The Heads (Knysna) Accommodation
The Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
Garden Route
The 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
Garden Route
Beacon 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
Star Graded Accommodation in Knysna
Garden Route
Headlands 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.
Villa Leisure
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Leisure Island
1.2km from The Heads (Knysna)
Villa 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
Pet Friendly Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
2.3km from The Heads (Knysna)
We 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.
Bayview Townhouse
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
2.6km from The Heads (Knysna)
Bayview 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.
Stannards Guest Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
2.8km from The Heads (Knysna)
Stannards 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.
The Greens Guest House
Guest House Accommodation in Knysna
2.8km from The Heads (Knysna)
The 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.
Oniro on Thesen
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
3.9km from The Heads (Knysna)
Oniro 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
4.3km from The Heads (Knysna)
B 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.
Inyathi Guest Lodge Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
4.7km from The Heads (Knysna)
Inyathi 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.
Lagoon Breeze Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
5.3km from The Heads (Knysna)
Lagoon 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.
Lagoon Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
5.6km from The Heads (Knysna)
Lagoon 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
5.8km from The Heads (Knysna)
36 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.
Salt River Lodge
Fresh-Water Fishing Accommodation in Knysna
5.8km from The Heads (Knysna)
Salt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
6km from The Heads (Knysna)
Oyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oribaai (Oppibaai & Bydibaai)
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
8.1km from The Heads (Knysna)
The Beach Cottage has 3 units available - Oribaai / Oppibaai & Bydibaai in Buffelsbaai that is located in the heart of the Garden Route, 15km from Knysna and Sedgefield. This isolated tranquil village only 200 houses allowed, has supreme safe beaches... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering Accommodation in Knysna
12.4km from The Heads (Knysna)
Cliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elephant Rest Forest Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Rheenendal
18.6km from The Heads (Knysna)
Elephant Rest is a private, self catering, tranquil getaway retreat experience. Situated on the edge of the awesome Lawnwood indigenous forest. Experience the peace and beauty of nature, abundant bird life, close to mountain biking, hikes, waterfalls... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Protea Wilds Retreat
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Harkerville
20.4km from The Heads (Knysna)
Protea Wilds Retreat offers self catering accommodation on the outskirts of Harkerville in the Plettenberg Bay area, Garden Route. Safe, peaceful, stunning views, great affordability. Peace and tranquillity like you've never experienced before. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
East Head, Knysna Heads from Featherbed Nature Reserve Knysna © 
From the Knysna lagoon looking towards The Heads © 
Knysna Heads from Featherbed Nature Reserve © The Heads (Knysna)
The Heads, is the name given to both the cliffs on either side of the the Knysna River Estuary channel where it meets the sea and to the channel itself. The word Heads is a shortening of the word Headlands and it is this that describes these two great spits of land that embrace and enclose the body of water that everyone knows as the Knysna Lagoon (although it is, more correctly, an estuary - since the mouth is never closed).
Although The Heads are magnificent to behold, The Eastern Head has had a lot of development over the years and has cafes etc to visit but it is the Western Head which has been more preserved and is home to the South African Heritage Site, The Featherbed Private Nature Reserve. This Head is only accessible by ferry and visitors are ferried across for guided walks on the reserve.
The East Head is populated by spectacular homes, with views of the town, the Heads and the open ocean, and it is a lovely easy walk to explore the East Head. Visitors should stop at the East Head parking lot for a drink or a bite to eat, its the best place to relax and enjoy the views. Interestingly, the most famous wreck of the Knysna Heads is the Paquita Wreck which lies directly in front of the East Head parking lot. On a clear day, it is said that visitors can actually make out the outline of the wreck and it is a popular site for both scuba divers and snorkellers. Be aware, though, that the currents of the Knysna Heads can be treacherous and it is advised to only dive on the turn of the tide, when the currents are at their most gentle. The Coney Glen viewpoint is situated atop the cliffs of the Eastern Head and offers a sweeping vista of the channel, the Indian Ocean, the Lagoon, and the Outeniqua Mountains; it is for precisely this reason that the local station of the National Sea Rescue Institute (Station 12, Knysna) chose to build its observation room here.
