WIN a fantastic holiday in Knysna, the heartbeat of the Garden Route, in South Africa’s Western Cape! Spend 7 glorious days in Knysna, experiencing three different luxurious accommodation options in three different parts of our scenic area.

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A successful 35th edition of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival wrapped up on Sunday, with a diverse range of sporting and lifestyle events which catered for locals and visitors alike. The economic impact cannot be underestimated.

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Winners of the 9th edition of the Momentum BIG5 Challenge were decided on Saturday at the Knysna Half Marathon finish line, with Cooke and van der Merwe taking first place overall in the men’s and women’s events respectively.

Read more here

The sights, sounds and surroundings of the Knysna forest were brought right into the Oyster Festival grounds last weekend, where it stood as a replica – albeit on a much smaller scale –inside the Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon registration tent.

Read more here

One of the Garden Route’s premier horse-riding events, including the South African Adult Eventing Championships, now includes a variety of exciting outdoor events for the non-equestrian, making it a weekend of sport for the whole family to enjoy.

Trail running and cycling enthusiasts can join in on the fun at the Kurland Hotel & Polo Estate in the Crags from 21 to 23 September 2018. Last year, the organisers introduced the Trail Run to the weekend’s events to great success, with 130 runners and 250 spectators enjoying a morning on the estate. Lance Gibbons, member of the Kurland Eventing Committee says: “This year we are very excited to host the Dr Evil Mountain Bike race, which caters for 300 entries, as well as a wonderful local cuisine and produce market. The 2018 Kurland event is now the perfect weekend of outdoor fun, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

From an equestrian perspective, the 2018 Kurland Event is a Three-Phase Event, encapsulating the three elements of dressage, show-jumping and cross-country. “This is one of the best ways to develop the infrastructure necessary for all disciplines of competitive equestrian sports,” said Gibbons. During the weekend’s event Kurland will host the SA Adult Eventing Championships; The Kurland Cup, which will include dressage on Friday; cross-country on Saturday and the event will end off with show-jumping on Sunday.

The Kurland Cup event has shown steady and sustainable growth since it was established in 2016. “Aside from our obvious equestrian focus, we are excited about building an event with a variety of outdoor attractions focused on healthy living and lifestyle,” said Gibbons. 

Additionally, there will also be evening entertainment with cocktail functions and a braai on Saturday, so be sure to head out to enjoy a weekend of sporting fun at Kurland. The Kurland Hotel & Polo Estate is the ultimate host, set on beautiful, rolling grounds and conveniently located just off the N2 near Plettenberg Bay.

Find out more…

On their last day, the researchers found a nice big group of dolphins, split into two subgroups, along Keurbooms beach. They were socialising and slowly making their way eastwards. Among them was their favourite gal, MICHELLE, sporting her deeply notched dorsal fin (seen below). So far, she has been seen on every monthly survey! This project is run in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University and the data will be used to better understand and conserve the species.

Find out more…

Read their article to find out where the family friendly stays are…

No booking required, simply meet at the entrance of the mill. Tours are approximately 40 minutes. You can enjoy some shopping afterwards or a delicious meal at Roost.

For large group bookings and alternative guided tour schedules, please contact gillian@oldnick.co.za.

For beach information, visit Plettbeachwatch or contact Beach Control on 044 501 3125.

Join us for the Knysna Day of Appreciation held at Pledge Nature Reserve. This is a private initiative, arranged by a group of locals, to recognise the losses suffered by so many in the area and remember and appreciate the magnificent deeds, support and assistance from within our community and beyond.

Read more here

Knysna Tourism’s new destination marketing campaign, #SpiritofKnysna, kicks off next week with the launch of our video. The two-minute video was filmed in Knysna and Sedgefield and showcases the lagoon, forest, beaches and related activities.

Read more here

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival, 29 June – 8 July, has long been an annual pilgrimage for marathon runners and cyclists; and over the years the range of sporting events on offer at the Festival has grown significantly.

 Read more here

The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival and the Mr Gay World Competition ended on a high note last week with the crowning of the new Mr Gay World 2018, Australia’s Jordan Bruno at a glittering ceremony in Knysna on Saturday 26 May.

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The legendary Harkerville Trails are considered mountain biking and trail running Utopia. We provide the opportunity for people of all ages and fitness levels to absorb the magic of these famous forests with friends and family.

