Autumn Activities In Knysna

Cooler air and colder temperatures can wreak havoc on the skin, which is why we’re kicking off this list by recommending a treatment at our award-winning spa – on site, for your convenience!

By taking a quick look at our extensive Treatment Menu, you’ll soon see that all bases are covered, from individual treatments for him and her, to couples’ packages and additional extras to enjoy before or after your session, like the mosaic-tiled Rasul Steam Room.

As the cooler weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a hot stone massage or an indulgent body wrap to warm up and wind down. Treat yourself – you’ve earned it.

There’s something about autumn that calls for slow days spent browsing shelves and galleries. Knysna is home to a few beloved independent bookshops where you can pick up a page-turner, comic or a classic novel.

• Knysna Book Exchange (48 Main Street)
• Bargain Books (Knysna Mall)
• Deja Vu Antiques & Collectables (19 Queen Street)

Pair this with a visit to Knysna’s art galleries – beginning with the interior of our hotel – where you’ll find everything from contemporary South African pieces to intricate handmade crafts.

• The Art Café On Queen (10 Queen Street)
• Sally Bekker Art Gallery (Woodmill Lane)

Add a frothy cup of coffee to the above and you’ve got the ideal morning out – suited to all weather conditions!

For a gentle adventure, rent a bike from The Water Club across the road from the hotel and explore Thesen Island’s charming streets and waterfront pathways.

Autumn’s mild climate makes it the perfect season for pedalling along the edge of the Knysna Lagoon, soaking in the views, and maybe stopping for a cappuccino or two at a café that catches your eye.

This laid-back activity is ideal for all ages and a lovely way to enjoy the fresh air.

Just a short drive from the hotel, the lush forests surrounding Knysna are calling. The cooler weather brings a clarity to the air that makes hiking all the more enjoyable, and the area’s numerous trails—from the Garden of Eden to Jubilee Creek—offer a peaceful escape into nature.

Keep your eyes peeled for the region’s feathered residents; autumn is a wonderful time for birding, with the Knysna turaco and Narina trogon among the highlights. After a morning of walking, head back to the hotel for a glass of wine by the fire or a light lunch at The Gastro Pub.

No list of activities in Knysna would be complete without a nod to our region’s food and wine culture. From our very own Island Café, serving up seasonal dishes made with fresh local ingredients, to wine-tasting excursions in nearby Plettenberg Bay, there are plenty of opportunities to warm up with bold reds and comforting plates.

Ask our friendly team at the front desk to recommend a wine-tasting route or book you into one of the area’s celebrated restaurants for a memorable evening out.

Whether you’re curling up with a book in your luxury suite, indulging in spa time, or setting out on a day of adventure, The Turbine Hotel & Spa is your ultimate autumn retreat.

As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, there’s something truly magical about slowing down and enjoying the quieter pace of the season.

To book your stay, get in touch with our reservations team at book@turbinehotel.co.za or secure your own dates using our seamless online booking platform.