garden route
day tours

Depart Daily on a private basis

Discover Knysna
and its surroundings

Knysna is the center of the famous Garden Route. There are so many highlights in close proximity like beaches, forests, animal sanctuaries, historic landmarks and food lovers places. Join us for a privately guided full day of half day tour to experience one of the most beautiful regions of South Africa. Our tours will be conducted by a qualified English speaking guide. Our VW Kombi is air conditioned and licensed. Full passenger liability is in place. All our tours depart daily on request on a private basis.

Oudtshoorn Full Day Private Tour

from 1500.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 08h30 in our air conditioned minibus. It is a scenic drive along the beautiful lake areas of Sedgefield and Wilderness before we cross the mighty Outeniqua Mountains into the dry semi-desert region of the Klein Karoo. 

Our first stop is at a local ostrich farm close to Oudtshoorn. We join a guided tour on the farm teaching us some interesting facts about these flightless birds. At first we visit the main yard, where we will be shown different ostrich feathers, the incubators and how they work, gizzard stones and more. We can even feed the ostriches ourselves. Afterwards we continue to the farmlands where we will be shown the anatomy of an ostrich and visit the breeding pairs nests.

We continue to the Karusa Wine Estate & Fruit Farm in the quaint Schoemanshoek Valley. You have the possibility to taste five of their various red and white wines including MCC sparkling wines (Méthode Cap Classique – the South African version of Champagne). If you are not into wine Karusa also has its own craft brewery on the premises producing some fine Karoo craft beers (all tastings are for own account). Afterwards we settle down at their restaurant for a hearty Karoo style lunch (lunch is for own account). On sundays and public holidays Karusa is closed. We will do an alternative stop then.

Our last stop is the famous Cango Caves which were discovered in 1780. We join a guided heritage tour explaining the natural wonders of this finest dripstone caverns, with their vast halls and towering formations of impressive size – one chamber is up to 18m high. The heritage tour is an easy walking tour without any climbing or creeping.

Now it is time to say goodbye to the Klein Karoo as we head back over the scenic Outeniqua Pass. We touch the coast again in Wilderness with a short photo stop for the endless golden beach with some breathtaking views onto the ocean in the front and the mountains in the back. At around 17h30 our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE: air conditioned minibus (VW Kombi or similar), qualified English speaking guide, passenger liability, entrance and conservation fees, one water bottle per person

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE: wine and beer tasting, lunch and drinks

DEPARTS: daily on request on a private basis at 08h30 (minimum 2 pax)

RATES:
2 – 3 Pax for 2500.00 ZAR per person
4 – 5 Pax for 1800.00 ZAR per person
6-7 Pax for 1500.00 ZAR per person

Knysna & Nature Full Day Private Tour

from 1300.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 09h00 in our air conditioned minibus. Our first stop is in the indigenous forests as we enter nothing less but the Garden Of Eden. We take a nice stroll on wooden boardwalks and bridges through the lush Knysna forest where we learn a lot about the local flora from large yellowwood trees to small tree ferns.

We continue our way through the lush forests and along the beautiful coastline in direction of the western part of the Tsitsikamma National Park. Once we leave the main road we follow the scenic route which winds along typical Fynbos vegetation down into the breathtaking Natures Valley. We take a walk along the unspoilt beaches and the lagoon of the Groot River with the mighty Tsitsikamma forest in the backdrop. There is also a nice view point uphill. Natures Valley is often described as a piece of paradise.

Leaving the valley and driving up again to the main road we head along the beautiful Keurbooms River lagoon and beach into the pretty holiday town of Plettenberg Bay. We settle at a nice restaurant on the beach for a tasty lunch (lunch is for own account) while we watch the endless ocean and exciting beachlife. Strengthened up we enjoy a short stroll along the beach. With a bit of luck we might see a pod dolphins, a mighty whale (June to November) or the endangered Black Oystercatcher.

Back in the car we head to Knysna where we drive along the lovely lagoon and up the Eastern Head. From here we have a wonderful view over the lagoon, the town and the open sea. Our last stop is the busy waterfront of Knysna for a nice relaxing drink at one of the many restaurants (optional) with a view of the harbour. Time and availability permitting you can board for a relaxing boat cruise (optional) on the lagoon. Our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at around 17h00.

Animal encounter Full Day Private Tour

from 1800.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 09h00 in our air conditioned minibus. We are heading eastwards along the beautiful coastline and through lush forests to an area called The Craigs. Here we visit three of the most interesting wildlife sanctuaries along the Garden Route.

We start at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary because the wild cats are more active in the mornings. On our guided tour we get to see (but not to touch!) domestic species such as lions, cheetahs, leopards, caracals and servals – but also cats from other parts of the world like tigers, jaguars and pumas. Apart from the cats we can also spot wild dogs, zebras and antelopes.

Afterwards to head to the Birds Of Eden Sanctuary, a unique two hectare dome (the world’s largest free flight aviary) that spans over a gorge of indigenous forest. Currently it is home to over 3500 birds from over 220 species, with the main focus being African birds. Here we take a self guided stroll to view (but not to touch!) the colourful avifauna. The sanctuary also has a very nice restaurant where we can settle down for a nice breaking lunch (lunch for own account).

