look forward to enjoying their masterpiece dishes for many more years to come.

For more information, call 044384 0933, email the owner, Jerome, at jerome@easthead.co.za or visit www.eastheadcafe.co.za 

Rated on TripAdvisor as the number one activity in Knysna, we couldn’t head back to Port Elizabeth without popping in at Knysna RIB Adventures. I must say, safety is a priority, but the main focus is definitely fun.

Knysna RIB Adventures offers an exceptional combination eco-adventure tour on their unique power boat. So, we buckled-up and got ready for a memorable adrenalin-filled boating experience. 

Choose between a 60-minute Adventure Trip or a 120-minute Eco Adventure Trip through the infamous Knysna Heads on a high-speed run and then cruise along the coastline whilst keeping an eye out for the abundant marine and bird life.

If the Heads are not passable due to bad weather, the RIB Adventure team will take you on a 30-minute ‘Heads Rush’, showing you all the hot spots and interesting areas of the Knysna Estuarine.

For more information, call 044 382 0667, email info@knysnaribadventures.co.za or visit www.knysnaribadventures.co.za 

If you’ve read the article on our Beer Tasting event that we published in October, you’ll remember that Red Bridge Brewing Co. was one of the 15 breweries featured our article. We enjoyed their Woodcutter Saison craft beer so much, that we decided to pop in at the brewery in Knysna to see where it all starts.

Legend has it that in 2013, a mutual passion and love for craft beer got Darren Berry and Chris Marsicano to form the well-known Red Bridge Brewing Co. They launched their first craft beer in December 2013 – a deliciously tropical, yet bitter No.17 Golden Ale.

Set on buzzing premises in Knysna’s industrial area, the brewery’s primary philosophy is in the fact that Darren carefully hand-made every inch of the brewing equipment and infrastructure required to create the perfect batch of craft beer.

The Red Bridge Brewing Co. currently brews three craft beers – the No. 17 Golden Ale, Woodcutter Saison and Privateer IPA. Their beers can be enjoyed at various restaurants in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, and also in Prince Albert, George, Sedgefield, Wilderness, Port Elizabeth and Jeffreys Bay.

For more information, call 083 671 9399, email info@redbridgebrewing.co.za or visit www.redbridgebrewing.co.za 

The Drydock Food Company is set on the water’s edge on the beautiful Knysna waterfront with panoramic views over the harbour and lagoon. This restaurant is one of five unique sister companies (all restaurants) and together they form the ‘Quintet of Knysna’.

With a very extensive menu that includes a wide range of seafood dishes, poultry, pastas, sushi, meats, salads, vegetarian and banting options, to name a few, the Drydock also caters for large groups and functions.

On my visit, I opted for one of their lunch specials – the Drydock Burger and it was mouth-watering. For dessert, I decided to spoil myself with their Kahlua Chocolate Mousse in a brandy snap basket – you’ve got to try this! I will definitely be back to try more of their meals.

For more information, call 044 382 7310, email info@drydock.co.za or visit www.drydock.co.za 

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