Knysna

For many good reasons, Knysna is described as "a destination you will never forget". It offers loads to see and do, a smorgasbord of restaurants serving unforgettable cuisine and - possibly most of all - views and vistas that are impossible to forget. Whether you're interested in beaches, forests, cultural heritage or all three - Knysna is an exceptional place to call home.

The real estate on offer in Knysna ranges from stunning standalone houses and exclusive homes ensconced in country estates to townhouses and vacant land upon which you can build your dream.

Knysna's airports/routes: travel effortlessly

Knysna's closest airport is George, which is between 60 and 70 km away. If you're a Knysna resident, you have quick, easy access to the N2, which will get you quickly and easily to Sedgefield, Wilderness and George. In the opposite direction, a drive along the N2 will get you to Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley.

Knysna's history: uncover the back story

Knysna gets its name from a Khoisan word that means "place of wood or fern leaves". The Khoisan people were the first inhabitants of the area, having travelled here from Botswana more than two thousand years ago.

There was great excitement in the 1870s when a gold nugget was discovered in one of Knysna's forests and the area was declared South Africa's first goldfield. However, there was not enough gold to sustain the mining industry.

Knysna's weather: discover the patterns

If you're a resident of Knysna, you get to make the most of a temperate year-round climate. Rainfall is fairly steady throughout the year, with an average of five or six days of rain every month. The hottest months are December, January and February when the mercury is likely to rise into the high 20s or low 30s, dropping to mid-teens at night. A winter's day typically welcomes maximum temperatures in the low 20s.

Knysna's schools: set your child up for success

Your child can start his or her road to success at primary schools like Laerskool Knysna Primary and Hornlee Primary School and continue their education at Knysna High School.

Independent schools in the area include Riverwood Primary School, Trinity Primary School, Knysna Montessori School and Oakhill School.

Knysna's healthcare: get treated by the best

In any emergency, Life Knysna Private Hospital is the place to go. You'll find an array of general practitioners in and around Knysna, including Queen Street Surgery, which offers an online patient portal through which you can schedule appointments and request prescription refills. Various other medical professionals - including dentists, optometrists, physiotherapists and many others - can be found close to home if you're a Knysna resident.

Knysna's shopping scene: enjoy some retail therapy

Whether you need to stock up on groceries, buy a gift or indulge in some retail therapy, Knysna's got you covered. Shopping centres in the area include Knysna Mall, Woodmill Lane Shopping Centre, Knysna Waterfront and Mulberry Garden.

Knysna's special attractions: have a fun day out

When it comes to great ways to spend a day off, Knysna shines. If you're looking for a stunning view or a great place to go for a walk, Knysna Heads is the place to go. For an amazing wildlife experience you'll never forget, spend some time at Knysna Elephant Park. If a day of great food and retail therapy is in order, then The Waterfront Knysna Keys should be your destination.

There is plenty for foodies to enjoy in Knysna, and the town boasts a long list of well-loved restaurants. For unrivalled views of the famous Eastern Head, East Head Cafe is a great spot for breakfast - and the cheesecake is sublime. Blend Country Restaurant is a country-style pub that lets you enjoy delicious food either in a historic building or outside under the Milkwood trees. If you're in the Thesen Island area, look no further than Flo & Co, which serves a range of original pizzas and pasta dishes, as well as delectable meat dishes.

Find a home that inspires you in Knysna

With its eclectic vibes, natural beauty and community spirit, Knysna is a sought-after place to call home. Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty has an array of properties for sale in Knysna.