Adventure

Knysna Houseboats
Hire a fully equipped, self-drive houseboat and spend a day gently cruising along in Knysna’s beautiful and tidal lagoon. No experience or skippers licence required.
34 Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town
+27 (0) 44 382 2802
+27 (0) 76 067 7445
info@knysnahouseboats.com

Explore Canoe Rentals
Tel: 044 382 6496
e-mail: belen@magneticsouth.net

adventure

Knysna Charters
Cool breeze, occasional sea spray and a glass of champers and some oysters to go down with the sunset. Catamaran, ferry or powerboat your way down the lagoon or up the Knysna Heads and Feather Bed Bay.
31 Saffron Lane, Thesen Harbour Town
+27 (0)44 302 5707
+27 (0)82 892 0469
info@knysnacharters.com

Bike Hire
044 302 5750
Turbine hotel, Thesen Islands

adventure

Hippo Dive Campus
We know the best sites, Padi Dive School Boat/shore dives. Equipment Sales & Hire. Discover more than just new horizons … Experience the magical world that lies under the sea
Knysna Heads, George Rex Drive, Knysna
+27 (0)44 384 0831 / +27 (0)84 370 4613

Knysna RIB Adventures
Boat trips in the Knysna estuary, The Heads, and beyond, whale and dolphin watching, bird safaris
Docked directly outside 34 Degrees Tapas & Oyster Bar, Thesens Island
+27 (0) 76 393 0197

Lifestyle

Le Spa Tranquille
Getting out of the city doesn’t mean you have to rough it. Thesen Islands’ award-winning spa offers a range treatments and products to fast track your relaxation. Location: The Boat Shed, Thesen Island
Contact: Tel: +27 (0) 44 302 5275/8
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 487 3744
E-mail:info@lespa.co.za

adventure

Nicci Hairdresser
Next lady for a shave. We jest – this is no back water hairdressing parlor. You’ll emerge looking rather fabulous.
Contact: Nicci Philips:
Tel: +27 (0)44 302 5707 / 044 382 0559
e-mail: nicciphilips@telkomsa.net

Amani Spa
Tel: +27 (0)44 382 5746

BodyCurbez
Lipo suction without surgery
+27 (0)44 302 5731
info@bodycurvez.co.za

adventure

Onyourbike Fitness Studio
If you’re looking to run, bicycle or swim faster, or to participate on your first Marathon, bicycle race or Triathlon, contact Steven Shirley, Iron man and half Iron man distance specialist. Steven offers personal training and online coaching.
Long Street, Thesen Harbour Town
steven@onyourbike.co.za
+27 (0) 72 737 1262
+27 (0) 44 382 1987

Events

Knysna Oyster Festival
This annual event has grown from small beginnings and is now a major national and international festival.

The mild winters of Knysna are a welcome break from the rest of the country’s frosty weather and it’s not unusual to have a quick dip in Buffels Bay or at Brenton-on-Sea.

The festival also coincides with the Knysna marathon and various cycle races – off road and on. In town you can shop till you drop, hit funfair and flea markets, sample whiskeys and smooth jazz, or rock out to live national bands.

And of course there are myriad oyster options and the Salmon Night Run.

Be warned, accommodation is snapped up quickly, so BOOK your accommodation early.
Contact: festivals@knysna-info.co.za

Parks & Tourism

SANParks Thesen Islands Office
Knysna spans several precious ecosystems – namely the Tsitsikama forest, the Knysna estuary which is home to the Knysna Seahorse and wild Garden Route coast. SANParks is a good place to start if getting out into the great outdoors or scouting for Knysna elephants is your thing.
Location: Thesen Island. Times: 08:00 – 16:00
Contact: Tel:+27 (0) 44 382 2095
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 887 2533 (André Riley)

Events

Knysna Timber Festival
The Knysna Timber Festival is the creation of the Knysna Timber Initiative, a group of local Knysna businesses who see Knysna as the Woodworking Capital of South Africa.

