History
Knysna was established as a settlement in 1804 when George Rex — reportedly an illegitimate son of King George III — arrived at the lagoon and began developing the timber trade. The name is derived from a Khoikhoi word meaning "fern leaves" or "straight down", referring to the dense forest behind the town. The Knysna forests, which once extended across the Garden Route, were significantly logged through the 19th and early 20th centuries, but the remaining Afromontane indigenous forest is now protected and is one of the largest tracts of indigenous forest in South Africa. The 2017 fire season fires swept through Knysna and the surrounding area, killing seven people and destroying over 1,000 structures.
What Knysna is Known For
Knysna is best known for its lagoon and the Knysna Heads — the twin sandstone cliffs at the ocean entrance to the lagoon, accessible by road or ferry. Knysna oysters, farmed in the clean lagoon water, are among the most celebrated in South Africa and the town hosts an Oyster Festival in July each year. The Knysna Elephant Park provides close encounters with some of the last elephants remaining in the Knysna forest. The Outeniqua trail running through the forest to the north of town is one of South Africa's classic multi-day hiking routes.
Key Areas & Neighbourhoods
The town is built on the north shore of the lagoon with a compact commercial centre along Main Street. Thesen Islands, developed on a former industrial timber island in the lagoon, is the most upmarket residential and restaurant precinct. The Waterfront development along the lagoon shore is the main tourist and retail area. Leisure Isle is an affluent residential island within the lagoon accessible by a short causeway. Qolweni and Hornlee are the main township areas on the slopes behind the town.
Economy & Industry
Knysna's economy is almost entirely driven by tourism and the lifestyle preferences of its permanent residential population. The lagoon, oysters, forest, and outdoor activities generate significant visitor spending. The construction and property sector is active, driven by ongoing semigration. Retail and hospitality employ the majority of the formal workforce. The oyster farming industry in the lagoon is a small but symbolically important part of the local economy.
Tips for Visitors & New Residents
Knysna is approximately 500 km from Cape Town on the N2 — about 5 hours drive. The July Oyster Festival draws very large crowds and requires accommodation bookings many months in advance. The road between Knysna and George passes through the Wilderness area and can become congested during holidays. The Heads viewpoint is free and accessible by car. The town is walkable between the Waterfront and Main Street, and Thesen Islands is a 5-minute water taxi or short drive.