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 coming months bring live music, film and food to the lagoon town. Craig Hinds live in Knysna kicks things off at Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa in late August, while film fans can catch Knysna - RAUFFFF (Raw African Unfiltered Fly Fishing Film Festival) - Knysna the same week. Wine lovers should look out for the Waterside Wine Weekend on Thesen Island in late September, and comedy fans have A NIGHT OF COMEDY WITH ALAN COMMITTIE KNYSNA at Simola Country Club Hotel in November. Runners round out the season with the KNYSNA WATERFRONT HALF MARATHON in mid-November.