A Trip to Remember: Exploring Knysna

Hey there! So, I wanted to fill you in on this amazing trip I took to Knysna. You see, I recently had some pretty incredible encounters with cheetahs and elephants, and it all happened in this charming little town. My friend and I decided to spend a weekend there, curious to explore what Knysna had in store for us. And boy, were we in for a treat! If you ever find yourself planning a short stay or weekend getaway in Knysna, I’ve got you covered with some great recommendations for places to eat and things to do in a limited time.

Our first stop was a fantastic restaurant called The Firefly Eating House for dinner. Let me just say, it was absolutely delightful! Now, I won’t bore you with all the nitty-gritty details, but trust me when I say that if you ever find yourself in Knysna, this place is definitely worth a visit (oh, and I’ve even written a review about it, which you can check out too!). After our delicious meal, it was time to head over to our accommodation.

I stayed at Under Milkwood, a cozy self-catering lodge near the Knysna Heads. The wooden cabin I had was fully equipped and could comfortably accommodate four people. Depending on which chalet you choose, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the lagoon.

The following morning, I had to wake up early for breakfast at Ile de Pain on Thesen Island, just a short 10-minute drive from where I was staying. Let me tell you, breakfast was absolutely delicious! I ordered a croissant filled with cream cheese, salmon, capers, and egg, and a cup of coffee to go with it. It was like heaven on a plate.

Once breakfast was over, it was time to visit Tenikwa Wildcat and Wildlife Sanctuary in Plettenberg Bay. This place is incredible! I got the chance to meet some amazing wild animals and explore the sanctuary. If you want to see pictures and read more about my experience, just click here.

When we finished our activities, it was too early to have lunch. On our way back to Knysna, we came across a unique place called The Heath. It’s a special kind of gathering place that combines a farm stall, a café, an eagle sanctuary, a play area, a furniture store, and a nursery all in one location. Our plan was to stop for just 15 minutes, but we ended up spending a whole hour exploring all the amazing things they had to offer, like handmade soaps, beautiful jewelry, decorated pebbles, stylish bags, and so much more.

After spending so much time at The Heath, we were quite hungry and decided to have lunch. We found a restaurant called 34 Degrees South at the Waterfront. This place had an extensive menu with almost everything you could imagine ordering. As their signs say, they’re not exactly a restaurant, a deli, or a bar, but they certainly knew how to satisfy our cravings. My friend opted for a classic dish of fish and chips, while I craved something different and decided to order sushi with a side of fries.

After a full day of shopping and relaxation at the Waterfront, we eagerly awaited our lagoon cruise for dinner. We even attempted to take a quick nap beforehand, but it didn’t last long before we had to wake up and make our way back to the waterfront. The cruise itself was a delightful journey from the Waterfront to just a few meters away from the Knysna Heads and back.

The next day arrived, and once again, it was time for breakfast. This time, we found ourselves at the East Head Cafe. Let me tell you, I absolutely adore this place. It’s located right at the tip of the Eastern Head, opposite the other Knysna Head. I couldn’t resist taking numerous photos of the cafe. It’s the perfect spot for breakfast or lunch, and the decor is wonderfully simple yet fantastic!

With our breakfast done, we made our way to the Knysna Elephant Park. You can find out all about my unforgettable experience there by reading my detailed account.

After our last activity, it was time for us to head back home. But before that, we decided to make a stop at the Garden of Eden to take a leisurely walk in the forest. And then, we took a little detour to Noetzie. We had heard that there were some interesting castles there. After a long walk down countless stairs (that we had to climb back up later), we finally reached our destination. To my surprise, the so-called castles were actually just houses and B&Bs made to look like castles. Nevertheless, it was still fascinating, and the beach nearby was absolutely beautiful.

Overall, it was a great trip. I had been to Knysna before, but I didn’t have the chance to do much during my previous visit due to the bad weather. However, when I go back next time, I’m definitely going to revisit the restaurants and maybe even go to Tenikwa for a unique experience – a walk with cheetahs during their morning or evening stroll. It’s a bit pricey at 400 bucks, but let’s be honest, when will I ever get the opportunity to walk a cheetah?