ACTIVITIES IN AND AROUND KNYSNA

The imposing sandstone cliffs of the Heads form the gateway to the sea from the Knysna lagoon. In the 1800s Knysna was a thriving port with many cargo ships braving the treacherous entry at the Heads for safe harbour entry in the lagoon. The lagoon today is still one of South Africa’s most utilised stretches of water, with a wide variety of activities on its shores and waters. The area was designated a National Park in 1985, in order to restrict damage to the sensitive estuary ecology. Some of the main attractions in the area include:

Beaches Nearby
Brenton-on-Sea & Buffalo Bay - ideal for long beach walks and swimming. Noetsie - ‘Brave the steps’ and visit the Castles on the beach. Nearby Plettenberg Bay also has many beautiful beaches.

Lagoon Cruises
1. To Featherbed Nature Reserve - Tour is about 4 hours long & includes return ferry trip, 4x4 trailer ride and guided walk along scenic 2,2km Bushbuck Trail back to the tavern where meals are available. Ferry departs daily at 10h00 (Summer: also at 11h15 and 12h30). Bookings advised a day or so in advance, or depending on the weather, the same day.

2. John Benn Lagoon Cruise - Approx 1 ½ hour trip to the Knysna Heads and back. Fresh oysters, light meals & full bar available on board. Live entertainment. Daily at 10h15, 12h30, 15h00 and 18h00. (Sunset cruise recommended, weather permitting.) Booking essential.

Steam Train
The Outeniqua Choe-Tjoe from Knysna to George both ways, or you can return by tour bus/shuttle. The return by bus costs the same and saves some time. Times: 09h45, 11H00 and 14h15 daily except Sundays and some public holidays. Booking is advised a day or two in advance.

Knysna Forest
The surrounding area offers many walks and trails through the forests and nature reserves, including picnic sites, ‘Big Tree’ viewing, waterfalls & beach walks. These can all be done at your leisure and no booking is necessary.

Birdwatching
Extremely popular, either at your leisure in the garden or with an experienced local guide in the forests and river trails nearby.

Golf courses
Knysna Country Club and Pezula Championship Course in Knysna
Pletterberg Bay Country Club and Goose Valley Estate in Plettenberg Bay
George Country Club and Fancourt in George
Mossel Bay Country Club

Outdoor Adventure
Cycle routes, water-skiing, snorkelling or wreck diving, paragliding & parasailing - all available, booking is essential and at least a day’s notice is required..

We would be happy to arrange any pre-bookings for any of the above.
We hope this whets your appetite for the area and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Distances from Point Lodge to: Knysna = 2 kms (5 mins)
Plettenberg Bay = 30kms (30 mins) George = 60kms (45 mins)
Port Elizabeth = 250kms (2 ½ hours)
Cape Town = 500kms (5 - 6 hours)