When you have only a short time to visit a tourism mecca like Knysna (voted the number 2 city in Africa 2012 by Condé Nast Traveler), on South Africa’s luscious Garden Route, it can be tough choosing which activities to prioritise. The best advice is to ask the locals – especially those involved with tourism on a daily basis. I recently had the privilege of chatting to not one, but two exceptional ladies about their personal recommendations for tourist activities in Knysna. Here’s what Cher from Leisure Isle Lodge, and Sue from Belvidere Manor had to share…

How long have you lived in Knysna?

Cher: 15 years

Sue: 18 years

What makes Knysna stand out as a holiday destination?

Sue: The beautiful scenery, variety of activities, safety, and accessibility to the whole of the Garden Route (we’re only 100km to Mossel Bay and Tsitsikamma, and 150km to Oudtshoorn).

Favourite thing about the area:

Cher: Safety. Knysna is still a small town with a safe, personal feel. Also, the outdoors and natural forests make it a photography mecca!

Sue: The sunshine, smell of the sea, and changing colours of the lagoon.

Most popular (busiest) time of year to visit:

November to February, especially over the Christmas period. Also during the Knysna Oyster Festival in July.

Best time of year to visit:

Cher: January and February is the warmest time of the year, so you can take full advantage of the outdoors.

Sue: February – April

When the weather is good:

Cher: Go to the beaches at Buffalo Bay or Brenton-on-Sea; take one of the forest walks or MTB trails; or head to Bollard Bay on Leisure Island to kite surf and kayak.

When the weather is bad:

Mitchell’s Brewery has weekday tours and tastings of their craft beers. You can also do a township tour, visit The Knysna Fine Art Gallery, or walk through the Old Goal Complex and the Millwood House and learn some really cool facts about Knysna. If it’s cold, but not raining, you can take a trip to Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Best breakfast spot:

Cher:  East Head Café has the best breakfasts and stunning views. I also recommend the Leisure Isle Coffee Shop and Caffé Mario.

Best restaurant for lunch:

Cher: 34 South and Caffé Mario. East Head Café has the best calamari and fish ‘n chips in town! If you’re looking for something small, Ile de Pain is the best bakery.

Sue: The Bell Tavern @ Belvidere Manor

Best restaurant for dinner:

Cher: Daniela’s at Leisure Isle Lodge! Also the Firefly Eating House, Café Mario, and Café Z at Pezula.

Sue: Pembreys or Wandu@ekasi in Nekkies.

Best place to see the sunset:

Cher: In the summer, Leisure Island is tops. There’s a “secret” pathway between 2 houses with a little stairway that leads to the water; the best spot for sundowners. Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea are also beautiful.

Sue: Brenton beach lookout.

Take lots of photos at:

Cher: The View Point at The Heads and on the rocks at Coney Glen. I often take photos along a path from Cornuti Restaurant (which has just changed its name) to the bottom of The Heads. There’s also a really beautiful 1 hour beach walk between Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay.

Where the locals hang out:

Cher: There’s a great sundowners vibe at Tapas & Oysters (also known as 34 Tapas) and at Cornuti. Mo’s on Rex is great for youngsters and Bosun’s pub is more for the older crowd. If you’re looking for nightlife, head to Zanzibar or The Lounge.

Sue: Mo’s on Rex, Tapas & Oysters, Café Mario, and Buffalo Bay.

Take the kids to:

Cher: If you’re looking for child-friendly places to eat, kids will enjoy the playgrounds at Tapas & Oysters and Mo’s. Otherwise there are lots of outdoors activities like horse riding, paddle surfing, cycling, and volleyball (on Thursdays at Bollard Bay). Bollard Bay is the best child-friendly beach, because it has a really shallow sand bank that goes at least 100m out (you can even walk across to East Head Café in the summer!). The Friday Market is also great. It isn’t your average market; it has quality arts and crafts, live music, flame throwers, food, and lots of kids’ activities.

Sue: The Knysna Elephant Park, East Head Café, and Bollard Bay. The Pirate Ship in Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre is also great for littlies.

If you like adventure, I recommend:

Cher: Water sports, bungee jumping at Storms River, the Jubilee Creek MTB and walking trails, the Millwood Mine MTB and walking trails, and the Circles in the Forest walk to see the Dalene Matthee Memorial. We also recently did a hike through Diepwalle Forest to the Spitskop viewpoint. It’s a steep trail up to the plateau, but the panoramic views are so worth it – you can see George, The Heads, and even as far as Plettenberg Bay!

Sue: Tony Cook Adventures for stand up paddling, kite surfing, surfing, mountain biking, and lots more fun!

If you like to chill, I recommend:

Cher: Grab a book and lilo and head to Bollard Bay or Buffalo Bay. If you enjoy the forest, there’s a great picnic spot up Phantom Pass called Oudrif.

Sue: A boat cruise with Springtide Charters

Best kept secret:

Cher: Oudrif, the Jubilee Creek trails, and our sunset spot on Leisure Island.

Sue: Caroline’s bistro at Belvidere Manor and the Fisherman’s Walk to Jacobse Baai at Brenton-on-Sea. Also, the Judah Square Rastafarian community is the biggest in South Africa. They offer tours and have just celebrated their annual Earthday festival.

What other Knysna recommendations would you like to find?

Read more about my dream stay at Leisure Isle Lodge and heavenly visit to Belvidere Manor.