About Knysna

Knysna sits on the shores of a large tidal lagoon on the Garden Route, its identity forged as much by the surrounding indigenous forest as by the water itself, and forestry and fishing once anchored the local economy. That changed after South Africa's first oyster farm was established here in 1948, and Knysna became known as the country's oyster capital during the industry's 1970s boom; wild oysters still occur naturally along this stretch of coast, distinguishable from farmed Pacific oysters by their rougher shells. The Knysna Oyster Festival, launched in 1983 to draw winter visitors, remains a major fixture on the town's calendar. The lagoon, the Knysna Heads at its mouth, and the ring of forest around the town continue to define its character as a Garden Route destination.

Knysna's festival season carries a touring concert with Just Julie - A Retrospective at the In Toto Retreat. Sedgefield turns a shade of pink for the Pink Walk Sedgefield Oct 2026, while comedy lands at Simola Country Club Hotel with HEY HEY DIVORCE SCHALK BEZUIDENHOUT KNYSNA. The Knysna ForestJAZZ Festival takes over town on Halloween weekend, and Knysna Primary closes out the stretch with INSPIRED in early November.