Before we go any further I have to admit that this recent trip to Knysna was my first in a long, long time. Somehow I was convinced that I was headed for some glorified retirement village by the sea. In a word... boring.

As we drove across the lagoon and entered what I’d imagined to be a sleepy forest village, with little old ladies shuffling down tree-lined lanes, I was instead confronted with a tourism Mecca.

The lively, bustling main street is thronged with tourists of all ages, shapes and nationalities. Bars, restaurants, and strangely appealing little shops clamour for your attention. New developments pop up everywhere – from new shopping precincts to the waterside mansions on Thesen’s Island, and the Knysna waterfront.

The old contrasts deliciously with the new – all fringed by the breathtaking greenery of the Knysna forests and the watery expanse of the lagoon and culminates in the Knysna heads – a matched pair of sheer cliffs that expose the lagoon to the sea.

Sitting at Paquita’s on the rocks at the Heads, my initial impressions of Knysna were completely shattered. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and was full of backpackers, families and couples. A young group of students from Johannesburg spent an hour telling us about all of the adventure opportunities – from bungi jumping at nearby Bloukrans and Gourits, to quad biking, jet-skiing, powerboating, paragliding, kitesurfing and abseiling.

As evening fell, the waterside bars and restaurants became alive. Our favourites included the sumptuous Lush on Thesen’s Island, and the Cruise Café on Knysna Lagoon.

Knysna has to be one of South Africa’s most idyllic tourism destinations, with something for everyone. For more information on Knysna and the surrounds, visit www.visitknysna.co.za.

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