OnTap Magazine

ON THE HOP The self catering units at The Lofts Boutique Hotel are perfect for relaxing after a day of Knysna adventuring SEE AND DO It’s a rare South African traveller that hasn’t been to Knysna and you might think you’ve seen and done it all, but the little Garden Route town actually packs a tremendous amount of activities into its pretty borders. Top of the list should be the lagoon, which you can explore by kayak, speedboat, RIB, catamaran or a Mississippi-style paddle steamer. Next stop has to be the forest. On the gentlest end of the scale, you can picnic or take a short walk. ere are of course plenty of day hikes, plus mountain biking trails and overnight treks exploring the various sections of the forest and if you don’t feel like peddling or walking, you could try a tour on a fat-wheeled electric scooter. If none of that is adrenaline-pumping enough, how about tackling the longest and highest zipline adventure on the Garden Route. e newly opened Knysna Ziplines swoops you across a gorge, over the treetops and gives some spectacular coastal views from the Harkerville section of the forest. And if all that sounds a little too energetic, there are more placid activities on o er. Top of the list is a visit to Judah Square with Brother Zeb, who will tell you all about Knysna’s Rastafarian population in his inimitable way. EAT Knysna is synonymous with oysters and while these days the bulk of the oysters you’ll see on menus come from other parts of the country, there is still a small cultivation area in the lagoon. Boat trips with the Knysna Oyster Company include a tutored tasting, or if you just want to dig into some fresh seafood, try the no frills Freshline Fisheries with its al fresco dining and sandy oors. If you’re looking for breakfast or have a hankering for cake and co ee, do not miss a visit to Île de Pain . e bread selection is freshly baked daily, the pastries are some of the best in the province and the co ee is excellent. Best of all though, if you’re a fan of decadence, the hot chocolate de luxe is cocoa-based happiness in a ceramic goblet. DRINK Although Knysna was home to the country’s rst ever microbrewery, all that remains of Mitchell’s these days is a few tattered signs in the empty unit overlooking the lagoon. Further east though, in the industrial area that was home to the original Mitchell’s Brewery, is Red Bridge Brewing Company . Started in 2013, the brewery was taken over in 2019 and has been upgrading and expanding ever since. e cheery – and aptly named – owners, Chantal and Karel Bruwer, and their team welcome beer lovers for tastings and pints in the garden shared with a number of other small businesses. For those who don’t fancy a beer, there’s also the excellent Phantom gins, designed by Chantal and Karel, and produced by Hope Distillery in CapeTown. If you're a fan of gin, you should also check out the Turbine Hotel's Gastro Pub, where there's G&T on tap and a range of gin cocktails on the menu. Visit between 17:30 and 19:30 for their two-for-one happy hour. SLEEP With every second building seemingly containing a guest house or hotel, nding accommodation in Knysna is not di cult. Choosing the right place to stay however can be a tricky decision. If you’re on a budget, try Jembjo’s , a friendly, family-run backpackers close to the Waterfront and esen Island. For something a little fancier but that won’t break the bank, head to e Lofts Boutique Hotel on esen Island, part of the Cape Country Routes portfolio. Based in refurbished boat-building sheds, the airy rooms manage to perfectly deliver a luxury experience that is never stu y, thanks to the industrial chic décor and homely hospitality. ere’s an on-site spa, bikes to hire and for breakfast you get a voucher valid in one of four local restaurants, giving you the perfect excuse to get out and explore. KNYSNA Thesen Island as seen from the lagoon Taking a break at the Knysna Heads The courtyard at Red Bridge is a lovely spot for a pint 44 | Summer 2020 | ontapmag.co.za