News from the Manor - Knysna Manor House - Guesthouse

Book Local - Book Direct

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Why Booking Direct Makes a Difference
In today’s travel landscape, it’s easy to click “book” on a global platform and move on. But behind that convenience lies a hidden cost—one that affects local communities, small businesses, and the very soul of South African tourism.
Here’s why booking direct with Knysna Manor House matters:
More of Your Money Stays Local
Global platforms like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia charge commissions of up to 20%. That’s money that leaves South Africa and never returns.
When you book direct, your full payment supports local staff, suppliers, and heritage preservation—right here in Knysna.
Personalized Service and Flexibility
Direct bookings mean direct communication. You’ll speak with real people who know the property, the town, and your needs.
Need a late check-in? Want local recommendations? We’re here to help—no algorithms, no call centers.
Better Value, Exclusive Offers
Many guesthouses offer better rates, upgrades, or special touches to guests who book direct. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to support us directly.
Support Ethical, Conscious Travel
Booking direct is a conscious choice. It helps build a tourism economy that values people over platforms, heritage over profit, and community over convenience.
You Become Part of the Story
Knysna Manor House isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a living piece of Knysna’s history. When you book direct, you become part of that story. You help us preserve the charm, character, and care that make this house a home.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe finally revived after two decades

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

This is a huge relief and a years-long dream come true for Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, the successful bidder who obtained the concession for the line from Transnet.
The state-owned enterprise granted the concession last year, but McVitty preferred not to have a public announcement made as some details still had to be finalised.

He said Transnet granted Classic Rail access to the line earlier this week. This follows a seemingly never-ending struggle that lasted for almost two decades.

In a statement issued on Monday 6 October, McVitty said his company has acquired all the necessary contracts and has found the much-needed funding partners to rebuild the line between George and Knysna, and to relaunch and run the Choo-Tjoe as a tourist attraction.

“This after nearly 20 years of negotiations and disappointments. We plan to open the line in two phases - Knysna to Sedgefield and Sedgefield to George - and we expect the first phase to take about 12 months to complete.
"A ceremonial signature event will be held to celebrate this landmark achievement made possible by a collaborative approach between Classic Rail, local businesses and Transnet Freight, so today isn’t an actual opening. We’re just sharing the good news with the public and the tourism industry that everything is on track and we are finally on our way,” said McVitty.

According to the statement, the locomotives to be used on the line are being repaired in Gauteng while the carriages will be refurbished in George. “The plan is to open a steam workshop along the line, and to road-haul the rolling stock to the Knysna-Sedgefield line to begin the first service.

"We are kicking our project off clearing the vegetation from the line so that we can properly examine and decide on which sections need repair. We will also have to survey the bridges as part of our front-end engineering. Project and passenger safety is paramount,” said McVitty.
They are not taking bookings yet, he said. “But early bookings are going to be the kicker if we’re going to do this successfully for the Garden Route region and South Africa. The rebirth of the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe will bring even more tourism to the Garden Route, with the positive spin-off of much-needed sustainable job creation, and because of the company’s collaborative approach. Together with local businesses, everybody will gain.”

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’

Knysna Plett Herald

Picture courtesy of Wikipedia Outeniqua Choo Tjoe

🏃‍♀️ Knysna Forest Marathon 2025: Where Nature, Community & Spirit Meet

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0200

🌲 A Scenic Route Through the Heart of the Garden Route
This year’s event featured a 42.2 km full marathon and a 21.1 km half marathon, with over 8,600 runners weaving their way through the ancient Knysna Forest. The route offers something few races can: forest trails, fynbos, and panoramic views over the Knysna lagoon and Heads.

Staying at a guesthouse near Knysna Waterfront gives runners and supporters the perfect base — within walking distance to the race action, shops, restaurants, and estuary cruises.

🏅 2025 Race Results at a Glance
Marathon (42.2 km):

🥇 Tsepo Mathibelle – 2:24:48
🥇 Dané Cronjé – 3:13:44
Half-Marathon (21.1 km):

🥇 Lloyd Bosman – 1:05:15
🥇 Ebeth Marais – 1:17:24

🦪 History of the Knysna Oyster Festival
Running annually since 1983, the Knysna Oyster Festival is one of South Africa’s best-loved winter celebrations. Originally launched to boost tourism in the off-season, the 10-day festival now attracts thousands with:

Live music and food markets
Family activities and adventure races
Legendary Knysna oysters — fresh, grilled, or with bubbly!
The Knysna Forest Marathon, introduced in 1984, remains the centrepiece of the festival's sporting events.

