5 Day Hikes Near Knysna

The Japanese have a tradition known as shinrin yoku, loosely translated to mean ​​’forest-bathing’ or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere’.

Here in Knysna, we are lucky to have pristine examples of South Africa’s Afromontane mistbelt forest – an indigenous jungle that has inspired stories of woodcutters, gold miners and mysterious elephants.

If you’re drawn to the forest, like many others before you, remember the art of shinrin yoku as you hike. This practice teaches us that walking through a forest is not just about physical exercise, but also about connecting with nature and letting its healing properties positively affect mental and emotional health.

Here are a few of our favourite trails in and around Knysna. Fit them in during your stay at Knysna Hollow Country Estate.

Image Credit: Instagram | tanjabantjes

If you love secluded little beaches tucked away in the folds of the coastline, this hike is for you!

The Sparrebosch Fisherman’s Walk begins on Pezula Estate in Sparrebosch Nature Reserve.

Your hike will begin with an easy, undulating path through the shady forest before turning into a gravel incline road that heads towards the beach. The route is well-marked, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding your way.

Fisherman’s Walk is popular among birders and fynbos-lovers. It’s a varied walk – perfect for those with a morning or afternoon to spare – and cuts through an indigenous forest, mountains and the beach.

It’s well worth spending some time at the turnaround point, a pebbly little beach, where two freshwater streams trickle out into the ocean.

Distance: 4,5 km, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on how you fare with steep hills. The climb down to the beach can be slippery in wet weather. Please exercise caution.

Permits: Free

Starting Point: Enter Pezula Estate and look out for a parking lot to your left near the tennis courts and swimming pool. From the parking lot, walk through the tunnel that crosses beneath the road you just drove on. You’ll come to a junction – go right and look for the trail veering into the bushes on your left. You’re off!

Image Credit: Instagram | carika1410

The Circles in the Forest trail is found in Goldfield Forest. It starts and ends at Krisjan-se-Nek picnic site, where you can braai and relax on the grass after spending the morning exploring the leafy forest trails.

You’ll begin at a memorial dedicated to South African author, Dalene Matthee, who wrote the famous Afrikaans novel, Kringe in ’n Bos. Walking along the shaded paths of this trail is like stepping into Matthee’s world, giving hikers insight into what it might have been like to work as a woodcutter in this leafy jungle many moons ago.

The walk is easy to moderate and takes you through the lovely forest, passing by a cool pool and even a waterfall! As you walk, look out for ferns as tall as 3m and ancient Outeniqua Yellowwood trees.

Trail-wise, you have two choices for distance: A short 3,1km loop or a longer 9km loop. Both routes are marked with plastic signs labeled ‘Circles in the Forest’.

Click here for a map of the trail.

Distance: 3,1km or 9km; circular

Difficulty: Easy to moderate, depending on which trail you select

Permits: The trail is managed by SANParks; permits can be obtained at the entrance gate at Bibby’s Hoek (044 389 0252).

Starting Point: Krisjan-se-Nek Picnic Site

Image Credit: Instagram | dam_duiker2000

Situated close to Wilderness, the Giant Kingfisher Trail is well worth the short 30-minute drive from Knysna.

This route follows the Touw River and oscillates gently with the river’s path, making it a comfortable and scenic half-day hike for all ages.

One of the highlights includes a small, hand-drawn pontoon where hikers must pull themselves across the river. After your exciting crossing, the rest of the hike mostly takes place on an elevated boardwalk where you can take your time and look out for colourful birds of the forest.

The hike ends at a beautiful waterfall – the perfect spot for a picnic and swim. This is a popular trail and can get busy on sunny days. Set off early if you’d like to spend some quality time alone at the waterfall.

Distance: 8,3 km, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate; suited to most fitness levels

Permits: Purchase your permit at the Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of Garden Route National Park where the hike starts.

Image Credit: Instagram | nicolegrange

A summertime favourite…

After walking under the beautiful forest canopy for about half an hour, the trees of the Drupkelders Trail open up to reveal the Homtini River and magnificent rock pools!

This may be a short hike, but the last 10 minutes involve quite a steep climb – brace yourself – but the views are worth it.

Distance: 3,6km, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate. While this is a short hike, the inclines and declines are steep.

Permits: Obtain your permit from the access gate at the Goudveld Entrance boom at Bibby’s Hoek. You will turn left at this boom to Drupkelders.

Image Credit: Instagram | tanjabantjes

This short hike is less about elevating your heart rate and more about exploring the lush forest around you while learning about Knysna’s gold rush era. There are even old relics from those days on this trail and an offshoot route which will take you to Millwood, Knysna’s abandoned mining town from the 1880s.

Jubilee Creek is a favourite route among Knysna locals and follows a small portion of the Outeniqua Trail. It ends up at a wonderful picnic site, where you can unpack your snacks and settle in for a beautiful morning of admiring your forest surroundings.

A word of caution: All the above trails can be slippery in wet weather. Be mindful of this before setting off.

Distance: 3,2km, out-and-back

Difficulty: Easy

Permits: Permits obtainable from the Goudveld entrance gate at Bibby’s Hoek. Enquire after the hike’s starting point here.

If you’re not from the Garden Route area, it’s advisable to take a charged phone with you on your day hike.
Download one of the two apps listed below before setting off as an additional resource and failsafe. We don’t want you getting lost!

Both apps contain all the necessary information you need to know about your chosen hike, from duration to permit costs, as well as other trail suggestions to try out during your Knysna vacation. A prepared hiker is a safe hiker.

• Plett Trails App
• ForgeSA

Situated just outside of Knysna central, Knysna Hollow offers a tranquil base from which to enjoy all of the area’s best hiking routes.

We offer accommodation in 44 contemporary Garden Suites, all elegantly decorated in subtle hues of the surrounding forests and ocean. All offer air-conditioning, satellite television, Nespresso® coffee stations, mini-bar fridges and private patios with outdoor seating overlooking the gardens and the two sparkling swimming pools.

We would love to welcome you to Knysna Hollow. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch by contacting our team via email at reservations@knysnahollow.co.za or using our online booking platform to check rates and availability.