Knysna's uniqueness lies in its people, and this is reflected in the many arts and crafts shops, and the vibrant cultural life of the town.

A walk around town will reveal a treasure trove of interesting people and unusual places. Many artists and musicians come here to consult the muse, and the results are yours for the asking. There are galleries and flea markets, workshops and buskers to delight and entertain even the world-weariest visitor.

Two festivals are held annually that reflect Knysna's robust culture. The Knysna Oyster Festival is a celebration of leisure, sport (the popular Knysna marathon) and outdoor adventure. The Nederburg Arts Festival celebrates the artists and performers who make up Knysna's rich and diverse cultures.

Knysna is beautiful. It is a town that grew as a result of its beauty. Of the lagoon and the amphitheatre of mountains that surround the town. From the quiet beauty of its evergreen forests to the soaring beauty of the heads, Knysna is beauty in abundance.

The Knysna Heads are the two sandstone sentinels that mark the mouth of the Knysna Lagoon. In past centuries they were the scenes of many dramatic shipwrecks. Today, scuba enthusiasts rate a dive to the wreck of the Paquita on the Eastern Head to be the highlight of their visit.

Knysna is a unique birding destination because of its numerous habitats-water, marshes, fynbos, grasslands and forest species can all be seen within a relatively small area. There are more than 280 species of kingfisher, numerous raptors and the elusive Narina Trogon.

The Knysna forests attract visitors for hiking, cycling, horse riding or simply exploring. You can still see the artists and craftsmen who work with dedication to produce the finest furniture in the land.

The restaurants and pubs in and around the town offer a similarly wide variety- you'll find local and continental cuisine to suit every budget. Of course, you'll want to try the famous Knysna oysters.