The Fishers guidebook
Food scene
One of the best sunset locations with a truly South African wild coastline.
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Butterfly Blu Restaurant
198 State President C R Swart RdOne of the best sunset locations with a truly South African wild coastline.
Great food, a fine selection of craft beers and liquor, friendly staff, and a historic past make for a great combination.
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The Bell Tavern
169 Lower Duthie DrGreat food, a fine selection of craft beers and liquor, friendly staff, and a historic past make for a great combination.
Indigo Deli
198 CR Swart DriveVery nice touristy styled cafe, great for light meals and enjoying the beautiful view.
Brunch Cafe, Gourmet Deli & Coffee Bar located in the heart of the Garden Route, Belvidere Knysna. They offer beautifully crafted and delicious breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones, exquisite coffees and more! They have plenty of outdoor seating options, are dog friendly, have a kiddies play area, a large vegan menu and even a cyclists menu
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Oak Leaf Brunch Cafe, Gourmet Deli & Coffee Bar
168 Duthie DrBrunch Cafe, Gourmet Deli & Coffee Bar located in the heart of the Garden Route, Belvidere Knysna. They offer beautifully crafted and delicious breakfasts, lunches, cakes, scones, exquisite coffees and more! They have plenty of outdoor seating options, are dog friendly, have a kiddies play area, a large vegan menu and even a cyclists menu
One of the most impressive Knysna restaurants, Social Eatery & Bar is the social hub of Knysna Hollow, where everyone is welcome and where guests and Knysna locals alike come together to enjoy authentic local food, craft beer and great South African wines from unique and independent estates.
Social Eatery.Bar.Events
5 Welbedacht LnOne of the most impressive Knysna restaurants, Social Eatery & Bar is the social hub of Knysna Hollow, where everyone is welcome and where guests and Knysna locals alike come together to enjoy authentic local food, craft beer and great South African wines from unique and independent estates.
This market is a bustling little hub of delicious food, local wines, craft and local beers, and a few quirky crafts. Sample a variety of delectable cakes and sweets, gourmet burgers, Thai dishes, indulgent pancakes, and irresistible fish or calamari. Or, head to the bar for ice-cold beers and spirits, or a warming glass of red on a cooler evening. On these chillier evenings, there is often a fire, surrounded by locals and visitors.
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The Friday Market
Welbedacht LaneThis market is a bustling little hub of delicious food, local wines, craft and local beers, and a few quirky crafts. Sample a variety of delectable cakes and sweets, gourmet burgers, Thai dishes, indulgent pancakes, and irresistible fish or calamari. Or, head to the bar for ice-cold beers and spirits, or a warming glass of red on a cooler evening. On these chillier evenings, there is often a fire, surrounded by locals and visitors.
As the road winds its way up, climbing through the greenery towards the world-renowned Simola Golf & Country Estate, excitement mounts. There, perched on a hill amidst the verdant vegetation of Knysna is The Farm. Established in December 2015, this is a play park and cycle park for children, and a restaurant with views to impress for the parents. The play area includes a wonderful variety of jungle gyms, swings, a trampoline, slides, Wendy houses and massive expanses of lawn to play ball or chase one another around. There are chairs and tables right on the playground (some in the sunshine, others under the shade), where moms and groups of friends can enjoy a range of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, chai latté, cappuccino, and more, while watching their little ones play. There is also a ‘bump’ track for the children to ride their bikes, racing one another around and testing their cornering skills. Small bikes are available to use and helmets are essential. The Farm also has the Ravine Run, a 1.5km downhill bike track winding through a tree-tunnel of ancient indigenous trees. It’s a challenging technical run for experienced bikers, also an interesting deviation for those riding home down the Simola Hill. Walkers and trail runners are welcome to enjoy the Ravine too. Freshly baked goods are on offer (including the likes of coffee-chocolate brownies, pancakes with cinnamon and sugar, and decadent carrot cake). The breakfasts are a delicious combination of traditional bacon and eggs, Banting options, or a healthy muesli and yoghurt. Soups, toasted sandwiches, and other light snacks are also on offer for hungry visitors that want to savour the views with some tasty treats. There are a number of cycle tracks in the nearby forests and hills, including the popular Contours, near Simola. Some are easy, while others are more challenging and best left to the pros. After a morning spent on the bike, The Farm is the perfect place to unwind, refresh and refuel. The Farm is a 5 kilometre drive from the centre of Knysna, its Waterfront and the lagoon, where watersports and lazy days on the boat are the orders of the day.
