Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route
The Knysna Heads, looking outwards to the Indian Ocean. (Image adapted). © Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route
The Knysna Heads in Knysna are a pair of dramatic sandstone cliffs that guard the entrance to the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean. They are a major landmark in the Western Cape, renowned for their stunning natural beauty. The eastern head is easily accessible and offers breathtaking viewpoints, where visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of the lagoon, the ocean, and the surrounding landscape. The western head is more rugged and less accessible, adding to the sense of wild beauty and adventure.
Boating excursions and guided tours offer visitors a closer look at the turbulent waters and rich marine life between the heads. The area around the Knysna Heads is also popular for hiking, with trails providing scenic routes through coastal fynbos and along dramatic cliff edges. At the base of the eastern head, there are secluded beaches and tidal pools perfect for a quiet escape.
The Knysna Heads are steeped in history, with numerous shipwrecks attesting to the treacherous navigation through the narrow passage. Local legends and tales of seafarers add to the mystique of the area. The nearby Featherbed Nature Reserve, accessible by ferry, offers eco-tours that highlight the natural and cultural significance of the heads.
Dining at one of the restaurants on the eastern head, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the spectacular views. The Knysna Heads are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Garden Route, combining natural splendor, outdoor activities, and a touch of history.
3 Interesting facts about the Knysna Heads in Knysna, Western Cape:
1. Natural Gateway: The Knysna Heads are two towering sea cliffs that form a natural gateway between the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. These impressive cliffs create a narrow and treacherous channel, making it one of the most challenging navigation points for sailors.
2. Spectacular Views: The viewpoints at the Knysna Heads offer stunning panoramic views of the lagoon, the ocean, and the surrounding coastline. The eastern head, accessible by road, has well-maintained viewing platforms, while the western head is part of the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve, which can be visited via guided tours.
3. Historical Significance: The Knysna Heads have a rich maritime history. The wrecks of several ships that failed to navigate the dangerous channel lie beneath the waters. The most famous is the Paquita, a German vessel that sank in 1903, which is now a popular diving site for exploring underwater remnants.
Accommodation Near Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route
Beacon House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
0.3km from Knysna Heads - 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.
Headlands House Guest Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
0.3km from Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden RouteHeadlands House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in the area known as The Heads, Headlands House boasts dramatic views of the sea and the Knysna Heads. Managed with uncompromising quality of service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
0.4km from Knysna Heads - 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.
Villa Leisure
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
1.1km from Knysna Heads - 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
2.5km from Knysna Heads - 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.
The Greens Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
2.8km from Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden RouteThe Greens Guest House offers guests bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of the lush Garden Route greenery in the picturesque and popular town of Knysna. An elegant single storey architectural jewel, housing a large open plan living area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Stannards Guest Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
2.8km from Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden RouteStannards Guest Lodge offers both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in the peaceful suburb of Hunter's Home in Knysna, five minutes away from the lagoon and world-class golf courses, and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bayview Townhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
2.9km from Knysna Heads - 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.
Oniro on Thesen
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
3.5km from Knysna Heads - 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.
B My Guest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
4km from Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden RouteB My Guest offers visitors to Knysna, Garden Route with self catering accommodation. Voted South Africa's favourite town, Knysna lies on the shores of an estuary between indigenous forests, Outeniqua mountains and a breathtaking coastline. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- The Heads (Knysna) (0.06km)
- Leisure Island (1.22km)
- Rexford, Knysna (2.24km)
- Fernwood Estate, Knysna (2.28km)
- Hunters Home, Knysna (2.89km)
- Thesen Island - Knysna (3.08km)
- Sparrebosch (Knysna) (3.22km)
- Fisher Haven, Knysna (3.31km)
- Brenton-on-Sea (3.67km)
- Brenton, Knysna (4.02km)
- Knysna Central (4.14km)
- Old Place (Knysna) (4.22km)
- Horn Lee, Knysna (4.25km)
- Costa Sarda, Knysna (4.33km)
- Knysna (4.79km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (1.06km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (2.47km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (2.60km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (2.72km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (3.01km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (4.17km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (4.33km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (4.98km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (7.02km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (7.79km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (13.94km)
- Prince Alfred's Pass - Garden Route, Western Cape (15.43km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay (16.64km)
- Homtini Pass - between George and Knysna, Garden Route (19.35km)
