Walking & running on Leisure Isle
Leisure Isle is an ideal base for both peaceful walks and relaxing runs along the lagoon. From your front door, you can head straight out to circle the island via the waterside paths, through Steenbok Nature Reserve, and along the quiet streets overlooking the Knysna Heads.
For runners, the loop around the island is perfect: virtually flat, mostly traffic-free, and with continuous views over the Knysna Lagoon. Sunrise or sunset provide spectacular colors over the water – one of the most beautiful times to lace up your shoes.
Walking & trail running around Knysna
In the immediate vicinity of Knysna, you’ll find numerous walking and running routes through indigenous forest, along the lagoon, and across the coastline. Popular walks such as the Leisure Isle Walk, Fisherman’s Walk, the routes in Steenbok Park, and the trails toward Brenton-on-Sea and Buffalo Bay offer variety ranging from short and easy to longer and more challenging.
Trail runners can indulge themselves on the sandy beaches around Buffalo Bay and Brenton or on the forest routes in the area, with longer distances and elevation for those seeking more of a challenge. Well-known local running events and marathons also make use of the beautiful paths along the lagoon and across Leisure Isle.
Hiking at Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay, about a 40-minute drive away, offers some of the most beautiful coastal hikes on the Garden Route. There are three clearly marked circular walks: from a short route of about 2 km to “The Gap”, via a medium-intensity trek of about 5–6 km, to a full loop of around 9–11 km around the peninsula for the more experienced hiker.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to cliffs, ocean panoramas, sand dunes, seabirds, and often the large seal colony at the foot of the rocks. Good hiking shoes, water, sunscreen, and a bit of time are all you need for an unforgettable hiking or trail running experience here.
Golf on top courses
Knysna is a true paradise for golf enthusiasts. From our holiday home, you can easily plan a complete golf holiday. Whether you want to play a relaxed round every now and then or dedicate your entire holiday to golf: Knysna and the surrounding area offer more than enough variety and quality to make every golfer happy.
Golf in and around Knysna
In Knysna, you’ll find three beautiful golf courses. Each course has its own character: from a classic parkland course to spectacular cliff-top holes with views of the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
- Knysna Golf Club – a flat, easy-to-walk 18-hole parkland course between the lagoon and indigenous greenery, known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable green fees.
- Pezula Championship Course – a spectacular championship course on the eastern Head, featuring dramatic cliffs, fynbos, and views over the Knysna Lagoon and the ocean.
- Simola Golf & Country Estate – a beautifully designed course above Knysna with rolling fairways and panoramas over the river, mountains, and lagoon.
George – Fancourt
For the serious golfer, a visit to Fancourt near George (about an hour’s drive) is practically mandatory. This iconic golf resort features three famous courses:
- The Links – often cited as the number 1 course in South Africa, a pure championship experience. While booking this course isn’t easy, fortunately, the next two courses are.
- Montagu – a classic parkland course with perfect fairways and greens.
- Outeniqua – a beautiful, slightly more forgiving course with wide fairways and views of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Golfing in Plettenberg Bay
About a 40-minute drive from Knysna, the golf courses of Plettenberg Bay await you: here you can combine your round of golf with ocean panoramas and the relaxed coastal vibe the Garden Route is famous for.
- Plettenberg Bay Country Club – an 18-hole par-72 course in a private nature reserve, with lush fairways and indigenous bush surrounding you.
- Goose Valley Golf Club – a Gary Player-designed 18-hole course right by the Keurbooms Lagoon, known as one of the best-maintained courses in South Africa.
Perfect for a day trip: a round of golf in the morning, followed by lunch or a walk on the beach in the afternoon.
Mountain biking around Knysna
Knysna is a dream destination for mountain bikers. From the town and the surrounding forests, you can ride straight onto the trails: from relaxed gravel loops to technical singletracks with views over the Indian Ocean. The combination of indigenous forest, fynbos, coastal cliffs, and quiet country roads means you can discover new routes for days on end without getting bored.
Easy loop around Leisure Isle
Directly from the house, you can ride an easy loop around Leisure Isle – ideal for a short leg-stretcher or a recovery ride.
Follow the quiet streets along the lagoon, ride a loop through Steenbok Nature Reserve, and enjoy views of the Knysna Heads and Bollard Bay beach along the way.
Virtually flat and mostly traffic-free, it’s perfect for families, beginners, or as a warm-up for a longer ride.
Climb to Pezula from Leisure Isle
For those looking for more of a challenge, the climb from Leisure Isle toward Pezula is a local classic.
From the island, ride across the Causeway into Knysna, then climb the long, steady slope up the eastern Head toward Pezula Golf Estate.
It’s a constant climb with beautiful views over the lagoon, town, and ocean. Great to combine into a loop: Leisure Isle → Pezula climb → back via quiet roads and finish with a cooling-down lap around the island.
