Knysna is located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, around 55km west of the city of George, and 33km (20km) west of the town of Plettenberg Bay.
Knysna sits on either side of the Knysna River at the northern shore of a large estuary, known as the Knysna Lagoon. The estuary opens to the ocean after passing between two large headlands. The eastern head is developed, while the western head is a private nature reserve.
Knysna lies in the heart of the scenic Garden Route, which is a major tourist attraction in South Africa. Famous for its indigenous forests, freshwater lakes, wetlands, hidden coves and long, sweeping golden-sand beaches, the Garden Route stretches along a narrow coastal strip for 185km (115mi) from Mossel Bay to Storms River, and inland to the mountain peaks of the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma National Park.
The most convenient route to Knysna is by air to George Airport (GRJ), formerly known as P.W. Botha Airport, located around 10km (6mi) southwest of the city cente, and 70km (43mi) west of Knysna.
The nearest international airport is in Cape Town.
By road, Knysna is a 5-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, a distance of around 475km (295mi). By air, it is a 55-minute flight from Cape Town Airport to George Airport, a 55-minute drive from Knysna.
The following are the most convenient and quickest flight routes to George Airport (GRJ).
Within South Africa: South African Airways offers the most convenient daily flights from Cape Town and Durban, with Safair and Comair from Johannesburg, to George Airport (GRJ).
Cape Town to George Airport is 55 min, direct flight
Durban to George Airport is 1 hr 50 min, direct flight
Johannesburg to George Airport is 1 hr 55 min, direct flight
From United States: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, South African Airways, Safair and Comair offer the most convenient daily scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Atlanta to George Airport is 30 hrs 14 min, connecting flightˆ
Boston to George Airport is 21 hrs 29 min, connecting flightˆ
Chicago to George Airport is 21 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Dallas-Fort Worth to George Airport is 26 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
New York to George Airport is 17 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
Los Angeles to George Airport is 25 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
San Francisco to George Airport is 26 hrs 11 min, connecting flightˆ
From Canada: Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines and South African Airways offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Toronto to George Airport is 22 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
Montreal to George Airport is 21 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Vancouver to George Airport is 28 hrs 35 min, connecting flightˆ
From Australia: Qantas, Virgin Australia, South African Airways and Comair offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Adelaide to George Airport is 20 hrs 10 min, connecting flightˆ
Brisbane to George Airport is 23 hrs, connecting flightˆ
Sydney to George Airport is 21 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
Melbourne to George Airport is 20 hrs 15 min, connecting flightˆ
Perth to George Airport is 15 hrs 5 min, connecting flightˆ
From New Zealand: Air New Zealand and South African Airways offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Auckland to George Airport is 25 hrs 20 min, connecting flightsˆ
From Singapore: Singapore Airlines and Safair offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Singapore to George Airport is 13 hrs 45 min, connecting flightˆ
From United Kingdom: British Airways and South African Airways offer the most convenient flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
London to George Airport is 13 hrs 55 min, connecting flightˆ
Manchester to George Airport is 16 hrs 10 min, connecting flightsˆ
From France: Air France and Comair offer the most convenient scheduled flights to Knysna / George Airport (GRJ).
Paris to George Airport is 13 hrs 40 min, connecting flightsˆ
(ˆincludes layover time.)
George Airport (GRJ), formerly known as P.W. Botha Airport, is located around 10km (6mi) southwest of the city cente, and 70km (43mi) west of Knysna. The airport is a 55-minute drive from Knysna.
Taxis and hire cars are available from the airport terminal. A public bus service operates between George and Knysna.
A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Visas are not required for citizens of Australia, New Zealand, US, UK and most EU countries; instead, visitors are issued with a visitor's permit on arrival, valid for a month.
On foot – Knysna and the surrounding area is scattered with hiking trails – and by kayak and boat.
A hire car is probably the best option for exploring the Garden Route. Taxis are available. Traffic drives on the left.
Latest update: How to get to Knysna : 3 January, 2023
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