Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route
The centre of attraction of Knysna National Lake Area is the 15,000 ha Knysna Lagoon, home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and to a wide variety of wetland birdlife. (Image adapted). © Siyabona AfricaKnysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route
The Knysna National Lake Area, located in the heart of the Garden Route, is a protected estuarine system famous for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The lake is part of the Knysna Lagoon, which connects to the Indian Ocean through the iconic Knysna Heads, two sandstone cliffs framing the mouth of the estuary. This area is a sanctuary for various marine and bird species, including the rare Knysna seahorse.
The centre of attraction of Knysna National Lake Area is the 15,000 ha Knysna Lagoon, home to the endangered Knysna seahorse and to a wide variety of wetland birdlife, including egrets, spoonbills, gulls, cormorants, ibises, and various waders, such as marsh sandpiper, Greenshank, and Whimbrel.
To the north of Knysna lies the Knysna forest covering over 60 000 ha where massive stinkwoods and yellowwoods tower above the cool moist forest floor below. These forests were once home to the now-extinct Knysna elephant. However numerous smaller mammals can still be found and there is prolific birdlife in the forest and the lagoon.
The surrounding wetlands and salt marshes make the Knysna National Lake Area a hotspot for eco-tourism, offering activities like birdwatching, kayaking, and boat tours. Visitors can also explore the nearby forests and nature reserves, which are home to unique flora and fauna. The lake area plays a vital role in conserving the natural heritage of the Garden Route.
This protected zone is a key part of the region’s environmental efforts, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a blend of water-based activities and forest adventures, while enjoying the serene beauty of Knysna's natural landscapes.
Summary of wildlife and flora to be found in the Knysna National Lake Area include:
Marine Life: Knysna seahorse, whales, dolphins, seals, oysters
Mammals: bushpig, bushbuck, blue duiker, honey badger, vervet monkey
Birdlife: Knysna lourie, Narina trogon, Knysna scrub warbler, many other aquatic species
Lagoon Fishing: bass and trout
Marine Fishing: steenbras, grunter and leervis
Accommodation Near Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route
Villa Leisure
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
1.7km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteVilla Leisure is a charming two-story self catering villa that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort. The villa features three spacious ensuite bedrooms and three bathrooms, sleeps 6, ensuring ample privacy and convenience. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Papillon Bleu
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
1.8km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteWe have 4 self-catering suites. All are open-plan with en-suite bathrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes,TV with M-Net and selected DStv channels. They are ideal for couples, however 2 suites are able to accommodate up to 4 people sharing... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Inyathi Guest Lodge Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
2km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteInyathi Guest Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Our fully equipped self-catering chalets are situated in a highly convenient central location, but down a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oniro on Thesen
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
2km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteOniro On Thesen offers self catering accommodation on Thesen Island in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in Thesen Islands and designed for relaxed, easy indoor/outdoor living with large veranda with uninterrupted view of Knysna lagoon and wetlands. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview Townhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
2.1km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteBayview Townhouse offers self catering accommodation for 6 people, located in a secure complex in the small coastal village of Brenton-On-Sea, close to Knysna in the Western Cape's Garden Route. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Breeze Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
2.4km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Breeze is a lovely luxury guest house, with magnificent views of the lagoon and Knysna heads and the ocean beyond. Situated in Knysna on the Western Cape's garden Route and conveniently on the N2 alongside the Knysna lagoon. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
2.4km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteThe Beach House Self Catering Apartments is the original site of the Beach House Hotel which was demolished in 1974 to build this home. It has been in the Krause family since then... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Beacon House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
2.5km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteBeacon House is situated on the Eastern Head in Knysna, where the Indian Ocean enters the Knysna lagoon through the sandstone headlands known as The Heads. Built into the side of a steep slope, Beacon House boasts views both across the Knysna lagoon... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
2.7km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden RouteLagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
36 Ridge Dr Knysna
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
2.8km from Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route36 Ridge Dr Knysna is a stylish self catering holiday home with stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. Perched on the hillside of Paradise/Knysna Heights, it is only a few minutes drive from the town centre with its endless array of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Thesen Island - Knysna (1.23km)
- Leisure Island (1.72km)
- Knysna Central (1.85km)
- Brenton, Knysna (1.92km)
- Knysna (2.33km)
- Westhill (Knysna) (2.36km)
- Brenton-on-Sea (2.50km)
- Paradise (Knysna) (2.51km)
- Costa Sarda, Knysna (2.60km)
- The Heads (Knysna) (2.66km)
- Heuwelkruin, Knysna (2.79km)
- Knysna Heights (3.05km)
- Old Place (Knysna) (3.19km)
- Rexford, Knysna (3.22km)
- Kanonkop (Knysna) (3.26km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (0.12km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (1.66km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (2.10km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (2.49km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (2.68km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (2.72km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (2.87km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (4.35km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (4.63km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (5.30km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (12.15km)
- Prince Alfred's Pass - Garden Route, Western Cape (14.89km)
- Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route (16.69km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (18.46km)
- Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route (19.35km)
