A Garden Route gem, Knysna is the ideal destination to break up the monotony of day-to-day life. To provide you with some travel inspiration, and to make the process of planning a getaway to this seaside town that much easier, we’ve mapped out a complete itinerary for 48 hours in Knysna.
Here’s part two of the series. Check out part one here if you managed to miss it!
Day Two
7:00 AM – Circles in a Forest Hike
Located in the Milllwood section of the Knysna Forest, the Circles in a Forest hike is a wonderful way to explore the lush vegetation surrounding Knysna. An easy to moderate walk through the forest, along a well-maintained trail, you can expect to encounter frog-filled streams, small wooden bridges, various cool forest pools, and even a large waterfall. Choose between the short 3.1km circular route and the slightly more strenuous 9km circular route.
10:00 AM – Brunch at the East Head Cafe
Perched on the rocks of the Eastern Head, East Head Café boasts a jaw-dropping view directly through the Knysna Heads and across the entire lagoon. Scrumptious breakfast options include eggs hollandaise, french toast with bacon, fig preserve and camembert, spicy free range chicken livers and a poached egg served on ciabattini, and honey granola and ganzvlei yoghurt.
View the full menu, here.
12:00 PM – Visit Knysna Elephant Park
Founded in 1994, the Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants. Today, it is a world-renowned facility, having raised and cared for more than 40 elephants over the past 20 years. For visitors, elephant experiences at the park include daily guided tours, elephant walks, elephant rides, elephant interactions and sundowners at the lapa, and exclusive safaris. Visit their website to find out more!
3:30 PM – Picnic at Jubilee Creek
Named after Queen Victoria in 1887, Jubilee Creek is a beautiful picnic spot in the Knysna Forest. Situated alongside a gently flowing stream, this popular site features picnic tables and benches, braai facilities, and toilets. Entrance to the area costs R17 for adults and R9 for children under the age of 13. These permits can be obtained on your way it at the Goudveld entrance gate at Bibby’s Hoek.
Coordinates: S33 53.312 E22 57.916
5:00 PM – Relax by the pool
After a busy day of exploring Knysna, no doubt you’ll want a moment to put your feet up. One of the best places to do so at Turbine Hotel & Spa is by the pool. Overlooking the tranquil Thesen Island canal, the crystal-clear pool is bordered by a wooden deck and has various comfortable shaded and non-shaded seating areas.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Col Cachio
Dig into a mouth-watering thin based pizza or a belly-warming pasta at Col’Cacchio, situated adjacent to the Turbine Hotel & Spa, along the water’s edge. The menu offers a wide selection of combinations and dishes to suit every palate. Choose from over 50 thin based gourmet pizzas, 20 salads and 20 pastas, all made with the freshest ingredients and no added preservatives.
Day Three
9:00 AM – Breakfast at Island Café
Start your last day in Knysna off on the right foot with a delectable breakfast at the Island Café. The airy interior and colourful chairs will help wake you up with a smile, and the wide range of breakfasts on offer will have you salivating. Dishes on offer include sundried tomatoe beef mince and a fried egg on home-baked ciabatta bread, a smoked salmon omelette, a pastry board, and a mango and strawberry smoothie.
10:30 AM – Spa Treatment at Turbine Spa
At trip to Turbine Hotel & Spa wouldn’t be complete without a treatments at the Turbine Hotel. So why not wind down after a busy two days in Knysna with a tension release foot massage, a luxurious body polish, a restorative healing crystal massage, a hydrating babor facial, or a classic back, neck and shoulder massage.
13:00 PM – Departure
After a memorable stay at Turbine Hotel & Spa, you’ll be ready to tackle the journey home, and already planning your next trip to Knysna.
