Top 5 Knysna Tours: Unforgettable Sightseeing & Cruises

Knysna, that gem along South Africa’s Garden Route, is that kind of place that gets right under your skin. So, too it’s a town known for its breathtaking lagoon, unbelievable forests, and, arguably, those iconic Heads – dramatic cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon, as a matter of fact. Finding the absolute best way to soak all this in can be a little overwhelming, that, is why this rundown of the top five Knysna tours, sightseeing spots, and cruises could be something that you find helpful. We will touch on everything from boat trips on the water to land adventures, by the way. I think you will be booking something before you finish reading, to be honest.

1. Knysna Heads Exploration: Boat Tours & Viewpoints

No trip to Knysna is complete, I think, without properly experiencing the Heads. A boat tour is a splendid way to get up close and admire their splendor, like your own mini oceanic adventure, naturally. Several companies offer trips that will take you right through the Heads, into the open ocean (if the weather permits, very important!), and back into the calmer waters of the lagoon, that, is seriously good. These trips usually come with some pretty interesting commentary on the geology, the history and a few of those local stories, literally bringing the scenery to life. What I’m saying is, it is much more than just looking at some big cliffs, alright.

Now, if you like to keep your feet firmly on land (or happen to get a little seasick) there are several viewpoints that offer spectacular views, or you could just stay where you are, it is up to you. The Eastern Head viewpoint is that spot, seemingly, giving panoramic vistas that stretch all the way to the Indian Ocean, alright, something else. It’s a popular spot, too it’s almost for sunset watching, just a little. You might want to pack a picnic and make a proper evening of it, you know, as a matter of fact, if you’re that kind of person. It might just be worth the effort.

2. Lagoon Cruises: Sunset & Eco Adventures

One thing I think everybody likes when they are on holiday, is some time spent drifting on the water, is that not right?, so, lagoon cruises in Knysna give you that serene experience while showing you those views from a new angle. You can find various cruises to suit almost everyone’s taste. So, too it’s something for the romantics amongst you – a sunset cruise with some bubbly. Picture this, okay?: You are there sipping on some good stuff while those sun dips behind those Outeniqua Mountains. (Just describing this makes me want to book, actually!). Eco-cruises are, potentially, on offer, in fact. The lagoon is seriously teaming with life and you could spot many kinds of birds and even the odd dolphin, you know. You want photos, or something, to show everyone when you get home?

Consider that trip to Featherbed Nature Reserve that starts with a ferry across the lagoon, or perhaps don’t!, frankly. That reserve offers something more, I believe. Think walks through that amazing indigenous forest and unbelievable views from that top of the Western Head, even, literally all included in that package. (I did tell you there was always an upsell, did I not?).

3. Forest Exploration: Hiking & Guided Walks

You cannot fully get what Knysna is about without some exploration into those magical forests that surround it, to be honest. And, too it’s a great option if you want a break from the water, as I was saying. You may, maybe, know the area is part of that biggest indigenous forest in South Africa. So, too it’s full of unbelievable hiking trails, ranging from shorter, easier strolls to longer, and potentially a bit more strenuous, hikes. So, pack some comfortable shoes, and plenty of water (very vital, clearly), and, very, set off to experience that stunning biodiversity, I would, clearly.

Now, one walk I recommend is that walk to the Jubilee Creek, so, a lovely place where you might fancy a swim in those shallow waters, naturally. Another great alternative that is very popular with locals is that Elephant Walk, potentially giving different routes of various lengths that, maybe, take you deeper into that woodland. Consider those guided walks, potentially. You are going to learn a lot, that, and you should get that advantage of having someone knowledgeable to point things out, and that is good to know, is that not right?

4. Township Tours: Experiencing Local Culture

For an experience that goes deeper than just that usual tourist trail, I recommend a township tour, okay? Now, these tours offer some real insights into that life, as a matter of fact, within Knysna’s townships, you may discover. Often run by local people, they take you into some homes, that, and sometimes they can give you the chance to properly connect with the local population. A township visit is not about sightseeing, that is something I think everyone agrees on. It provides an opening into South African society, to be honest, you know.

Some tours could also include visits to those local schools or community projects, alright. Many times that allows you to engage with those people and give back, actually, that is something some folks want to do. Just maybe, do that proper research and then find one that respects that community it visits. What I’m saying is do not just be some tourist looking through a window.

5. Sedgefield Market & Swartvlei Beach: Day Trip

So, if you fancy a nice chilled out day away from the main touristy bits, have a look at a quick trip to Sedgefield, a bit, just a little west of Knysna, might be interesting. Every Saturday morning, by the way, that Sedgefield Community Market springs into action. And, too it’s a wonderful opportunity to wander about all of those stalls and try the local produce and just find one of those some handmade crafts, something some people will want to get into, by the way. A bit of cheese perhaps? You might buy one, potentially, something for everyone when they are away I think.

Next, and right close to that market is that Swartvlei Beach, is that so?, as I was saying. That long stretch of sand gives you the time you need to take relaxing walks and catch a little bit of sun. What you might also get up to is have a swim, possibly. And, also maybe watch all the paragliders that, often, launch from those dunes that, definitely, add something. It is a beautiful photo just waiting to happen.