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If you aren’t already planning to be at the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival from Friday, 29 June – Sunday, 8 July, here are a few ‘tasters’ to entice you to book your holiday now and join us for “the best 10 days of winter”.

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The Knysna Plett Concert Series presents three brilliant musicians, Alexander Buzlov, a cellist, Nikita Boriso-Glebsky, an outstanding Russian violinist and Gold Medallist Bryan Wallick, on the piano.

Read more here

Click here to watch the video…

We welcomed 19 finalists in the 2018 Mr Gay World competition to Knysna this week! The delegates will be participating in a number of competitions, challenges and workshops as they explore Greater Knysna, while being closely monitored by the judges. The winner will be announced at a gala event on Saturday 26 May.

Read more here

It’s all happening this week! The Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival kicks off on Thursday 24 May and the popular Street Parade is on Saturday 26 May.

Click on the link to download the full programme.

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If you missed the inserts about various aspects of Greater Knysna that were shown over the last three Sundays on Trendz Travel, (SABC News, DStv channel 404) you can click on the link to watch them. Highlights include the Farmers’ Market in Sedgefield and the Knysna Elephant Park.

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There’s a stunning six-page article in this month’s SA Country Life magazine which features Sedgefield as ‘Town of the Month’!

Get your copy today and read all about why Sedgefield is such a great holiday destination.

Read more here

Calling all oyster enthusiasts, fitness fanatics and lovers of the good life – have you started planning the best 10 days of your winter?

The annual Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from 29 June – 8 July 2018 which is just six weeks away!

Read more here

Join the fun of the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival by creating a special display in your shop window, shop front, entrance, garden, rooftop  anywhere that best suits your business! This display will show solidarity with the event and there’s a great prize for the best effort!

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This week Knysna played host to a group of local and national journalists and influencers who attended the official media launch of the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival to experience “Knysna in an Oyster shell.”

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Congratulations to all the new Knysna Ambassadors who graduated this week at a ceremony hosted by Belvidere Manor. All 20 of them successfully completed the three-day Tourism Ambassador Course run by the Francois Ferreira Academy in March, and sponsored by Skal International.

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Knysna Tourism will be at World Travel Market (WTM) Africa from 18-20 April in the CTICC, sharing a stand with some of our local tourism products. If you are in Cape Town, pop in and see us at stand L14 on the ground floor near entrance 3.

Read more here

South African National Parks (SANParks) begins the review of its Garden Route National Park (GRNP) management plan next week. This is the first phase of the revision to develop the ‘desired state’ of the GRNP.

Read more here

Pieter Verhoef aims to raise R20,000 by cycling 360 km in less than 30 hours for the Knysna Basin Project, specifically for the conservation of the endangered Knysna seahorse. Read about how you can support this worthy initiative.

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Martin Hatchuel studied horticulture in Johannesburg and Durban, and then used his knowledge to become a guide at Featherbed, and in the Knysna forests in the mid-80s. Last year after the fires, Featherbed Co asked him to come back as a horticulturist to help with the rehabilitation of the vegetation.

Read more here

PiliPili Beach Bar in Sedgefield will host the launch of Mr South Africa’s first book, Heart, on 23 April. Tickets will include a copy of the book, a talk by the author, snacks, finger food and a beverage. Click on the link to book tickets online.

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There has been an overwhelming response to the Tourism Ambassador Course that is being sponsored by Skål International and coordinated by the Francois Ferreira Academy, in association with Knysna Tourism.

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Don’t forget to visit Knysna Tourism at the Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) Expo next week where we will be sharing stand 194 with Headstrong Productions. You’ll have the chance to enter our great competition!

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The Knysna Canoe Polo Club will host the 2018 South African Canoe Polo championships at the Knysna Waterfront over the Easter Weekend, 30 & 31 March and 1 April.

Read more here

The 2018 Knysna Motor Show, sponsored by Sanlam Private Wealth, will be hosted for the seventh successive year on 29 April and the organisers, hoping to break all records, are aiming for 400 classic cars and motorcycles.

Read more here

The 2018 Festival of Action will be Greenpop’s seventh annual action event. Striving to repair damage caused by fires in 2017, the festival brings eco-warriors together to learn, plant trees and take part in collective action.

