Day Trips From Knysna: Wilderness, Plett, Tsitsikamma
Knysna is the perfect basecamp for the Garden Route. Wake up to lagoon views and a proper breakfast at Knysna Paradise Guesthouse, then be in a completely different landscape within the hour. Here are three of our favourite day trips, all under an hour’s drive from your front door.
While you are here — AloeRoots
Wilderness — 45 min west
Base yourself at Knysna Paradise Guesthouse – breakfast included, lagoon views, minutes from the action. Check availability + book direct and save.
- The Map of Africa viewpoint: Stand over the famous horseshoe bend of the Touws River and watch the paragliders launch from the cliffs.
- Wilderness Beach boardwalk: A long, wild stretch of sand that’s perfect for a windswept morning walk before the crowds arrive.
- Canoe the Touws River: Rent a canoe in the village and paddle gently past kingfishers and ancient yellowwoods.
Plettenberg Bay — 30 min east
- Robberg Nature Reserve: The peninsula hike is the finest coastal walk on the route — seals, dolphins and, in season, whales.
- Lookout and Central Beach: Blue-flag swimming and a long sweep of white sand right in the heart of Plett.
- Old Nick Village: A cluster of craft studios and a fine coffee stop for the drive back.
Tsitsikamma — 1 hour east
- Storms River Mouth: Cross the suspension bridges over the churning river mouth — the postcard shot of the Garden Route.
- Bloukrans Bridge bungee: The world’s highest commercial bungee jump, for the brave among you.
- The Big Tree forest walk: A gentle boardwalk to an 800-year-old Outeniqua yellowwood.
Local tip: Leave early and drive the N2 with the window down — the mountain-to-sea views alone are worth the trip. Prefer to let someone else do the driving? Ask us about day-tour operators and packages that combine overnight stops at our sister properties along the route.
Back in Knysna by late afternoon, you’ll still have time to unwind in our garden and enjoy a waterfront dinner — because the best part of a Garden Route day trip is coming home to the lagoon.
Knysna Paradise Guesthouse — 2026-08-13
Planning a Knysna Stay? Book Direct With Us
Loved this guide? We’re right here in Knysna — rates from R900 per night, full breakfast included, secure parking and fast Wi-Fi. Book direct and skip the third-party fees:
Book online on Nightsbridge — instant confirmation, best rate guaranteed — or email us at knysnaparadise24@gmail.com and we’ll help you plan your stay.