💛 A Run That Gives Back
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this event is its strong charity focus. This year, over R360,000 was raised through special charity entry tickets, with R500 per entry donated to local non-profits, including animal shelters, youth initiatives, and hospice care.

Over the years, the Knysna Oyster Festival and its affiliated events have raised more than R11 million for the Knysna community.

🎉 A Festival Atmosphere Worth Travelling For
After crossing the finish line, runners celebrated at the Knysna High School sports field, enjoying food stalls, live entertainment, and plenty of local flavour.

Guests staying at Knysna Manor House, a historic guesthouse in central Knysna, loved being able to walk to and from the event — no traffic, no stress, just festive energy and forest views.

If you’re searching for affordable Knysna accommodation during the festival, a centrally located guesthouse like ours offers charm, comfort, and convenience.

🗓️ Planning Ahead: Knysna Forest Marathon 2026
Next year’s event is expected to take place in early July once again — with entries likely opening early in the year. The race sells out quickly, as does most Knysna accommodation, so early booking is essential.

🏡 Why Stay at Knysna Manor House?
Located in the heart of town, Knysna Manor House offers:

A central Knysna guesthouse location, walking distance to the Waterfront, shops, and restaurants
Affordable 3-star accommodation with a touch of history
Free Wi-Fi, secure parking, and early breakfast options
Warm hospitality and personal service
📧 info@knysnamanor.co.za
📞 +27 (0)44 382 5885
🌐 www.knysnamanor.co.za

Book early for 2026 and experience the magic of Knysna during one of its most exciting times of year!

2025 Knysna Events

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0200

"Vibrant Events in Knysna:

Knysna Oyster Festival Turns 40

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 +0200

40 years later the event still attracts thousands of visitors to Knysna. It also shows off Knysna’s best assets as the events take visitors to the forests, the Knysna lagoon and the surrounding countryside. The two anchor events on the weekends, the Knysna Cycle Tour (30 June to 2 July) and the SPAR Knysna Forest Marathon (8 July) are firm favourites on the South African cycling and running calendars.

This year’s Cycle Tour is a mountain biker’s dream. Both events on Saturday and Sunday will be off-road, with the added Knysna Toyota Fun Enduro race in 3 and five stages taking place on Saturday. Organisers are planning to bring the popular road race back in 2024. Registration, start and finish will be at the High School sports grounds in Waterfront Drive, central Knysna.

The Spar Knysna Forest Half and Full Marathon are usually oversubscribed, and entries are hard to come by. What makes this event spectacular is the early morning start in the Knysna Forest and runners are transported to the start by the local taxi association from 4am onwards. Registration and finish will also be at the High School Sports fields in Waterfront Drive. One for the bucket list!

The festival grounds will also be the venue for various other events during the 10 days and these will be announced over the next few weeks.

Trail running has become a firm feature on the Festival programme and this year there are no less than 4 trail runs scheduled, including a twilight run! The Sea2Tower Trail Run takes place on the 2nd of July, the KnysnaX Trail Run and Simola Twilight Forest Trail Run on the 6th of July and the Houtkapper Trail Run on the 9th of July.

Other sport events to look forward to are the Knysna Yacht Club Canoe Race, the Oyster Betterball Golf championship, Padel Tournaments and the Pezula Sunset Wine Run.

Foodies are spoilt for choice with delectable oysters and other seafood dishes on the menu, tea & spice tastings and of course, the Knysna Wine Festival is a great opportunity to taste some of South Africa’s best wines.

Other events include the Miss Pearl 2023 competition, the popular Open rapid Chess tournament, the Fun Pumptrack eliminator, markets, kids craft workshops, book readings, guided tours, cross-country races and relays and of course, the Official Festival After Party on the 8th of July.

For more information and the full programme please visit www.oysterfestival.co.za Find out more on our website, www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za

“We are looking forward to a whale of a time in Knysna this July! Knysna has been the place to be in June/July for the last 40 years, come celebrate our 40th birthday in true Knysna Oyster Festival style – some action, oysters, fun and fresh air – all in the beautiful surroundings in the heart of the Cape Garden Route.”