Read more here

There are still a few tickets available for this year’s Knysna Literary Festival, which has a packed programme that touches on hot-topic current affairs and politics, history, adventure, conservation, cuisine and storytelling.

Read more here

We’re in the heart of the Plett Summer Festival with sunny days filled with sporting events, polo and beach fun, and evenings filled with theatre, good food and music. Have a look at our summer events calendar to ensure that you don’t miss any of the fun.

Events in Plett this Summer…

PLEASE NOTE: Private fireworks displays are prohibited in Plettenberg Bay and that Chinese lanterns are also banned, as they are a fire hazard. There will be an official firework display on Central Beach – please be considerate of your pets and keep them inside at midnight for the ten-minute duration of the display.

• New Year’s Eve on Central Beach
• Get Lucky Summer NYE with GoodLuck, Mango Groove & Matthew Mole at Plett Rugby Club
• NYE Party with Crazy White Boy, Ryan Murgatroyd, Strange Loving and more at Coco Valley
• NYE Bash with 1925 Band at The Barnyard
• New Year’s Eve at Kwano Stadium
• New Year’s Eve at Sky Villa

Find out more online…

Herewith a brief yet recommended breakdown of what’s on offer once the sun starts to set over Plett, including sundowner suggestions, sundowner prep points, eat-and-drinkeries for the neverenders.

Read on…

* Please note that this is not a restaurant guide or a lowdown on clubbing but pertains more to night owls out for a good time who don’t necessarily want to crawl home.

If you think about it, Kwanokuthula has got to be Plett’s MOST vibrant suburb, really, think about it. And I am not “JUST SAYING” IT, here’s why. Over the last two decades, Kwano has slowly positioned itself as the cultural and entertainment hub of the town, and POSSIBLY EVEN the entire region, if one compares the number of TOWNSHIP events held outside the City of Cape Town.

OH ALL RIGHT, I may be a little bit biased here, but what the heck. From jazz to modern dance music, from streetsmart food to traditional, from fashion design to cool hang out spots and eateries, there’s certainly never a dull moment in Kwano. Here are the shakers and movers who are pushing Kwano to greater heights, and they’re just starting.

Continue reading…

This December, the Secret Sunrise Team will be in Plett on the morning of 30th December, to guide you through a journey of music that you will not forget. Start your day the Secret Sunrise way.

More info | Tickets available through Quicket

Our 3 year Work, Water Life project came to an end in 2017. A real success story initiated and overseen by Pam Booth. More than 1000ha of very dense black wattle, gum and pine have been cleared releasing an annual amount of 1.7 million cubic meters of water into the Keurbooms River for the benefit of Bitou. We are now working on the formal protection of the Keurbooms River Corridor. To read more click here.

We had loads of wonderful Great Eden to Addo Adventure shows for the schoolkids put on by Lunchbox Theatre, and more to come in 2018. To see the video click here.

The 2017 Great Corridor Hike was exciting as always full of drama and fun. For the first time hikers spotted a free roaming black rhino on foot! It is advisable to enter our 2018 Great Corridor Hike from 1st – 22nd September soonest. To book click here.

There are exciting developments happening in 2018 in particular relating to Banking Biodiversity. To read more click here. We will tell you all about it and more in the New Year!

But, Plett is not just a tourism hotspot; the region is also becoming the preferred destination for property investment, and has a budding wine industry. Add to this the fact that Plett is a major centre for retailing and outdoor adventure companies in the Garden Route. Entrepreneurs, investors and executives who, in the past, had no reason to be in Plett except for sightseeing and vacations, now have plenty of opportunity to schedule corporate travel arrangements to this picturesque town.

Here’s a handy guide for planning a business trip to Plett, whether as a personal assistant, or for yourself as a self-employed person.

Continue reading…

VIDEO: How to spot rip currents

“Somewhere about a one hour and 40-minute flight from Johannesburg and a five-hour drive from Cape Town is a place said to be one of the most beautiful parts of the world. A place that makes you feel lucky to be South African or to even just get a taste of this diverse country, its vast landscapes and feel its rich soil beneath your feet,”

Read more here

Knysna and Sedgefield, the towns at the heart of the Garden Route, recently played host to Getaway magazine for four days. Journalist Welcome Lishivha and photographer Gareth van Nelson arrived on Saturday 25 November to explore the area for a six-page feature in the April 2018 issue.

