Knysna Heights is a suburb in Knysna, on the northern banks of the Knysna River in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
The suburb’s sylvan setting has majestic views over the Knysna River and lagoon, stretching all the way to the Heads, the large natural bastions on either side of the river mouth.
Knysna is known as the Jewel of the Garden Route, the perfect platform from which to explore this scenic stretch of South Africa’s coastline. Knysna is one of those places that when you arrive, you dream about staying permanently.
Things to do
Hike through the Knysna forest, starting at Diepwalle forestry station, passing giant yellowwood trees, rare birdlife and a possible glimpse of the elusive Knysna elephant.
Visit the town of Knysna to experience a wide range of activities including shopping, water sports and a vibrant restaurant scene.
West of Knysna Heights lies the Millwood gold rush town. In 1876, gold diggers rushed to the area after a nugget was discovered in a river nearby. Tours of the 200m Bendingo Mine can be undertaken. Excavated shafts, rusting mining machinery, house foundations, the old Monk’s store, a graveyard and rail tracks are spread throughout the area.
Take a tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the western Head. This diverse and interesting 4 hour tour includes a ferry boat ride, lunch, a hike and a tractor ride.
Travel the old Seven Passes road between Knysna and George for glorious scenery, crossing narrow historic stone bridges and negotiating daunting bends. Baboon troops and various buck species are regularly seen along the route.
Where to Eat
The Firefly Eating House in Knysna has a Zen-like interior where patrons are offered exotic tapas dishes.
The Cruise Café at the Featherbed Company, with wooden deck over the lagoon, offers perfectly prepared cuisine ranging from select curries to fresh seafood dishes.
Visit the Knysna Quays to dine at 34° South and enjoy their outstanding seafood dishes and super fresh sushi.
Make a booking for the popular Cook ‘n Look evenings at Kilzers Kitchen and watch while the masterful chefs prepare a sumptuous 3-course dinner with a touch of theatre. Learn some cooking skills along the way.
Night Life
Enjoy a few drinks with the locals at Olde's Pub & Grill and hear their fishy stories. This pub is the headquarters of the coffin dodger’s club and popular with biker businessmen.
Where to Stay
The accommodation offerings in Knysna Heights are beautiful venues with uninterrupted lagoon views in a tranquil setting. Here, proprietors strive to provide their guests with privacy and comfort.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is George Airport, 70km outside of Knysna.
Car Several car rental agencies are based in Knysna and at George airport to hire a car, or you could order a rental online.
Taxi There are a number of metered taxi companies in Knysna. Shuttle service operators transport visitors between George Airport and Knysna.
Did you know?
Wood is a material associated with Knysna due to the vast inland forests surrounding the town. It has attracted artists, carpenters and boat builders over the years and the product is celebrated annually through the Knysna Timber Festival and the Knysna Wooden Boat Show.
The Knysna Oyster Company cultivates baby oysters (known as spats) in their factory and once they reach the size of a 20c piece, they are dropped into mesh bags, attached to racks and placed in the Knysna lagoon’s intertidal zone. After 2 years they are fat enough to harvest. The lagoon’s clean water allows the oyster to flourish.
