Knysna Travel Guide

Knysna Elephant Park was honestly the highlight of our trip. This elephant park allows you to interact directly with the elephants whithout being circus or zoo-like. The animals are in as natural environment as it is possible to keep them and it is clear that their wellbeing is the ultimate priority of the park. We were able to feed the animals and walk with them. Playing with adult and baby animals. It was the experience of a lifetime and we would wholeheartedly recommend a visit. The restaurant closes early in the park so if you are arriving late you could take some food in with you and eat it in the lodge lounge and over look the elephants or travel the short distance in to Plettenberg, which we did for dinner.

Knysna (pronounced Naisna), is on the famous Garden Route in Western Cape Province. Beautifully located on a bay with a marina, waterfront (shops, bars and restaurants), more shops in the city center and nice B&B as well as hotels. Starting point or end of the scenic railway Outeniqua Choo Tsjoe between Knysna and George (beautiful!!). Other points of interest: the Garden Route itself and the Knysna Elephant Park

Time to avoid Knysna would be in April at the time of the pink lourie festival.. touted by the media as a huge event, this council funded gay parade and activities continues to be a flop financially for the town,  but is still held as the council is scared of being labelled homophobic