Annually, with May, Knysna’s Secret Season arrives. The area is seen as a summer destination, but insiders know that it is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit! The average daytime high is a moderate 23°C in March, but that barely falls two degrees by May. The beauty of the area truly comes alive with the crispness of autumn and the windless, sunny days.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
It is the ideal time for visitors that like to get away from the crowds, for explorers and day trippers with time on their hands. The Knysna area is situated inside the Garden Route National Park and includes Sedgefield, Karatara, Rheenendal, Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay, Belvidere and Noetzie and the “things to do” list is long!
Think long beach walks, boat trips on the Knysna lagoon, whale watching, forest hikes & cycles, golf on world class courses with magnificent views of the mountains and the oceans, Farmer’s Markets, oysters and delicious food! It also boasts a great variety of scenic drives and routes, with beautiful picnic and viewing spots along the way. The wide variety of activities cater for all ages and fitness levels, and strictly adhere to all COVID protocols.
WHALE WATCHING
Of course this is also the time of the year that the whales pass the Garden Route coastline as part of their annual migration and local operator Ocean Odyssey offers a “close encounter” with these gentle giants. The migratory Southern Right and Humpback whales frequent the coastline from June to November annually showing off their acrobatic skills while nurturing their young. A not to be missed experience!
A BASE TO EXPLORE FROM
Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna is the perfect base to explore the rest of the Garden Route and even parts of the Klein Karoo, including popular Oudtshoorn. Mossel Bay is only an hour’s drive, Plettenberg Bay 20min and the Tsitsikamma area just over an hour.
DO WHAT THE LOCALS DO
Take that midyear break and put your feet up with some of the best company in the world – the famous Knysna Heads, ancient forests, long white beaches, balmy days and crystal blue lakes and oceans. This is when the locals take time out, and as all seasoned travellers know, one should pay attention to what they do when visiting a destination….
Photos supplied by Go Travelbug and Ocean Odyssey