Read more here

Knysna SPLASH, the annual festival presented by the Rotary Club of Knysna, will be back on 28 December 2017 with three fun-filled events for the whole family. Join us at the Waterfront for a day of water sports and fun!

Read more here

Knysna is one of 40 dream destinations selected by Coca-Cola for ultimate prize in their Taste Summer in Paradise competition. The destinations are featured on the labels of the company’s Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke bottles.

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Knysna Municipal Manager, Kam Chetty says that despite the drought in the Western Cape will in no way hamper the town’s summer season readiness and Knysna is definitely “open for business”.

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Don’t miss the exhibition, Beauty in Destruction, opening at Avopomme creative hub in Knysna on Thursday 7 December and featuring artists Jo Davis, Brett Harvey Baker, Jannie Uitlander, Neale Perring and Ricardo van Lingen.

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Pezula golf club is delighted to announce that it has achieved an honourable mention as part of the platinum clubs of the world, an honour bestowed on only three clubs in South Africa. This achievement is in the golf and country club category, with Pezula narrowly missing the prestigious top 100 in the world. However, this honourable mention places the club in the top 175 in the world, a noteworthy achievement.

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Knysna Tourism chairperson Elmay Bouwer has been on a nonstop campaign to promote Greater Knysna at various trade and road shows in Europe and the UK for the past few weeks.The campaign kicked off in October with a five-day SA Tourism (SAT) Nordics roadshow to Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland with Nicole Tunmer (the Featherbed Co) and Lyle Katzen, (Afrovibe and Afroventures Tours & Safaris). Madison Manor and Knysna Hollow were also represented.-

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Sinethemba Projects, a Knysna NGO running programmes for vulnerable children, has received R90,000 from StreetSmart Knysna to boost community upliftment in the area. The StreetSmart funds were handed over at an event held at Belvidere Manor Hotel.

Read more here

Friends of the Library presents a Christmas Market with books, stalls, hot beverages, cake raffles and great fun for the whole family on 9 Dec from 8:30 – 12:00 at Cearn Hall, Leisure Island.

Catch Ian Hall live at Blend Restaurant on Friday, 01 Dec from 8pm – 11pm & on Sunday 03 Dec, Dave Mac will entertain you from 1pm – 4pm

For more information contact: 044 384 0493

Newly renovated Vinyl Bar & Music venue prestents Music through the ages with Resident DJ Eric-M (doors open Tues – Sat from 6pm – cover charge starts at R30)

For more information contact: 044 382 0386

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

For more info contact: 044 382 5316

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

This Festival, facilitated by the Leisure Isle Residents Association, is a genuine craft market that proudly encourages “Buy Local”. The entrance park on Leisure Isle will be alive with activities. Stalls catering for every taste will be offering a mouth-watering array of food and drink and fresh produce, as well as arts and crafts, toys, a huge array of books, indigenous and other plants and many other delights.

Read more here

Join Lakeside Lodge & Spa as they take you on a tour of the 80’s with this year’s Rocking the Lake – 80’s Revival Tour! The Garden Routes local favourites, The Wellcast band will be putting on an extraordinary show, performing classic hits from the 80’s that will have guests dancing out of their seats.

Read more here

Questions have been raised over the Pink Loerie theme for 2018, but does it mean what we think it means? What is S&M? This may raise an eyebrow or two, as the connotations of dungeons and whips come to mind. And yet this is the theme for the 2018 Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival.

Read more here

We are happy to announce that our online ticket sales are now open. General Entry, Pit Access, Weekend Passes and Hospitality tickets are available. Don’t miss our Early Bird Special that runs until 31st December 2017 for General Entry, Pit Access and Weekend Passes only. Purchase any of these tickets before the end of December to pay 2017 prices! Pit Access and Hospitality tickets are strictly limited – to avoid disappointment, we suggest you make your purchase as soon as possible.

Read more here

The “Flight for Birders” bird identification and conservation course by Dr Anton Odendal will be presented at the St Francis United Church Hall, Sedgefield on 10 & 11 November 2017.

