Knysna Forest and Coastal Walks- the best of South Africa’s Garden Route. Experience the mysterious beauty of the Knysna forest and discover incredible coastal scenes, indigenous plants, birds, animals and geology. The area offers unparalleled scenic beauty, modern infrastructure, upmarket shops and endless adventure options.
Overview
Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route. It is a quaint town located on the edge of a vast estuary which flows into the Indian Ocean through two giant sandstone heads.
Highlights
- Mysterious beauty of the Knysna forest with giant trees, clear streams and vegetation
- One of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world
- Coastal fynbos, numerous bird species and wildlife
- Magnificent views of the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountains and the Garden Route coastline
- Beautiful Robberg- and Goukamma Nature Reserves
- Cosmopolitan town with a variety of shops, markets, boutiques, art and artists
- Knysna is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. Golf, canoeing, cycling, etc can be enjoyed.
Itinerary
Pricing approach
Pricing factors and what is included
- The published rate is an indicative price. It will be confirmed on request. The following pricing factors will be considered: standard or superior accommodation, room sharing or single, group size, extra nights, transfers, guiding and other services.. A minimum of 2 people per group. Twenty percent deposit and the balance 6 weeks before trip.
- The following items are included:
- 3 nights accommodation in selected guesthouses incl breakfast.
- Guide for half-day introduction to the area. Additional guiding services can be arranged.
- GPS trails for electronic navigation as well as PDF maps.
- Information about the area.
Not included
- Items not mentioned above:
- Transport to and from Knysna and to and from the walks
- Other lunches, snacks, drinks with meals.
- Permits
Knysna has an oceanic climate. Summers are warm and winters mild to chilly. Temperatures feel very enjoyable all year with a low chance of precipitation but you can experience rain at any time of year. The area is more temperate than most. It is in the 72nd percentile for pleasant weather, compared to tourist destinations worldwide. If you’re looking for the very warmest time to soak in some sunshine at one of the glorious beaches, the hottest months are January, February, and then March. The warmest time of year is generally late January where highs are around 30°C with temperatures rarely dropping below 18°C at night.
Comfortable, well aerated clothes in keeping with the season. Always bring a pullover / windbreaker, good walking boots (already worn-in) and several pairs of cotton or wool socks. For your daily needs, you are advised to have a day-bag, a plastic bag to line your day-pack (to protect the contents from rain), rainwear, a sun-hat, sunglasses, sun block, a water bottle, plastic picnic boxes (for transporting your lunches), first-aid kit , camera and film, torch/flashlight and an extra plastic bag for litter.
Knysna stays green in all seasons, and its temperate climate makes it a tourist destination all year round. The best times to visit Knysna for ideal weather are March to end of May or September to end of December. This is based on average temperature and humidity
We recommend that you arrange appropriate holiday insurance giving you cover against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.
Knysna Forest and Coastal Walks is a “centre based” walking holiday. It allows you to stay in a great location for the duration of your trip and enjoy local hikes before returning back to your guesthouse or hotel each day.
Knysna has a great selection of excellent places to stay, scattered around town. It caters for any taste, budget and need. It can be an area with beautiful views, a central location, near the waterfront, a scenic, quiet area, etc. We have picked the two 4 star examples below to calculate the minimum rate for the Knysna Forest and Coastal Walks. If you prefer more luxury or a different location the impact of alternative accommodation options will be quoted.
Overall rating is Moderate. You do not need to be ultra-fit but certainly able to walk between 12 and 20 km per day and be able to cope with undulating countryside and some hills. The route takes you along forest trails, sand, along field and tracks. See Walking grades for more details about Moderate rating.
Easy version of the trails available
Day 1 – arrival: Day 2 – Moderate: Day 3 – Moderate: Day 4 – Easy
Qualified marine biologist with global scientific employment and hiking experience, extensive background in ecology and the environment, both as guide and field researcher. An astute naturalist and an active field researcher (ornithologist, marine biologist and ichnologist)
The Knysna area offers a wide range of attractions and activities that can be included in your itinerary. Let us know if you have a special interest in birding, mountain biking, canoe trips, snorkeling or other adventure.
Your trip can be extended or amended to include additional adventure activities to suit your outdoor abilities. Your tailor made program will be conducted by an experienced guide with a passion for nature and scientific field research background. The costs of these options are available on request.
Comments by guests who have experienced a self-guided walking/hiking holiday offered by WalkingHolidays.co.za in South Africa- “Overall, the holiday was invigorating- You certainly went out of your way to make the whole time memorable- We are recommending it to our walking community in the States- Fantastic walks, wines and accommodation” For details, go to Reviews
Knysna is a very attractive tourist destination and one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. Knysna Forest and Coastal Walks tour was structured to offer the best of Garden Route around Knysna. For more information about Knysna, Contact us