Our last stop is at the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. Monkeyland is the world’s first free roaming multi-specie primate sanctuary. It’s mission is to educate and foster greater understanding of our primate cousins and the threats and challenges they are facing. We take a guided walk through the indigenous forests where we can meet (but not touch!) more than 700 individual primates such as lemurs, langurs, gibbons and monkeys. At around 17h00 our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE: air conditioned minibus (VW Kombi or similar), qualified English speaking guide, passenger liability, entrance and conservation fees, one water bottle per person

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE: lunch and drinks

DEPARTS: daily on request on a private basis at 09h00 (minimum 2 pax)

RATES:
2 – 3 Pax for 2600.00 ZAR per person
4 – 5 Pax for 2200.00 ZAR per person
6-7 Pax for 1900.00 ZAR per person

Knysna Half Day Private Tour

from 600.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 09h00 or 14h00 in our air conditioned minibus. This tour has an open itinerary and can be customized to your needs with different options. After approx. four hours our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna.

The first option is a scenic tour. Take a walk along the marvellous beach of Brenton-On-Sea. Head up the famous Eastern Head and enjoy the unbeatable sea and lagoon views. Discover the busy town center and the cosy waterfront with its boutiques, cafés and restaurants. 

The second option is a culinary tour. Discover the many different flavours of Knysna. Join a traditional oyster tasting accompanied by a glass of local white wine. Visit an artisan bakery or traditional café. There are also tasting options at a local gin distillery and craft brewery (tasting fees for own account).

The third option is a historic tour. Learn about the rise of Knysna from a woodcutter station until today. The town center has many historical buildings and museums which give an interesting insight on the past (entrance fees for own account).

You also have the option to tailor this tour to your very personal interests as there is so much to do in and around Knysna. In this case all additional costs and fees are for your own account.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE: air conditioned minibus (VW Kombi or similar), qualified English speaking guide, passenger liability, entrance and conservation fees, one water bottle per person

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE: food and drinks, entrance and tasting fees

DEPARTS: daily on request on a private basis at 09h00 or 14h00 (minimum 2 pax)

RATES:
2 – 3 Pax for 1000.00 ZAR per person
4 – 5 Pax for 700.00 ZAR per person
6-7 Pax for 600.00 ZAR per person

Gouna Forest Hiking Half Day Private Tour

from 600.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 09h00 or 14h00 in our air conditioned minibus. We head up to the Old Cape Road into the deep forests of the Simola and Gouna area. It is a beautiful scenic route with some absolutely amazing views over the green hills and valleys in Knysna’s backcountry.

Our first stop is the San Ambrosia Church that was built for the Italian Silkspinners who were brought out to Knysna in the late 1800’s. We can learn a little bit of history of the area. Then we continue to the Terblans Trail, a wonderful forest hike far off the beaten track.

Our easy to moderate 6.5km circular hike leads us through the indigenous forests and over small mountain streams with beautiful a floral kingdom and a plentiful bird life. After approx. four hours our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE: air conditioned minibus (VW Kombi or similar), qualified English speaking guide, passenger liability, entrance and conservation fees, one water bottle per person

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE: food

DEPARTS: daily on request on a private basis at 09h00 or 14h00 (minimum 2 pax)

RATES:
2 – 3 Pax for 1000.00 ZAR per person
4 – 5 Pax for 700.00 ZAR per person
6-7 Pax for 600.00 ZAR per person

Robberg COASTAL Hiking Half Day Private Tour

from 650.00 ZAR

Our qualified guide will pick you up at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna at 09h00 or 14h00 in our air conditioned minibus. We head in easterly direction until we touch the coast near the beautiful seaside village of Plettenberg Bay. The Robberg Nature Reserve is one of the most scenic coastal hiking option along the Garden Route.

Robberg is not only a nature reserve, it is also a national monument and
World Heritage Site. Rocks from this region date back 120 million years to the break-up of Gondwanaland and evidence of middle and later Stone Age inhabitation has been found in a few of the caves along the peninsula.

The 5.5km Witsand circular hike is moderate. Along the way we might be able to spot several interesting sea and land based wildlife such as small antelopes, seals, dolphins, sharks and whales (June to November) – not to forget the many scenic landmarks like rock formations, dunes and beaches. After approx. four hours our driver will drop you off again at your guesthouse or hotel in Knysna.

INCLUDED IN THE RATE: air conditioned minibus (VW Kombi or similar), qualified English speaking guide, passenger liability, entrance and conservation fees, one water bottle per person

NOT INCLUDED IN THE RATE: food

DEPARTS: daily on request on a private basis at 09h00 or 14h00 (minimum 2 pax)

RATES:
2 – 3 Pax for 1100.00 ZAR per person
4 – 5 Pax for 750.00 ZAR per person
6-7 Pax for 650.00 ZAR per person

Rates are in ZAR and per person. Rates are valid from 01.11.2022 to 31.10.2024. Rates include 15% VAT. All tours are private tours and depart daily on request. Minimum is 2 pax. Single travellers will have to pay for 2 pax. Children and adults pay the same price. Groups of 8 pax and more are available on request. Tours are conducted by a qualified English speaking guide. Vehicle is air conditioned and licensed. Full passenger liability is in place. Oudtshoorn Tour can be done in a oneway direction with pick-up in Knysna and drop-off in Oudtshoorn or vice versa at the same rate. Tsitsikamma Tour can be done in a oneway direction with pick-up in Knysna and drop-off in Tsitsikamma or vice versa at the same rate. All itineraries can be customized on request at an additional cost – please enquire. Cancellations 29 days to 15 days prior to tour will cost 50% of the booking total. Cancellations less than 15 days prior to tour (incl. no-show) will cost 100% of the booking total. Full prepayment is required.

©2023 Knysna Touring

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