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The Farm
Old Cape RoadAs the road winds its way up, climbing through the greenery towards the world-renowned Simola Golf & Country Estate, excitement mounts. There, perched on a hill amidst the verdant vegetation of Knysna is The Farm. Established in December 2015, this is a play park and cycle park for children, and a restaurant with views to impress for the parents. The play area includes a wonderful variety of jungle gyms, swings, a trampoline, slides, Wendy houses and massive expanses of lawn to play ball or chase one another around. There are chairs and tables right on the playground (some in the sunshine, others under the shade), where moms and groups of friends can enjoy a range of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, chai latté, cappuccino, and more, while watching their little ones play. There is also a ‘bump’ track for the children to ride their bikes, racing one another around and testing their cornering skills. Small bikes are available to use and helmets are essential. The Farm also has the Ravine Run, a 1.5km downhill bike track winding through a tree-tunnel of ancient indigenous trees. It’s a challenging technical run for experienced bikers, also an interesting deviation for those riding home down the Simola Hill. Walkers and trail runners are welcome to enjoy the Ravine too. Freshly baked goods are on offer (including the likes of coffee-chocolate brownies, pancakes with cinnamon and sugar, and decadent carrot cake). The breakfasts are a delicious combination of traditional bacon and eggs, Banting options, or a healthy muesli and yoghurt. Soups, toasted sandwiches, and other light snacks are also on offer for hungry visitors that want to savour the views with some tasty treats. There are a number of cycle tracks in the nearby forests and hills, including the popular Contours, near Simola. Some are easy, while others are more challenging and best left to the pros. After a morning spent on the bike, The Farm is the perfect place to unwind, refresh and refuel. The Farm is a 5 kilometre drive from the centre of Knysna, its Waterfront and the lagoon, where watersports and lazy days on the boat are the orders of the day.
Caffé Mario is Knysna’s answer to traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of the Garden Route. Its prime positioning on the waterfront makes it even more special
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Caffe Mario
17 Hedge StCaffé Mario is Knysna’s answer to traditional Italian cuisine in the heart of the Garden Route. Its prime positioning on the waterfront makes it even more special
This pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant garden to enjoy them in
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Chatters Bistro
9A Gray StThis pizza joint has been around a while. You'll also find burgers, pasta and some salads, plus a pleasant garden to enjoy them in
Very nice seafood and sushi with a minimart storefront, nicely situated in the Knysna Quays. Nice and friendly service.
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34 Degrees South
Shop 19 Knysna WaterfrontVery nice seafood and sushi with a minimart storefront, nicely situated in the Knysna Quays. Nice and friendly service.
East Head Café is more than just a café or coffee shop, it is a local Landmark where family and friends have a good time with good food and casual wine enjoying life.
Situated on the rocks of the famous Eastern Head, East Head Café has the most spectacular view – looking directly through the Knysna Heads.
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East Head Café
25 George Rex DrEast Head Café is more than just a café or coffee shop, it is a local Landmark where family and friends have a good time with good food and casual wine enjoying life.
Situated on the rocks of the famous Eastern Head, East Head Café has the most spectacular view – looking directly through the Knysna Heads.
Tapas and Oysters is a vibrant, waterside restaurant situated on Thesen Island in the idyllic town of Knysna. Perfectly located with views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads. They are well known for our great food, friendly service and vibey atmosphere.
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Tapas & Oysters
31 Safron LaneTapas and Oysters is a vibrant, waterside restaurant situated on Thesen Island in the idyllic town of Knysna. Perfectly located with views over the Knysna Lagoon towards the iconic Knysna Heads. They are well known for our great food, friendly service and vibey atmosphere.
Sightseeing
On the top of the list of the most beautiful blue flag beaches around. Its spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets are something to be admired. This beach is ideal for the family, that jog you have meaning to go on, surfing, kite-surfing, stunning photography opportunities, romantic sunsets with your partner, exploring the rock pools or those simply wanting a great place to relax. You may even be lucky enough to find some good little fishing spots here. You can walk to the nearby town of Buffels Bay along the curved beach.