Read more here

Sedgefield Cansa Shades of Pink Fun Walk & Run on the 25 October went ahead despite the driving rain and locals turned out in force to support this worthy cause. Sedgefield Tourism assisted with promoting the event which raised over R7,000 for Cansa.

Read more here

Vermont Old Age Home presents a Black Tie event on Saturday, 25 November 2017 from 18:00 at Vermont Centre @ only R150pp.

For more information contact: 044 385 0593

Catch Ian Hall live at Blend Restaurant on Friday, 03 Nov from 8pm – 11pm & on Sunday 05 Nov, Minx will entertain you from 1pm – 4pm

For more information contact: 044 384 0493

Newly renovated Vinyl Bar & Music venue prestents Music through the ages with Resident DJ Eric-M (doors open Tues – Sat from 6pm – cover charge starts at R30)

For more information contact: 044 382 0386

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

For more info contact: 044 382 5316

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

The Knysna Timber Festival 2017 will go ahead as planned from 29 September to 1 October – and it’ll take place as usual at its traditional venue at Timber Village, despite the fact that Timber Village was burned to the ground during the town’s recent devastating fires.

Read more here

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development recalling the potential of tourism to advance the universal 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Read more here

South African Tourism Internal and Corporate Communications Manager, Mpho Mfenyana, and Darryl Erasmus, Chief Quality Assurance Officer were in Knysna last week at the invitation of the Benguela Collection who hosted a two-day launch of Benguela Cove wines at Lakeside Lodge and Spa in Sedgefield.

Read more here

SANParks scientists and civil society research groups have cautioned against feeding wild animals. This comes after volunteer groups had dropped vegetables and seeds for animals to eat in the national park and surrounds. This week, authorities detailed reasons for discouraging the feeding of animals in burnt areas.

Read more here

Local Green Chef Melven Mene, winner of this year’s Knysna Oyster Festival event, Flavours of Knysna, has used his prize money of R10,000 as part payment on a car. The second hand Toyota Corolla, will help Chef Mene expand his business, Usatsho Tshisanyama & Catering.

Read more here

Join Hospice and Pam Golding Knysna for their annual Spring Maison Market from 29 – 30 September 2017.

For more information contact: 083 448 1934

Catch Cloud 9 live at Blend Restaurant on Friday, 04 Aug from 8pm – 11pm & on Sunday, 06 Aug, Shaza will entertain you from 1pm – 4pm

For more information contact: 044 384 0493

Belvidere Manor presents Woman’s Day make-up workshops on 8 August 2017 with make-up expert Debbie Jean. Two sessions available from 9:30 – 11:30 & 17:30 – 19:30. R120pp

For more information and to book contact: 082 804 2746

July 23rd marks the birthday (or what is referred to as the ‘earth day’) of the Rastafarian’s spiritual messiah, His Majesty Haile Selassie I. The annual Earth Festival, which takes place from the 22nd to 30th July 2017, honours this special date on their religious calender and is a joyous and colourful celebration of this fascinating and vibrant Knysna community. It also serves as a platform for these residents to openly share with others the traditions and roots of their faith.

Read more here

We are thrilled with the attendance numbers at the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival this year, particularly in light of the devastating Knysna fire which started on 7 June, just one month before the festival opened. The fire did not discourage our visitors who flocked in their thousands to support Knysna, the festival events and local businesses.

Read more here

It was a trail running experience none of the 600 participating athletes will ever forget. The 4km of pristine unspoilt beach between the villages of Buffalo Bay and Brenton on Sea are one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and it was never more spectacularly displayed than it was on Tuesday morning as the assembled participants gazed out across the beautiful blue waters of the bay and tried to envisage the scene of terror from just 34 days earlier.

Read more here

As the full moon performed its lunar showcase, close to 400 adventurous trail runners and trail walkers -equipped with their headlamps – went out into the Simola forests to meet the Phantom.

Read more here

Join Doodlebugs on Friday, 28 July 2017 @ 17:00 for a family fun run/Walk. Hot soup and drinks as well as glow in the dark goodies & face paint on sale. R50 Adults & R35 kids.