For further information visit www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za, email info@knysnaoysterfestival.co.za or call Visit Knysna on 044 382 5510.

Stay on top of things by following us on social media – Facebook (@knysnaoysterfestival); Instagram (@knysnaoysterfestival) and Twitter (@oysterfestival).

Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0200

We still have availability for the night of the 22nd for the cyclists who finish this race. A great place to rest up after a hard days challenge.

Book Now

The Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Race has been selected as an Official Premier Seeding Event of the 2020 Cape Town Cycle Tour.
The Buco Lions Karoo to Coast Mountain Bike Challenge is a 100km off road race from UNIONDALE to KNYSNA via the Prince Alfred’s Pass. The route is scenic, challenging and riders are encouraged to train sufficiently for this event in order to maximise the enjoyment of the experience.

Entry Cost is R630. This includes dinner in Uniondale on Saturday the 21st of September. All proceeds go to the Lions of Knysna and Uniondale. Only 4500 entries will be made available in 2019. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

The entry fee includes dinner in Uniondale on Saturday 21 September. The event is owned by the Lions Clubs of Uniondale and Knysna and all proceeds from the event go to Sightfirst, the South African Guide Dog Association and other urgent needs in the community.

Why do we call our festival The Knysna Oyster Festival

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Why do we call our Festival The Knysna Oyster Festival

Oyster Festival Weekends

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0200

What an exciting 12 days I spent down in Knysna.

Knysna was looking clean and tidy, and the garden’s in and around our beautiful town are being redone.

Shaun from #Pinnacle Pharmaceuticals and his friend were staying with us, as they were exhibiting at the expos before both the races. Amos from Atios booked for one night and stayed for two

We started with the 2 cycle races, and although not entirely full, had a Group with the 2 Nicc’s and their friends, and another couple who were competing. Nicci and friends did the Mountain Bike race, which I believe was beautiful, but exhausting. Luckily the weather held out for them, as we had a lot of rain during the previous week. The rain came down again on the Saturday afternoon, which did not bode well for the competitors in the Road Race. Needless to say it was pouring early on the Sunday morning and the group that had done the Mountain bike race the day before decided to rather enjoy a hearty breakfast and head home. Our only competitor arrived back to say that it was only raining in Knysna, and that just over the hill the weather was perfect. Well done on sticking it out Herman.

Onto Monday and a big room changeover and preparations for firstly my managers surprise birthday party on the 25th, and then shopping to restock from the previous weekend. Rooms were thoroughly checked again, and to my dismay, handrails in two of the bathrooms had come off the wall. Fortunately my husband had surprised me by coming down to assist for the second weekend, so he got stuck into the maintenance whilst we continued with the preparations. We had numerous other guests coming and going during the week, and with all the rain, were battling to keep up with all the laundry.

Thursday arrived, and so did the first of our runners, 2 couples and a single lady, Gwen, Lil and Claire and supporters. What a lovely group. On Friday, fortunately arriving early, came the rest of the runners. We had a full house, and all preparation was going into the shuttle service we were offering for the first time, and the “Special Breakfast”.

My daughter juiced up a nutritional drink, whilst we laid out the various energy bars, bananas, cramp tablets and other supplements. My husband got up early and prepared some hot oats, which along with the juice, fruit salad, and Yoghurt went down very well. Two shuttles later, he arrived back at the guesthouse to have a quick breakfast before we joined the thousands of people waiting at the finish line.

It was great to see the gratification on our guests faces as they saw us waiting for them, and even more so when I stood in the beer queue for 1 and a half hours to get them some much needed refreshment.

Sunday was the day for goodbyes, very sad indeed. You get to know your guests, and you are saying goodbye to friends.

I was blessed with a goodbye Sunset on my last night.

Thanks to everyone for a very memorable time, and remember to book early for next year, it will be even better.

Latest Knysna News

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Show Me Knysna

Quick Walk through Video of the guesthouse during December

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Fire

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0200

This past week Knysna experienced one of the worse fires in the history of the area. Strong winds, and severe drought conditions enabled this ferocious monster to move easily across the whole of our beautiful town. The fire did not discriminate between anyone or anything. Forests and vegetation were destroyed, as well as many homes, including many guesthouses / B&B's.