Climate
Knysna has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 8 degrees Celsius to 23 degrees Celsius. The annual average rainfall is 750mm which is distributed throughout the year with 75% of this falling at night and peaks in October and November. During summer daytime temperatures average 26 degrees Celsius. The winter temperatures average 21 degrees Celsius during the day and seldom fall below 6 degrees Celsius at night.
The Heads in Knysna, located along the beautiful Garden Route in South Africa, is a stunning natural landmark where the Knysna Lagoon meets the Indian Ocean.
Here are five things to do or see in and around The Heads:
Viewpoints and Scenic Drives:
Eastern Head: Drive or hike up to the Eastern Head to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the lagoon, the town of Knysna, and the rugged coastline. There are several lookout points, such as the well-known "View Point," which offer stunning vistas perfect for photography and nature appreciation.
Western Head: Although less accessible, the Western Head is part of the privately-owned Featherbed Nature Reserve and can be explored through guided tours.Featherbed Nature Reserve: Take a ferry across the lagoon to the Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Head. The reserve offers guided eco-tours that include a boat ride, a 4x4 drive to the top of the headland, and a guided walk down through coastal forest and fynbos, ending with a delicious lunch at the reserve's restaurant.
Beaches and Tidal Pools: Explore the small beaches and tidal pools around The Heads. Coney Glen Beach, located near the Eastern Head, is a secluded spot perfect for picnicking, relaxing, and exploring rock pools at low tide.
Knysna Lagoon Cruises: Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, which offers stunning views of The Heads from the water. Various options are available, from luxury yacht charters to eco-friendly boat tours that highlight the area's rich birdlife and marine ecology.
Dining with a View: Dine at one of the many restaurants and cafes that offer spectacular views of The Heads and the lagoon. East Head Café, situated near the Eastern Head, is particularly popular for its delicious food and unbeatable views, making it an ideal spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a coffee break.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply want to soak in the natural beauty, The Heads in Knysna provides a diverse range of activities and sights that cater to all tastes.
- Leisure Island (1.16km)
- Thesen Island - Knysna (3.02km)
- Brenton-on-Sea (3.63km)
- Knysna (4.73km)
- Paradise (Knysna) (5.13km)
- Buffels Bay (8.96km)
- Phantom Acres (12.33km)
- Harkerville (17.66km)
- Rheenendal (18.13km)
- Myoli Beach (Sedgefield) (25.87km)
- Sedgehill (Sedgefield) (25.88km)
- Sedgefield (26.15km)
- Brackenridge Private Estate (29.60km)
- Robberg Ridge, Plettenberg Bay (29.80km)
- Plettenberg Bay Area (29.90km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (0.07km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (1.02km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (2.58km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (2.67km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (2.78km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (2.83km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (4.45km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (4.70km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (5.36km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (7.46km)
- Simola Golf & Country Estate - Knysna, Garden Route (8.47km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (12.87km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay (15.35km)
- Prince Alfred's Pass - Garden Route, Western Cape (16.12km)
- Homtini Pass - between George & Knysna, Garden Route (19.58km)
- Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route (19.87km)
- Knysna Elephant Park - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (24.19km)
- Plettenberg Bay Airport - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (24.45km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon - Sedgefield, Garden Route (25.27km)
- Plettenberg Bay Country Club - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (26.54km)
- Wild Oats Community Farmers Market - Sedgefield, Western Cape (27.19km)
- Nelson Bay Cave - Robberg Nature Reserve, Plettenberg Bay (29.03km)
- Keurboomsriver Mouth - nr Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (29.28km)
- Swartvlei - Wilderness National Park, Garden Route (29.45km)