For more information contact: 084 548 4118

Knysna Plett Concert presents a benefit concert on Monday, 31 July 2017 with Bryan Wallick on the piano playing composers like Bach, Brahms & Liszt. R120 – Adults / R30 – Kids. Show starts at 19:30. Tickets available at the door from 18:45

Belvidere Manor presents Woman’s Day make-up workshops on 8 August 2017 with make-up expert Debbie Jean. Two sessions available from 9:30 – 11:30 & 17:30 – 19:30. R120pp

For more information and to book contact: 082 804 2746

Join Pezula Golf Club on 28 July 2017 from 18:30 for a Pub, Potjie & Port evening with music entertainment. R85 pp.

For more information and to book contact: 044 302 5317

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

Call: 044 343 1844 to make your booking.

For more information call: 044 389 0092

Click here for more information

For more info contact: 044 382 4685

On Thursday Knysna Tourism launched the #KnysnaRises logo which shows the Knysna loerie/ turaco rising like a phoenix from the “flames” and was inspired by the message that Knysna is rising, it is not destroyed, as many people believe, but is open for business and welcoming visitors.

Read more here

#KnysnaRises, #VisitKnysna, we are Open For Business!

With the fire disaster hitting Knysna on the 7th of June there has been a lot of concern about the future of tourism and its impact on the economy and in particular job losses because of accommodation establishments and other businesses which have gone up in flames.

Read more here

There was much excitement earlier in the week when 50 Qhubeka bicycles as well as handmade blankets, scarves and beanies arrived in Knysna to assist with relief efforts following the devastating fires.

Read more here

The fire in Knysna is the largest and most destructive fire in a built up area in the Western Cape, and effected thousands of residents. OFFICIAL Bank accounts below can be used for danoations:

NEDBANK
Acc. Name: Emergency Fund
Acc. NR: 1147 920 699
Reference: KNYSNAFIRE
International Donations: NEDSZAJJ

STANDARD BANK

Acc. Name: Eden District Municipality
Acc. NR: 401 719 790
Reference: KNYSNAFIRE
International Donations: SBZAZAJJ
Official FB Page:
Knysna Fire – 7 June 2017

It has always been known that Sedgefielders pull together in a crisis – but in the last week the community more than outdid themselves, with hundreds of local volunteers building up a phenomenal effort to support fire crews, house evacuees and provide for those who have lost homes and possessions.

Read more here

The highly-anticipated Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from 7 to 16 July 2017. The variety of events makes it a fabulous holiday for sports fans, families and anyone looking for the best 10 days of their winter. As part of the Festival, The Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday brings together the best Knysna has to offer in one venue. From fresh seafood to wine and beer tastings, fish braais and music, there will be something for the whole family.

Read more here

There is a local group of riders in Knysna, who have been blazing trails for the past 30 years. These pioneers of our cycling world inspired routes in our area, like the red route and other routes in Harkerville. Robbie Powell and Dr Evil himself, Leon Evans, broke the cycling yolk and inspired these routes with SANParks.

Read more here

For the first time ever there will be a Body, Mind and Spirit week of workshops included in the Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival 2017. These will be amazing workshops presented by world class facilitators covering all aspects of holistic wellness. Never before has Knysna been able to experience such an exciting array of top class workshops and a limited number of private sessions all in one week!

Read more here

Join Pezula Golf Club for a Pub & Curry evening with music entertainment on 30 June 2017 from 18:30 @ R85 pp.

For more information contact: 044 302 5317

Knysna Municipality invites you to the Youth Day Entertainment Show on Friday, 16 June 2017 from 14:00 at Loerie Park. Official Ceremony: 16:00.

Special Guest: Mafa Bavuma

Francois Haasbroek will be performing LIVE at Elalini Backpackers, Buffalo Bay, to celebrate YOUth day on the 16th of June 2017. Bring your own dop & chop. R50 pp

For more information contact: 044 383 0005

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Catch Suzi live on Saturday, 10 June from 2pm at La Paz Mexican Restaurant, Jose Cuervo tequila promo & ½ price Beef burger & chips or single chicken enchiladas from 1pm to 4pm

For more information contact: 083 656 7381

YOUTH DAY #LocalTalent SHOW

Knysna Municipality invites you to the Youth Day Entertainment Show on Friday, 16 June 2017 from 14:00 at Loerie Park. Official Ceremony: 16:00.

