Knysna is celebrated for many things: its ancient forests, vast liquid landscapes, endless beaches, migratory whales, a rare seahorse, forest elephants, and, of course, the annual Knysna Oyster Festival. Every year, thousands of fitness fanatics, oyster lovers, foodies, wine fundi’s and general hedonists flock to our shores to enjoy this popular annual festival that promises “The 10 best days of your winter.” This year the festival is set to take place from 21 June – 30 June 2019 and the programme of is chock full of amazing events.
We have hand-picked a few events and experiences that we hope will both uplift your spirit and keep you properly entertained during the festival. Experiences that epitomize the very best that Knysna has to offer.
Knysna Gin Friday Cocktails & Happy Hour
21 June 2019 – 10am-10pm
Why not kick start the festival shenanigans at the Knysna Gin distillery. They are hosting what they are calling a “very generous” happy hour, offering locally distilled cocktails with a difference! They open for business before the Boeing has even flown over, so you can get that party started nice and early!
Distillery open from 10:00 – 22:00
Daily happy hour: 16:00 – 17:00
Friday night cocktails: 16:00 – 22:00
For more information contact: Kay Merryweather
www.knysna-gin.com
+27 (0)72 242 9012
The “not so” Secret Something – Adult Edition
23rd June – 4:00 pm
Book your ticket for the well-known cabaret show called Bijou, which is full of teasing acts punctuated with deliciously naughty comedy and pizzazz. “They are calling it a little spicy, a little naughty and a lot of fun.”
Bring your own drinks, glasses and snacks.
For more information and bookings contact:
Sasha Events
082 450 9301
Tickets also available at Tiger Lilly – Knysna Mall.
The River of Gold forest walk
27th June – 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
You can’t leave Knysna until you have walked among the leafy giants of the indigenous forest and meandered along cool, cola-coloured streams. Join a specialist tour and photographic guide and his team, on a walk back in time along the Jubilee Creek River and discover the secrets of the Knysna forest. They will meet at the boom gate at the Goudveld section near Rheenendal to complete the SANPARKS permits and get ready to enjoy the walk.
Cost: R350.00 per adult / R 200 per child under age of 12
For more information Contact: Andrew Aveley
tours@knysnaphototours.co.za
Website – Knysna Photo Tours
Guided Snorkelling Excursion
26th Jun – 8:00 am – 10:00 am
The underwater realm of Knysna’s almost 2000 hectare estuary supports a wonderfully rich diversity of species that promises to fill you with awe. Dive in and explore the magic of the deep in and around the Knysna Heads. Catch a glimpse of the famous Pequita wreck and the many species that find sanctuary here.
Book a day in advance to enjoy this excursion. Check out their website www.TripOut.co.za
For more information contact: Matt
083 306 3587
TripOut@gmail.com
Flavours of Knysna
This year’s Flavours of Knysna is a taking on a whole new format! Oysters will no longer be the ‘piece de resistance’ of the competition. This year, chefs from around Knysna will have the opportunity to showcase their canapé skills. “The idea is to highlight the many talents of the chefs by allowing them to cast their nets more widely than they could when we limited entries to oysters alone,” said the event organiser, Picca de Bruin. “Now they can make any kind of canapés they like – sweet or savoury, meat or vegan – and the guests will judge them, and vote on them, accordingly.”
Prizes will be awarded for the best canapé, as well as for the best stand.
26th June – 6:00 pm
Tickets on sale at Visit Knysna Information Office: 40 Main Road, Knysna.
R220.00 per person.
For more information contact: Picca de Bruin
082 571 2462
Piccascene@cyberperk.co.za
Knysna Wine Festival
Dates: 28 & 29 June 2019 Time: 17:30 – 21:30
This long-running wine festival is one of the most popular events on the Oyster Festival calendar and for good reason. For the price of a ticket you and your buddies will get the opportunity to quaff a delightful array of wines from 50 of South Africa’s Top Wine Estates. Book your ticket and your designated driver now for an evening to remember!
A wide range local whisky, craft beer and gin brands have now been added to the heady mix of offerings so there is something to suit everyone’s tastes.
Tickets R150pp / Venue: Premier Resort – Knysna Moorings
For more information contact: Belinda Hobson
074 456 2253
managerknysnawinefestival@gmail.com
Michaelknysnawinefestival@gmail.com
infoknysnawinefestival@gmail.com
Whale watching with Ocean Odyssey
Wintertime is whale time in Knysna. Many thousands of southern right and humpback whales are currently travelling along our coastline en-route to the warmer waters off Mozambique where they mate and give birth. We exit the Knysna heads (weather permitting) on a daily basis and seek out these gentle giants of the deep.
Sunset cruise on Springtide Charters
Gliding across a body of water powered by nothing but the wind is a soul soothing experience like no other. The ‘Outeniqua’ – a sleek 50 ft monohull yacht – carves the waters of the Knysna Estuary with ease and is perfectly suited to handle the dynamic waters of the Indian Ocean. The aesthetic character of the Knysna Estuary and adjacent coastline provides the perfect backdrop for sailing and our famous winter sunsets can be enjoyed whilst sipping on some local bubbly.
To enjoy these two life-changing experiences contact:
044 382 0321 / 044 382 0421
or 082 852 9402
info@oceanodyssey.co.za