Of course the festival is not limited to local creators and woodworkers… it’s is the ideal plaform for National and International brands to expose their quality products
Date: Fri 29 September – 01 October 2017
Venue: Timber Village
Cost: R20 pp
Contact Number: 082 571 2462
Contact Email: info@timberfestival.co.za

Knysna Marathon Event
A highlight of the Knysna Festival, the marathon that draws entries nationally and internationally. Keep your mind off the blisters with the pretty scenery.
Knysna Marathon Club:
President: Kenny Wilkinson +27 (0) 73 382 5305
PRO: Judy Kent +27 (0) 76 195 4867
kmc@telkomsa.net

PINK LOERIE MARDI GRAS & ARTS FESTIVAL™ KNYSNA 2018
At its heart, the Pink Loerie is a festival and a celebration; so, dancing, fun and music also played an enormous part of the event, with daily shows being held at various locations throughout the town and club nights.
The festival attracts floats, performers and DJ’s from all over the world and local businesses also get into to the spirit,
Wednesday 25 April – Monday 30 April 2018
Venue: Knysna
Contact Number: 0833479570
Contact Email: john.oneil@pinkloerie.co.za
Website: www.pinkloerie.co.za

Leisure Isle Festival 
This Festival, facilitated is a genuine craft market that proudly encourages “Buy Local” stalls catering for every taste will be offering a mouth-watering array of food and drink and fresh produce, as well as arts and crafts, toys, a huge array of books, indigenous and other plants and many other delights.
Activities such as the barrel train and jumping castle, doggie walk, a wheelchair walk along a selected route, tea and beer gardens
Sat 04 November – 05 November 2017
Venue:Leisure Island
Contact Number: (083) 7545390 / (044) 3841896
Contact Email: info@leisureislefestival.co.za

Knysna Literary Festival 
The Knysna Literary Festival is a major annual event in the Garden Route arts and culture calendar, from exploring the creative minds of authors in small-group workshops to being part of larger-group presentations, and rubbing shoulders with authors
The diverse programme touches on current affairs, politics, history, comedy and adventure as well as mystery and a dash of cuisine
Fri 09 March – Sun 11 March 2018
Venue: Knysna
Contact Number: 044 382 5574 / 082 450 9301
Contact Email: info@knysnaliteraryfestival.co.za

Adventure

CYCLING
Knysna 300 Cycle Race
21 to 23 February 2014
Rheenendal MTB Memorial Challenge
27 to 28 April 2014
RE-CM Knysna 200
6 to 8 June 2014
Karoo to Coast
Dates to be announced
www.gardenrouteevents.co.za

Waterfront Half Marathon
16 November 2013

The Knysna Trail Run
16km technical trail or
24km technical trail
2 January 2014

Two Lagoons
32km, 10km and 5km
3rd May 2014

Houtkapper Trail Run
9km, 15km and 27km
13 July 2014

5th Knysna Antique & Classic Boat show
Knysna has a rich history of boat building dating back to 1831 when the first ship to be build from wood in the surrounding forest was launched
Sat 07 October 2017
Venue: Turbine Hotel & Spa, Thesen Isand
Contact Number: 0766808788
Contact Email: cameron.searle@gmail.com

Rocking the Lake 2017 
Join Lakeside Lodge & Spa as they take you on a tour of the 80’s with this year’s Rocking the Lake – 80’s Revival Tour!
The Garden Routes local favourites, The Wellcast band will be putting on an extraordinary show, performing classic hits from the 80’s
Sat 04 November 2017
R150 – Adults or R100 – Children
Venue:Lakeside Lodge & Spa
Contact Number: 044 343 1844
Contact Email: info@lakesidelodge.co.za