Special Guest: Mafa Bavuma

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Francois Haasbroek will be performing LIVE at Elalini Backpackers, Buffalo Bay, to celebrate YOUth day on the 16th of June 2017. Bring your own dop & chop. R50 pp

For more information contact: 044 383 0005

FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET

Don’t miss the Friday Night Market this Friday from 4pm – 8pm for some good local food, entertainment, stalls or just good company. Follow the scarecrows up Welbedach Lane.

WILD OATS MARKET

Don’t miss the Wild Oats Community Farmers Market blending people from diverse backgrounds, uniting urban and rural in a mix, every Saturday from 07:30 – 12pm.

For more info contact: 044 883 1177

HARKERVILLE MARKET

Join the rural and rustic, but vibey and vital Harkerville Market it’s definitely all you could ever hope for in a typical South African Saturday Market. Saturdays 8am – 12pm.

For more info contact: 084 510 9939

A three-week celebration of the arts, the Plett ARTS Festival brings productions, art demonstrations and exhibitions, performances and international movies to the neighbourhood of Plettenberg Bay for a one-of-a-kind art revolution in the area.

The performances showcase theatrical actors and visual artists that inspire and nourish the artistic community of Plett. The festival also celebrates art, bringing innovative and challenging artwork to a diverse audience. Local artists display throughout the festival, and if you have an appetite for foodie films and sumptuous cuisine, the Plett Food & Film Festival has a ticket for you.

In only a few short years, the Plett ARTS Festival has showcased more than 100 artists. Attendance has grown since its first festival in 2014 with more than 1800 attendees in 2016 alone. The festival’s reputation continues to grow, marking Plett as a performance destination for acclaimed artists while cultivating local talent. The Plett Arts Festival is scheduled for 30 June – 22 July, 2017. Ticket are available from the Plett Tourism office and on Quicket, from end May, 2017.

This year’s Plett ARTS Festival (formerly Plett MAD Festival) includes the following events of music, arts and drama performances:

Plett Tourism’s sponsored participants, the Plett Adventure Racing Team, crossed the line in 10th place, after 105 hours and 514km of adventure racing, closely following another popular Plett adventure racing team: Buco Adventures, finishing in 9th place. Also, completing this mammoth challenge was 3 Dutchmen and a Lady, finishing the full route of Expedition Africa for the first time.

Plett Tourism is proud to sponsor our Plett Adventure icons as a symbol of the adventurous nature of our beautiful town and congratulate the Plett Adventure Racing Team, Buco Adventure and 3 Dutchmen and a Lady on their completion and placing in Expedition Africa 2017.  Read the full story

Whether you’re a casual day tripper, outdoors enjoying nature, or a seasoned hiker/trail runner on a mission, the area of Plettenberg Bay has more than its fair share of incredibly picturesque trails on offer. Ranging from light strolls to heel splitting, blister forming gorges, Plett has it all and it’s gorgeous!

Read our feature on some of the most unforgettable trails in and around Plett
that you may never have even heard of…

Bitou Mayor, Peter Lobese, welcomed the cyclists by saying: “We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity to put our town in the spotlight. Plett is home. It is alpha & omega, you can start here, and end here.

Minister Alan Winde, who also cycled the route, said that “one of the purposes of the Cross Cape Cycle Route is to connect our small villages and grow their economy whilst allowing cyclists and adventure tourists to see different parts of our country that are off the beaten track”.

The Cross Cape Cycle Route is the first of its kind in our region and promises both locals and tourists the opportunity to use the route for transport and as a tourism route.

Launched in 2016, the App is fast becoming a Garden Route favorite with more than 94 549 views. The App has been downloaded in 78 countries so far, including Germany, UK, USA and Netherland. The main point of interest at the moment is the Deals menu. Your guests should be encouraged to download the App, It’s a great tool for them during their travels.

If you are a paid member of Plett Tourism, you are eligible to benefit from the Deals option on the App. For more information, please contact Thandi at the tourism office on 044 533 4065 or on email thandi@pletttourism.com.

View first-hand the benefits of how accommodation promotions work in this VIDEO

Read the article here

Of course, films are not the only course of the Plett Food & Film’s offerings this year. Chefs will retell the stories of highlighted feature films through exquisitely prepared meals. Featuring the finest local ingredients, each of the events offer a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Find out more about our featured films