Dubbed the “biggest awards show of the year”, Capetonian radio station Kfm 94.5 invited the people of Cape Town to vote across 30 categories for the 2022 Best of the Cape Awards.
One of the categories was the Best Dorpie of the Cape, and Knysna walked away with the prize.
The finalists in this category were:
- George
- Knysna
- Langebaan
- Montagu
- Robertson
Known for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, the country’s largest indigenous forest, and its renowned annual Oyster festival, Knysna is a must-visit location for any South African or international guest. This is truly one of the most beautiful towns on the iconic Garden Route, and there’s plenty to do. Here are just a few.
Visit the Knysna Waterfront
The Knysna Waterfront is buzzing with activities, restaurants, and shops. It’s the perfect place to get your hands on a few quirky souvenirs and enjoy a lekker meal with the ultimate ocean view. 34 Degrees South and Drydock Food Co are great places to satisfy all your fresh seafood cravings.
Take a cruise or kayak on the Knysna Lagoon
See this celebrated dorpie from a fresh perspective – from the stunning lagoon, of course. Sail in style on one of the oldest cruise liners, the John Benn, which also happens to be a double-decker floating restaurant. If you’re keen on getting your heart pumping a bit, there are plenty of awesome kayaking companies guaranteed to deliver an epic adventure. Garden Route Adventure Guide will make your sunset dreams come true with its kayaking offerings.
See the Knysna Heads
A trip to Knysna wouldn’t be complete without seeing the iconic Knysna Heads: two cliffs separated by the lagoon, which flows into the ocean. A meeting point of fresh and salt water, framed by rugged rocks. It’s quite spectacular.
Stroll around Thesen Islands
Near the Knysna Waterfront is this unique experience; the Thesen Islands. It’s set up on an estuary and connected to the mainland by a bridge and causeway. Here, you’ll find 19 human-made islands. It’s a rather dapper marina development, crammed with shops, eateries, and galleries – and boasts sublime views.
Wander through the Garden of Eden
Located on the outskirts of Knysna, this is the perfect place to explore the forests of the Tsitsikamma. It’s not really a hike, but more of a relaxed stroll. The walk follows over 1km of wooden boardwalks and bridges across streams and is entirely wheelchair friendly. A number of wooden benches and tables are dotted along the trail. Sit, snack, picnic or enjoy your padkos. There are water and ablution facilities.
Eat Knysna’s famous oysters
The annual Knysna Oyster festival is a reason to visit this dorpie in itself. It’s a big deal! The festival spans over ten days in July. Think endless oysters, oyster tastings, live music, bustling streets, buskers, and a fat vibe. Missed the boat? Not to worry – there are bucket loads of amazing eateries serving up the taste of the sea year-round.
READ: The Turbine as your base, Knysna as your oyster
Enjoy the ultimate beach day at Buffels Bay
The Garden Route is marked with many world-class beaches, but Buffels Bay is a crowd favourite – and for good reason. In addition to white sand and dreamy waters, this beach is situated in the Goukamma Nature Reserve, roughly 21km from Knysna. Scenery stretches beyond the ocean, with fynbos-covered hills completing the 360-degree views.
Go whale watching
Locals wait in anticipation and visitors flock from far and wide for the Cape’s marvellous whale watching season. In Knysna, humpbacks visit from around May to December. Embarking on a whale-watching tour is a must. It’s the best way to get a closer look at these incredible mammals.
Sip the day away at the Knysna Gin Distillery
Taste real gin at the Knysna Distillery, where crafters make use of the traditional method of using copper pots and flame for its distillation process. Made with nine natural botanicals, there’s no better way to represent this dorpie in a glass.
Need even more inspiration?
- Visit the Steenbok Nature Reserve
- Kite-board at Bollards Bay Beach
- Camp at Diepwalle Forest
- Visit Margaret’s Viewpoint
- Explore the Knysna Fine Art Gallery
- See The Motorcycle Room
- Take a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve
- Eat your heart out at the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market
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