Knysna Arts Festival 
There will be 4 sectors: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, the Fringe, and the Schools
The Opening Gala Evening is always very popular. A new feature will be a Light Classical Evening on the Wednesday, and a Schools Evening on the Saturday.
Both public and artists can look forward to another exciting week of creative art with something to please all tastes.
Mon 19 February – 24 February 2018
Venue: Knysna
Contact Number: 044 384 0134

Knysna Motor Show  
To ensure the quality of the vehicles / motorcycles on display , invitations are targeted and all vehicles / motorcycles are personally selected .
Besides providing the fellowship enjoyed by likeminded people , exhibitors , the motor trade and the public , the show has been the source of much needed funds for local charities.
Sun 29 April 2018
R40 – Adults R10 – Scholars & U/12 – Free
Venue: Knysna High Sportsfield
Contact Number: 0824672145
Contact Email: gibbo@mweb.co.za

Adventure

Wild Oats Community Farmers Market
Sedgefield
Saturdays from 7:30 to 11:30
Tel: +27 (0) 44 883 1177

Scarab Market:
Sedgefield (next to Wild Oats), with arts & crafts
Saturdays from 7:30 to 14:00

Harvest Time Saturday Farmers Market
Harkerville
Tel: +27 (0) 44 533 9094

The Friday Market
Knysna, off Welbedacht Road – dinners, take- aways, music, arts & crafts
Fridays from 16:00 to 20:00
Tel: +27 (0) 44 382 5316

Milkwood Village Night Market
Fridays from 16:00 to 21:00

Outeniqua Farmers Market
Saturdays from 8:00 to 13:00
from Wilderness to George

Eden Kite Festival  
The list of kiters that will entertain this year with their mind-boggling kites isn’t complete yet, but confirmed already are 8 from around South Africa as well 7 international flyers from Poland, England, Germany and Tasmania.
Sun 22 October 2017
Venue: Eden Lawns – Sedgefield
Contact Number: 044 343 2007
Contact Email: belinda@visitknysna.co.za

Knysna Blues Festival
Situated alongside the Knysna Lagoon, Mitchells Knysna Brewery is a fantastic venue, no matter the weather. the day is sure to be enjoyed by all.
With a dedicated stage area, seating for up to 320 and a fully-serviced kitchen delivering great meals.
Of course the brewery’s fine craft beer will be available too, as well as a full hard-tack-and-mixer Bar!
Sat 16 December 2017
Venue:Mitchells Brewery Knysna
Contact Number: 084 587 6665 / 082 417 2503
Contact Email: sales@bluesfestival.co.za

Knysna Celtic Festival
A musical extravaganza featuring top bagpipe bands, Celtic singers, musicians, and Highland & Irish dancers from all over South Africa
as well as Highland Games, Archery and Tug-of-War tournaments, the festival will feature – for the first time – three of Scotland’s top international Celtic-music ‘stars’, including one of the world’s very best bagpipe players.
Fri 23 February – Sat 24 February 2018
R30 – R100
Venue: Loerie Park
Contact Email: knysnapb@iafrica.com

Lifestyle

Isabel Coleman: Massage Therapist
A range of massage therapies
Times: By appointment only
Location : Unit 1A, The Boat Shed, Thesen Island
+27 (0) 72 241 2812
gjcole@lantic.net

Tourism & Parks

Knysna Elephant Park
If you’re not to keen to wander round in the forest in search of an elusive glimpse of the reclusive Knysna Elephants, this will be more your bag.
Times: Daily tours: 08:30 – 16:30
Location: On N2 national road between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
+27 (0) 44 532 7732
info@knysnaelephantpark.co.za

Radical Raptors
Mobile: +27 (0) 83 382 2417
Tel: +27 (0) 44 532 7537

Tourism & Parks

Knysna Tourism
The more obvious place to start for an overview of everything that Knysna and the surrounding areas has to offer in terms of what to do, where to stay, where to eat. Centrally located, very helpful and resourceful.
40 Main Street, Knysna
+27 (0) 44 382 5510
www.visitknysna.co.za