Our historical guesthouse was spared, but we were fearful when our managers (i.e. my mom, stepdad and Marlene) had to vacate due to strong winds, thick smoke and spark filled air. With the two dogs in the car, they left our 130 year old guesthouse, and took shelter with friends in a safer area. We were all worried sick, as the whole foundation of the guesthouse is constructed with wood from the time it was built. Any spark could have turned this historical building into an inferno.

We were among the fortunate ones, because on arrival back to the guesthouse the following morning, apart from the still thick smoke, and layers of burnt debris, we were safe.

There is not one person in Knysna who has not felt the affect of the fire, those who could helped wherever they could from coordinating, fighting fires, feeding those who had lost everything, to managing social media pages.

Thank you Knysna for pulling together in such devastating circumstances.

News on Knysna Fire - Twitter

Naturally Knysna Newsletter

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0200

This weeks Whats on in Knysna

Thanks for the TripAdvisor Reviews

Thu, 31 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Celtic Festival - 27th February 2016

Gail Dalton — Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Celtic Festival – Saturday 27th February 2016

We are very pleased to be announcing the second Knysna Celtic Festival!

Sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment

This event is again taking place on the same day as the Sundowners Celtic & Bluegrass Concert. Last year’s inaugural festival was beyond our wildest dreams and proved to be very successful with well over 2,000 people lining Knysna’s Main Road to watch the Slow-to-Quick March Competition (the only competition of it’s kind in South Africa!) and the Massed Pipes & Drums Parade; over 1,500 people attending the Daytime Events and over 1,500 people coming along to watch our Concert

We are all very excited about this year’s festival and below is the full programme of events:

Saturday 27th February

Place: Main Road Knysna (the N2, between Pledge Square and Memorial Square)

Time: 9.15 am – 10.30 am

Cost: FREE! – Please come along and give your support to this event! Bring your family, friends, neighbours, and even random strangers that you have just met!

We invite you to come and line the street for an hour to witness this truly amazing spectacle as we make history in Knysna for the second year…

Highlights: A March Past by up to 10 Pipe Bands along Knysna’s Main Street

followed by

A Massed Pipes & Drums Parade with 150+ pipers, drummers,

Highland, Irish & Scottish Country dancers from all over SA

This event is unique to Knysna, was a huge hit last year and once again promises to be a spectacular event; definitely not to be missed! Please ensure that you all come along to watch!

Venue: Loerie Park, George Rex Drive, Knysna

Time: 11.00 am – 3.00 pm

Entrance Fee: Adults – R30, Children – R15

Tickets available from all Sotheby’s branches in Knysna, Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay, Bosun’s and The Royal Hotel

Or pay at Gate

Highlights: PBASA Pipe Band Competitions, Solo Piping & Drumming

competitions

Highland & Irish Dancing Displays

Scottish Country Dancing Display

Knysna Highland Games – Powered by The Gym Knysna

– Please go to thegymknysna.co.za/highland-games/ to enter

or email thegym@rch.co.za / 044 382 1146 / 072 535 7988

– We are encouraging Team Entries for this FUN EVENT from

local schools and businesses, so please do contact The Gym asap for more information about how to enter!

Regional 3D Archery Tournament – being organised by

the Knysna Outdoor Archery Circuit (KOAC)

Our Celtic Village returns and in the Food Court there will be a variety of local vendors selling delicious lunchtime food so please do plan to have your lunch at Loerie Park to support them! The Arts & Crafts area this year includes a kilt outfitter; and of course no festival would be complete without our Mitchell’s Brewery beer garden with live Celtic music throughout the day from Cape Town musicians Jenny & The Jameses, Christy-Lyn and Myddle Earth

(in aid of the Knysna Sea Cadets)

Venue: Loerie Park, George Rex Drive, Knysna

Time: 5.00 pm – 9.00 pm

Tickets: R100 – still available from all Sotheby’s branches in Knysna,

Sedgefield and Plettenberg Bay,

Bosun’s Bar & Grill (George Rex Drive),

The Royal Hotel (corner of Main & Queen Streets)

Highlights: The amazing Blacksmith from Cape Town – Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blacksmith/192258127451521

Knysna & Districts Pipe Band – Facebook link:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knysna-Districts-Pipe-Band/174523539231760