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Brenton Beach
198 State President C R Swart RdOn the top of the list of the most beautiful blue flag beaches around. Its spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets are something to be admired. This beach is ideal for the family, that jog you have meaning to go on, surfing, kite-surfing, stunning photography opportunities, romantic sunsets with your partner, exploring the rock pools or those simply wanting a great place to relax. You may even be lucky enough to find some good little fishing spots here. You can walk to the nearby town of Buffels Bay along the curved beach.
An incredible viewpoint that overlooks the entire Knysna Lagoon and estuary, as well as the Outeniqua mountains in the background. Great photo opportunities and a perfect location for sundowners.
Margaret's Viewpoint
An incredible viewpoint that overlooks the entire Knysna Lagoon and estuary, as well as the Outeniqua mountains in the background. Great photo opportunities and a perfect location for sundowners.
South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event with a growing international footprint. An incredible experience as the line-up of cars and activity promises to be better than ever, while the smoke, noise, vibe, excitement levels and off-track activities are the epitome of good entertainment. Whether you are a petrol head, speed lover or just someone who loves a good time – don’t miss out – you will leave satisfied and enthralled at the spectacle. If you do miss it you will suffer a severe case of FOMO for months afterwards. Simola Hillclimb FOMO is a growing phenomenon!
Knysna Simola Hillclimb
South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event with a growing international footprint. An incredible experience as the line-up of cars and activity promises to be better than ever, while the smoke, noise, vibe, excitement levels and off-track activities are the epitome of good entertainment. Whether you are a petrol head, speed lover or just someone who loves a good time – don’t miss out – you will leave satisfied and enthralled at the spectacle. If you do miss it you will suffer a severe case of FOMO for months afterwards. Simola Hillclimb FOMO is a growing phenomenon!
The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa's only paddle-driven vessel, offering a unique and unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon.
The Paddle Cruiser
The Paddle Cruiser is South Africa's only paddle-driven vessel, offering a unique and unforgettable experience on the Knysna Lagoon.
Magic Lagoon Charters offers a Boat Chartering Service on the Knysna Estuary. There fleet comprises of a Classic Speedboat, a 100-year-old Mahogany Salters Steam Launch from the UK and an 89-year-old Yacht from Cape Town. We cater to those that enjoy the finer things in life.
Magic Lagoon Charters
Magic Lagoon Charters offers a Boat Chartering Service on the Knysna Estuary. There fleet comprises of a Classic Speedboat, a 100-year-old Mahogany Salters Steam Launch from the UK and an 89-year-old Yacht from Cape Town. We cater to those that enjoy the finer things in life.
Great for picnics and full of spectacular hiking trails through the mountains surrounding Knysna.
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Jubilee Creek picnic site and walk
Great for picnics and full of spectacular hiking trails through the mountains surrounding Knysna.
Visitors to the park are privileged to have a personal encounter with our gentle giants, and leave having gained a new-found respect for these animals, as well as a better understanding of the African elephant and its plight across the continent. Most importantly, by visiting the Park and experiencing our elephant herd, guests make a direct contribution to elephant husbandry and care. Visitors to the Park enable them to give our elephants the best possible facilities, nutrition and care. They also allow them to offer other elephants in need the chance of a better life.
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Knysna Elephant Park
Visitors to the park are privileged to have a personal encounter with our gentle giants, and leave having gained a new-found respect for these animals, as well as a better understanding of the African elephant and its plight across the continent. Most importantly, by visiting the Park and experiencing our elephant herd, guests make a direct contribution to elephant husbandry and care. Visitors to the Park enable them to give our elephants the best possible facilities, nutrition and care. They also allow them to offer other elephants in need the chance of a better life.
City/town information
Buffelsbaai (also Buffels Bay and Buffalo Bay) is a small seaside village 20 km from Knysna in the Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The village is named after Buffelsbaai which stretches east of the village.
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Buffelsbaai
Buffelsbaai (also Buffels Bay and Buffalo Bay) is a small seaside village 20 km from Knysna in the Garden Route District Municipality in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The village is named after Buffelsbaai which stretches east of the village.
The sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks, and is only 32kms from Knysna. To the south, Robberg Nature Reserve is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Northeast are Birds of Eden, a free-flight bird sanctuary in indigenous forest, and an elephant sanctuary. Whales come near the coast in migration season.