Other MTB options in the region
Besides Harkerville, there are many more possibilities:
- Garden Route Trail Park: an extensive network of purpose-built singletracks with bridges, berms, and technical sections, suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.
- Vast forest and jeep tracks in the Knysna and Outeniqua forests, where you can plan longer loops with more elevation yourself.
Do try to connect with local mountain bikers who can show you the way and potentially help if needed.
Mountain bike rentals
Don’t have a bike with you? In and around Knysna, there are several shops and rental points where you can rent mountain bikes and e-MTBs, often including a helmet and potentially a guide. The Bespoked bike shop on Leisure Isle is a 6-minute walk from the villa in the center of the island.
They can help you with:
- Rental of hardtail or full-suspension mountain bikes in various frame sizes.
- Route advice based on your level (from a Leisure Isle loop to Harkerville Red).
- Guided tours for those who enjoy heading out with a local.
This way, even without your own bike, you can fully enjoy everything Knysna and the surrounding area have to offer – from a relaxed loop around Leisure Isle to a tough Saturday ride through the Harkerville forests.
Harkerville MTB Trails
Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay lies the famous Harkerville Forest, regarded by many as the cradle of mountain biking in the region.
From the Garden of Eden (along the N2), four color-coded loops depart, ranging from an accessible family route to an iconic, technical trail along steep coastal cliffs.
- Yellow Route: easy, mainly gravel and jeep tracks.
- Blue Route: a playful mix of gravel and forest singletrack.
- Green Route: intermediate, with a beautiful loop toward the coast.
- Red Route: the famous, technical “coastal classic” with cliffs, roots, and singletrack for experienced riders.
Saturday ride in Harkerville
Every Saturday, there is an informal group ride in Harkerville, where locals and visitors head into the forest together. Riding in ability groups, they usually tackle the Green and/or Red Route, with plenty of time to enjoy the views and have coffee afterward.
Ideal for visitors to join in safely and socially. You’ll get to know the best lines and sections of singletrack – a perfect start to the weekend for keen bikers.
Water sports on the Knysna Lagoon
The Knysna Lagoon is literally at your feet and offers year-round opportunities for swimming, paddling, and all sorts of other water sports. Its sheltered position between the Knysna Heads usually ensures calm water, making it excellent for both families and active water sports enthusiasts.
Swimming
On Leisure Isle, Bollard Bay Beach is one of the most popular spots for swimming in the lagoon. The shallow, calm waters and soft sandy beach make this a safe and relaxing swimming spot for all ages, with beautiful views of the Knysna Heads.
- Ideal for families with children thanks to the gently sloping beach and shallow water.
- At high tide, the water is perfect for swimming; at low tide, you can walk far out onto the flats, play, or pump for prawns.
The Knysna Seahorses
“We have this amazing estuary, so why is no one swimming?” thought Delle Henry when she arrived as a new resident on Thesen Island in 2015. As an experienced open-water swimmer, used to the cold water of Clifton in Cape Town, she soon gathered a few enthusiastic – but somewhat nervous – fellow swimmers to join her in the Knysna Lagoon. This is how the group now known as the Knysna Seahorses was born.
The Seahorses, recognizable by their pink swim caps, swim year-round and welcome many visitors in the summer who quickly become just as enthusiastic. Three times a week, they depart early in the morning from the Knysna Yacht Club (KYC) for a swim of about 1.8 km (40–45 minutes). You need to be a competent swimmer, but everyone swims at their own pace.
On weekends and public holidays, they enjoy exploring other parts of the lagoon, such as the route between the Heads and Bollard Bay on Leisure Isle. New swimmers and guests are very welcome to join.
Kayaking & SUP
The lagoon is particularly suitable for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). From Leisure Isle or nearby launch spots, you can paddle peacefully past Thesen Islands, the Waterfront, Featherbed Nature Reserve, and Belvidere, while spotting birds and sometimes even seals.
Rental of kayaks and SUP boards is widely available in Knysna, often within walking distance of the water’s edge.
Sailing, boat trips & motorboats
Yachts, catamarans, and motorboats are regulars on the Knysna Lagoon. You can choose from relaxing sunset cruises, short trips to the Heads, or pilot a small rental boat yourself.
Sailing and motorboat trips take you past Featherbed Bay and up to the imposing Knysna Heads. Along the way, you can enjoy sunsets, oyster tastings, or simply the view over the lagoon and ocean.
Active water sports
For those who want something a bit more exciting, the lagoon and its immediate surroundings offer plenty of space for active water sports:
- Water skiing, wakeboarding & tubing on the calmer sections of the lagoon.
- Kitesurfing & foiling when wind and tide are suitable, in designated parts of the lagoon and nearby beaches.
- Snorkeling & diving in and around the lagoon and on the ocean side for those who want to discover the underwater world.
Whether you enjoy a quiet swim at Bollard Bay, want to SUP along Leisure Isle, or feel the wind in your sails during a sunset cruise: the Knysna Lagoon offers something for everyone – all within easy reach of the villa.