Christy-Lyn – a harpist from Cape Town who will also be singing

two of her songs in Gaelic

Celtic Dance Tapestry performing a Riverdance piece

Food & Beverages: As mentioned in our flyer there will also be great food & dinner! – we have arranged for some high quality evening vendors to tantalise your taste buds – so please do plan to have your dinner during the concert to support all of our wonderful local food vendors, thank you! AND to get us all into the party mood so that we can all have a rip-roaringly good time, the Mitchell’s Celtic Pub will be serving beer, cider, wine & other refreshments throughout the whole concert

NB: No cooler boxes, food or drinks are allowed to be brought into the grounds of Loerie Park, for either the Day Events or the Concert, thank you

Please do come along to all of the highly entertaining and enjoyable events on the Saturday and HAVE SOME GREAT FUN with us!!!

– with your support we can really turn this into a hugely successful event and put it on the Knysna calendar permanently!

NB: Sundowners Celtic & Bluegrass Concert Tickets!

If you haven’t already bought your tickets for the Sundowners Celtic & Bluegrass Concert please go get them asap (seating is limited)! – and please remember that all seating is allocated in order of date of purchase, i.e. those buying their tickets earlier will be seated nearer the front than those buying their tickets later.

We would be most grateful if you would spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends and work colleagues. Thank you!

Hope to see you all there!

Very best regards,

Steve, Jo and Martin

Knysna Celtic Festival

Please Like Knysna Celtic Festival on Facebook for regular posts and updates about the concert:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knysna-Celtic-Festival/431494573603501

Nomads Golf Nationals to be hosted in Knysna

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Manor House is proud to be hosting the Gauteng Nomads in Association with Aestas Guesthouse and Wayside Inn. This annual tournament will be held at the Knysna Golf Club.

This annual tournament hosted by Southern Cape this year, will be attended by over 360 players.

At this time, 50+ years on from our founding, we, once again repeat a toast to our magnificent sponsors

If you feel you have read these sentiments, or something similar before, then you are most probably correct; the wording may have been assembled differently, the phraseology probably more succinctly put, the appreciation and gratitude may well have stepped off the page more forcibly but without doubt this is the most important message that Nomads wishes to express.

Simply put, the sponsors many contributions have directly enabled Nomads to honour our aims and objectives and place us firmly in the view of not only the golfing world, but also the view of the public at large in that we are organisation who truly "through golf remember others less fortunate than ourselves".

If you ask any knowledgeable member of the golfing fraternity in South Africa what we as Nomads do, the chances are that they would not use the exact words "through golf....." but instead would come up with a multitude of statements which communally says the same thing. Therefore it is equally to be expected that if you were to ask any Nomad to express his gratitude in respect of our sponsors you would end up with almost as many different versions as there are Nomads in the organisation but in essence they all have a common theme - "Thank you for being there and supporting us as you do".

Nomads in this ever regulated world is fully aware of the increasing responsiblities we have in being the conduit for donor funding and the corporate business world is openly finding Nomads as an increasingly attractive option when seeking to place their community responsibility funding. Over 50+ years of unblemished history and the professional manner with which we attend to our custodial duties only serves to heighten this interest.

To all of you, large and small, national, regional or local, of longstanding or recent involvement - we thank you. To sponsors past "thank you" for being a part of this journey, we look forward to being of service in the future.

GET TO KNOW OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS

UTI, a distribution and courier service provider, has undertaken to take care of all Nomad logistic requirements including courier of magazines etc. as well as storage and transportation of containers containing all the National Tournament equipment.

SAB Ltd, the South African brewing arm of the SAB Millar Group, although not commonly associated with golf, has been sponsor of Nomads since its inception in 1960. In the words of Antonio Rossetti, the company's General Manager On Premise Group Accounts, "The perfect putt matches the perfect pint, and at the end of the day, both combine to help those less fortunate than ourselves".

A recent addition to the list of national sponsors, Hollard Broker Markets has lifted a huge financial burden from the 12 clubs as well as the National Executive by offering short term insurance at no cost. With this substantial financial assistance clubs are now able to efficiently use this saving in other areas.