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Plettenberg Bay
1 Crescent StreetThe sandy Central Beach and Lookout Beach both have surf breaks, and is only 32kms from Knysna. To the south, Robberg Nature Reserve is a rocky peninsula with trails and the Stone Age Nelson Bay Caves. Northeast are Birds of Eden, a free-flight bird sanctuary in indigenous forest, and an elephant sanctuary. Whales come near the coast in migration season.
Neighborhoods
The hamlet of Belvidere centres around the quaint Holy Trinity Church built by Thomas Duthie who settled on his farm Belvidere during his retirement in the mid-1800s. The incredibly pretty church is modelled on the Norman churches of the 11th and 12th centuries, built from local sandstone and timber, and consecrated in 1855 for Duthie's wife, Caroline. It has but five rows of pews to each side, a little nave, and still holds weekly services. Across from the church is the village green, where Boxing Day cricket is a tradition.
Belvidere Estate
The hamlet of Belvidere centres around the quaint Holy Trinity Church built by Thomas Duthie who settled on his farm Belvidere during his retirement in the mid-1800s. The incredibly pretty church is modelled on the Norman churches of the 11th and 12th centuries, built from local sandstone and timber, and consecrated in 1855 for Duthie's wife, Caroline. It has but five rows of pews to each side, a little nave, and still holds weekly services. Across from the church is the village green, where Boxing Day cricket is a tradition.
Simola Golf and Country Estate has firmly cemented its place as one of Africa’s premier golfing destinations. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course was designed by the legend himself and, as the first on the continent and still only one of three in Africa, remains a favourite amongst professionals, seasoned players and those who enjoy a challenging yet fun game now and then. The award-winning Simola Spa and Gym are located in the main building. The tranquil views of the iconic Knysna Heads, lagoon, river and Outeniqua mountains immediately create a sense of calm – perfect for the pampering you’re about to indulge in. The fully equipped gym turns your workout into an exercise in mindful meditation as the views over Knysna’s natural surroundings take your mind off the burn.
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Simola Golf & Country Estate
Oldcate RoadSimola Golf and Country Estate has firmly cemented its place as one of Africa’s premier golfing destinations. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course was designed by the legend himself and, as the first on the continent and still only one of three in Africa, remains a favourite amongst professionals, seasoned players and those who enjoy a challenging yet fun game now and then. The award-winning Simola Spa and Gym are located in the main building. The tranquil views of the iconic Knysna Heads, lagoon, river and Outeniqua mountains immediately create a sense of calm – perfect for the pampering you’re about to indulge in. The fully equipped gym turns your workout into an exercise in mindful meditation as the views over Knysna’s natural surroundings take your mind off the burn.
Surrounded on all sides by the waters of the tidal Knysna estuary, which is ringed by a chain of hills, Leisure Isle is linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, where life is enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
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Leisure Island
Surrounded on all sides by the waters of the tidal Knysna estuary, which is ringed by a chain of hills, Leisure Isle is linked to the mainland by a narrow causeway. It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, where life is enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Thesen Islands is a multi-award winning marina development located in the scenic Knysna estuary on the renowned "Garden Route" of South Africa. The marina is spread over 90ha and consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges and surrounded by 25ha of tidal waterways. The marina consists of 512 individual homes and 56 apartment units, known as the Dry Mill apartments, situated on its own island within the marina. All the homes are built in a colonial maritime architectural style, conforming to Knysna’s vernacular architecture and its historical maritime and timber connections.
Thesen Islands is linked by a causeway and bridge to the mainland and is within walking distance of the scenic waterfront, yacht harbour and town centre of Knysna, one of South Africa’s most picturesque and popular coastal towns.
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Thesen Island
Thesen Islands is a multi-award winning marina development located in the scenic Knysna estuary on the renowned "Garden Route" of South Africa. The marina is spread over 90ha and consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges and surrounded by 25ha of tidal waterways. The marina consists of 512 individual homes and 56 apartment units, known as the Dry Mill apartments, situated on its own island within the marina. All the homes are built in a colonial maritime architectural style, conforming to Knysna’s vernacular architecture and its historical maritime and timber connections.
Thesen Islands is linked by a causeway and bridge to the mainland and is within walking distance of the scenic waterfront, yacht harbour and town centre of Knysna, one of South Africa’s most picturesque and popular coastal towns.