Garden Route Adventures | 7 fun activities to try on your Knysna weekend getaway

14 Dec 2023 Secret Getaway 3 min read

Knysna Lagoon. Photo: Canva Pro

The Garden Route, hugged at the edge where the Western Cape meets the Eastern Cape, is a must-do route trip for locals from all corners of South Africa.

The cities and towns etch a magnificent route along the Garden Route's interior through to its rugged coastline. It's most-popular towns include Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Sedgefield, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.

EXPLORE: Latest Secret Getaway Garden Route Getaways

It's a good idea to base yourself in central Knysna for your weekend getaway and then plan your day trips to include as many of the spots you want to visit.

But a spontaneous break in any Garden Route town could work for this catalogue of adventure and leisure activities just waiting to happen.

Featherbed Nature Reserve

Knysna_Loerie_Canva_Pro Your eco-experience in this private nature reserve & trail has many unique options. These include cruising the lagoon, walking along nature trails and hiking the Knysna Heads. Birders will love the vivid colours of the Knysna Loerie, just one of the incredible species to spot in the reserve.

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Ocean Odyssey

Sup_Canva_ProHave close encounters with this whale watching and marine eco-tours. Dare to sail through the Heads or simply enjoy a sundowner from their Outeniqua yacht. They also rent SUP boards so you can enjoy this beautiful area at your own pace.

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Knysna Hike & Bike

Tstitsikamma_Canva_ProTake a fully guided, intimate walking or cycling tour. Book a set tour or ask them to tailor one to your needs - and experience a different side of Knysna exploring its world-class beaches, hiking the Knysna Heads or through its ancient forests.

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Knysna Scootours

Knysna_ScootoursAdventure through the heart of the Knysna Forest on a Monster Mountain Scooter. All trips are guided by professional, qualified guides. The scooters are non-motorised for an eco-friendly experience. It's important to note drivers must be 10 years and up and able to ride and balance a bicycle.

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READ: Spring Coastal Hotspots | Cape Town beach breaks to enjoy the flowers

Wild2Fly

Paragliding_Canva_ProWhy not discover the Garden Route from above on a tandem paragliding or hangliding adventure with Wild2Fly. Or cruise over the Knysna Heads in our amazing Two seater Micro-light. They are also the only school in SA offering hang gliding and paragliding training and tandem flights.

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Keurbooms River Nature Reserve

Knysna_headsCanva_ProThis reserve forms part of CapeNature. This World Heritage Site, 740 hectares makes up a peaceful unspoilt part of the Garden Route. Water adventurers will love its unspoilt river gorges and protected kloofs.

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The Storm's River Bridge Walk

Storms_River_Canva_ProThe Storms River suspension bridge requires an easy walk along this beautiful river mouth, with a number of rest spots along the way that let you take some incredibly beautiful pictures of the Garden Route. The suspension bridge itself is about 77m in length and 7 metres above the water. Originally built in 1969, it is well maintained by SANParks for safety.

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