Knysna Navigation

About Knysna

Knysna is situated on the Garden Route in South Africa. Knysna backpacking tours are highly popular for travelers of all ages, especially during festival times.

Knysna Budget Travel

Below is a list of Knysna's top activities, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Knysna Forest

View all activities in Knysna

Airports

Knysna airports include the following:
• Plettenberg Bay Airport
• Cape Town International Airport

Birdlife

With some of the area’s most famous species to be found, Knysna bird life offers a huge array of colourful forest species as well as coastal and wetland species. Key birds to be seen include the Knysna Warbler, and the famous Knysna Loerie, and there are a number of birding locations nearby including Raptors for Africa.

Conservation

Knysna conservation has been in effect for many years, and after the last remaining elephant vanished from the forest, conservation efforts were increased and a number of elephants were moved into the forest. These populations are now protected, as are small animals such as the Knysna sea horse which can be found in Knysna’s lagoons and oceans.

Malaria

Knysna malaria medication includes the following:
• Malaria is not endemic in Knysna
• You will not need to take malaria medication unless you have entered Morocco from a malaria zone country
• Speak to your doctor if you are traveling between non-malaria and malaria countries
• Do not ever take malaria medication if it is not required, as side effects can be serious

Plants

Most famous for its massive, dense forests, Knysna plants vary from lush forest vegetation to huge trees to salt marshes, wetlands and coastal vegetation. A number of key nature areas can be explored, including the beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna Forest Park, Butterfly World and many other beautiful locations along the coastal roads.

Safety Tips

• Take care when swimming and do not venture out too far if you are not a strong swimmer
• Knysna is a safe town to visit however petty crime can occur
• Keep valuables out of sight and secure under your shirt in a moneybag
• Do not walk around alone after dark, especially in deserted areas
• Don’t leave valuables lying around in your car when parked

Travel Books

Knysna recommended travel books include:
• Frommer's South Africa by Pippa de Bruyn
• The Rough Guide to Cape Town and the Garden Route by Tony Pinchuck and Barbara McCrea
• The Fairest Cape: From the West Coast to the Garden Route by Mark Skinner and Sean Fraser
• Insight Guide South Africa by Melissa De Villers
• South Africa Pocket Guide by Berlitz Guides and Martin Gostelow

Visa Requirements

Get more information on visas in South Africa

Wildlife

Kynsna wildlife has a large number of creatures, from marine species to large game. Botlierskop Game Farm and Buffalo Hills Game Reserve has a range of wildlife including buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, giraffe and many species of antelope, while Knysna Elephant Park offers a chance to see forest elephants up close and personal, with elephant back safaris on offer.

4 Overland tours through Knysna recommended for you

Discover South Africa

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Durban to Cape Town

13 days From ZAR 12650

Durban to Cape Town

Garden Route Discoverer

7 days From ZAR 4950

Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

Cape Town and Garden Route

7 days From ZAR 5500

Cape Town to Cape Town

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