Hollard Broker Markets is dedicated to supporting intermediaries as they deliver expert and effective financial protection to South Africa’s commercial world as well as the economies of seven other countries. Nomads’ business oriented members are sure to understand the value of dedicated expertise and specialisation in getting a job done right … and that’s what Hollard Broker Markets brings to its broker network and their clients.
Imperial Auto/Motor Finance Corporation (MFC) Motor Finance Corporation, (Part of the Nedbank group)

Imperial Auto and MFC have embarked on a joint sponsorship. The sponsorship agreement of R4,2m signed in July 2013 and transpiring in December 2016 is the biggest single sponsorship in the club's history and will be used fundamentally for Junior Furtherance of Golf programs, ultimately introducing more South African golfers to the world stage.

TaylorMade, adidas, Ashworth and Adams Golf South Africa are Nomads preferred brands of golf equipment, recently renewed their sponsorship for another 5 years. TMaGSA, amongst various other sponsorships continue to support our National Nomad Andrew Mentis Endowment Fund fundraising effort for those less fortunate by supplying prizes for the Andrew Mentis fundraising golf day.

Tempest Car Hire is proud to partner with Nomads as a national car rental sponsor and supplier. Tempest offers short term car rental services to the leisure and domestic corporate markets. The fleet peaks at approximately 3500 vehicles ranging from the small economical vehicles to mid-size to people carries and commercial vehicles. Our branch network consists of more than 25 friendly branches throughout South Africa which are situated at all ACSA airports, Gautrain nodes and major metro locations.

Tempest Car Hire offers Nomads members a minimum of 10% off our best online rates at any given time!

Glenbrynth Scotch Whisky

The story of Glenbrynth Scotch Whisky is not one of those romantic tales of bearded and kilted Highlanders who handed down a legacy of distillation in a tucked away wooded glen far from the prying eyes of excise men. There are no top-hatted, cane-carrying logos or royal warrants accompanying this brand. But that doesn’t mean that the whisky itself is not descended from a historic line or that it does not have a legacy – because it does.

Glenbrynth is proud of the opportunity to associate our legacy with one so noble as Nomads and looks forward to many years toasting our mutual success.
Nomads Golf

Europcar is committed to making your life a little easier. With over 100 locations throughout Southern Africa and a wide selection of vehicles ranging from economy, SUV’s and MPV’s to luxury vehicles, you are assured that Europcar will meet your travel requirements. We offer a wide range of accessories, including GPS devices, child seats and bicycle racks. These, plus our many other offers and personal customer service, are how we ensure that you make the most of your business or leisure travel.

Europcar are proud to be involved in many worthwhile community related organisations and are proud to be able to now associate themselves with Nomads and the great work they do not only for golf, but for the communities around them. Visit europcar.co.za.

We look forward to many more years together and a continuing happy association with you all.

In the meantime let us as Nomads do our bit by using recommending their products and services wherever possible, so that they are able to continue to help us.

Until then the toast remains ..... "OUR SPONSORS!".

Leisure Isle Festival (courtesy of Knysna Tourism)

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0200

On the weekend of 7 & 8 November 2015
Leisure Isle will once again be transformed into a “Treasure Island” for two magical days of Christmas shopping, wining, dining and entertainment.

The Festival will be in Kingsway Park on Leisure Isle. This is the thirteenth L. I. Festival organized by volunteers to benefit the wider Knysna community. It provides local crafters and small businesses a market place for their high quality products and provides opportunities for local charities to participate and raise funds. Once again special efforts will be made to provide emerging crafters an opportunity to showcase their products.

Stalls catering for every taste will offer a mouth-watering array of food and drink, as well as art and crafts, toys, a huge array of books and many other delights. Participating charities will be running the tea garden, book sale, a beer and wine bar and a number of other stalls. In addition activities such as the ever-popular barrel train and jumping castle for children will ensure that all ages are catered for.

Knysna Tourism

Knysna Tourism Newsletter 11th September 2015

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0200

KNYSNA NEWSLETTER: WHATS ON 11/09/15

Official #Knysna Communication: Knysna Toursim Newsletter

Things to do around Knysna: A trip to Garden of Eden

Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, this little treasure offers travellers a chance to stretch their legs on a 1 km walk. Tranquil and serene, just a little place to de-stress.