Adventure

Cango Wildlife Ranch
Explore the truth about crocodiles, view elegant cheetahs and watch Bengal Tiger cubs play… Or get up close and personal: touch a cheetah, hug a tiger cub, wrap yourself in a python or dive with a Nile Crocodile!
When: Every day 8 am to 5 pm
Where: 50 km from Knysna,
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 5593
e-mail: reservations@cango.co.za

Ocean Safaris
Get up close and personal with two of the most magical species of the ocean; the dolphin and the whale with Ocean Safaris, the company that is as committed to observation and conservation as they are to your enjoyment.
When: 08:30 – 16:00/17:0
Where: 1 Hopwood Street, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: +27 (0)44 533 493
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 784 5729
e-mail: info@oceansafaris.co.za

Adventure

Birds of Eden
Visit the Garden Route’s very own world-class free flight bird sanctuary under the world’s largest dome spanning an indigenous forest, complete with mysterious ruins
When: Every day 8 am to 5 pm
Where: 50 km from Knysna,
Tel: +27 (0) 44 534 8906
e-mail: birdsofeden@monkeyland.co.za

Cango Caves
Come and experience the spectacular underground wonder of the Klein Karoo, the Cango Cages. Situated in a limestone ridge, you’ll find dripstone caverns with their vast halls and towering formations
When: Open: 09:00 – 16:00 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day)
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 7410
e-mail: info@cangocaves.co.za

Adventure

Highgate Ostrich Farm (Oudtshoorn)
This is more than just one of South Africa’s Top 10 attractions. It’s the world’s first, finest and most original ostrich show farms. Come for the excitement, come for the enchantment, come for the whole day ,especially when it’s ostrich racing day!
Tel: +27 (0) 44 272 7115
e-mail: hosf@mweb.co.za

Tsitsikama Canopy Tours
Take a glide through 116 different types of trees in an ancient forest; from yellow and stink wood to iron wood… Enjoy the sounds of silence- or the chatter of monkeys and countless birdcalls
Mobile: +27 (0) 82 852 9402 / +27 (0) 83 543 3772

Monkey World Primate Sanctuary
Come to the world’s first free-roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. From Black Lemurs and Brown Howlers to White-handed Gibbons, this living forest experience will stay with you forever…
When: Every day 8 am to 5 pm
Where: 50 km from Knysna,
Tel +27 (0) 44 534 8906
e-mail: info@monkeyland.co.za

Events

Absa Cape Epic Cycle Race
Challenging mountain bike race that commands  950 km – including  a piffling 18000m ascent –  over nine days. Only the brave.
Tel: +27 (0) 44 21 426-4373
E-mail: info@cape-epic.com

Events

Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market
When: Every Saturday, 08:00 – 11:30
Where: Sedgefield
Tel: +27 (0) 44 883 1177
e-mail: dogstar@iafrica.com

2018 Sedgefield Slow Festival
Wholesome Goodness, Family, Friends, Fun, the Outdoors and great Food. Activities are geared towards families with plenty of activities for children. There is entertainment galore, exciting events include ‘Anything that Floats’ Challenge, nightly Drive-in, Goukamma Traverse Trail Run, Easter Bunny Beach Fling and Egg Dash, Sand Sculpting Challenge, Slow Bike Challenge,  Upcycled Fashion Show & Beauty Pageant, and the Amazing Creatures & Band Street Parade.
The infamous markets and stalls on the Sedgefield Village Green provide delectable foods and beverages, an array of organic products and arts & crafts.  Art in the Park, Dog Walk & Fun Show and live musicians ensure entertainment around the clock.
Fri 30 March – Sun 01 April 2018
Venue: Sedgefield
Contact Number: 072 949 3002
Contact Email: <a href=”mailto:events@tumbleweeds.co.za”>events@tumbleweeds.co.za</a>
Website: www.slowfestival.co.za