Knysna Tourism Newsletter 17th July 2015 - Oyster Festival Wrap Up

Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Tourism Newsletter 17th July 2015

Newsletter from Knysna Tourism

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Tourism Newsletter

Self Catering Flat Winter Special

Gail Dalton — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Our recently opened self catering flat is available for rent at R800 per day (normally R1000) for the months of July and August. The minimum of 3 nights stay has been reduced to 2 nights.

Knysna Oyster Festival 2015 Event Schedule

Thu, 25 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Knysna Oyster Festival Events

Looking for accommodation during the 2015 Knysna Oyster Festival? Click here to view our rooms

What on in Knysna 10th April 2015

Fri, 10 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Whats on in Knysna this week - Friday 10th April 2015

Whats on in Knysna - Courtesy Knysna Tourism

Calling all car enthusiasts!

What started as a small local event has since grown significantly over the years, and now the Knysna Motor Show, organised by the Garden Route Motor Club, garners considerable interest, luring avid car enthusiasts from throughout South Africa.

Respect comes both ways

Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0200

I know the general rule, the customer is always right, but please take the following scenario - a booking is made by guests earlier on this week. When speaking to my manager that afternoon, she stated that she only had one more booking to arrive. She telephones me in the morning, and relates to me what happened. The guests finally arrived at 2-30am. My manager had to wait up, although it clearly states on all websites that sell our rooms, and our own website, exactly what the check-in times are, if prior arrangements have been made, we will gladly assist in whatever way possible. Surely this is not an unreasonable request. All business's have operating hours, and so do we. We go out of our way to allow guests to settle in before heading out for dinner, explaining house rules etc.

Once checked in the manager waits for the guest to come up from the parking lot, but he now decides to have a cigarette, whilst the manager is waiting. She eventually goes to bed, and has to get up at her normal time of about 5am to see to the early morning duties. The guest, apart from wanting specific religious dietary needs, asks my manager why he could not find her at 3 am, as he was looking for her.

Hospitality is a two way business. We provide the accommodation and the home away from home experience, but at the same time, we would ask that guests respect us and our operating hours. We would like to have you settled in, and will gladly answer any questions regarding your stay, the area etc, but cannot do this at unreasonable hours.

Now this guest, through various websites, will in probably go onto a review site like TripAdvisor, and slate us for our service, and for not accommodating his special meal requests. We have a right of reply on TripAdvisor, but cannot in any way get the review removed, or the negative rating.

Knysna Voted 2nd best South African Tourist destination

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0200

Friday, 27 March 2015 07:41 KNYSNA VOTED THE 2ND BEST DESTINATION BY TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELLERS
It came as no surprise to us when Knysna won a Traveller's Choice Award as #2 on the list of top destinations in South Africa!

With its fusion of diverse natural habitats, Knysna is a proverbial gem of a destination renowned for many things, and below is a just some of them!

• Knysna is built along the banks of a picture –postcard pretty estuary which supports an extraordinary web of life both above and beneath its surface and is the most celebrated in the country in terms of biodiversity. Because of this, Knysna was recently identified as an International Hope Spot. These are special places around the world which have been recognised as being critical to the health of the ocean as a whole. A hub of activity all year round, the estuary attracts both nature lovers and water sports enthusiast alike.
• To the north of Knysna lies the largest remaining tract of species rich, Afro-montane indigenous forest in South Africa, through which an extensive network of awesome hiking and biking trails run.
• The Greater Knysna area boasts kilometres of unspoilt beaches, including Blue Flag beaches and the pristine Goukamma Beach which lies within in a Marine Protected Area.
• Knysna is one of the best whale watching destinations in the country. During the winter, our indigo ocean depths could best be described as a whale highway, when hundreds of humpback and southern right whales skirt our coastline on their epic annual migration.
• Knysna is famous for its festivals and many thousands of visitors descend upon Knysna throughout the year to take part in them. We have the Knysna Oyster Festival, Pink Loerie Mardi Gras & Arts Festival, Slow Festival, Rastafarian Earth Festival to name but a few.
• Knysna has become a golfing mecca, offering three magnificent golf courses (Simola Golf Course, Pezula Champion Golf Course and Knysna Golf Course).
• Accommodation in this seductive town varies from township living, houseboats, tree-top cabins to five star luxury hotels.
• On the culinary front, Knysna's eclectic range of restaurants caters for many a different taste.

Knysna Tourism