After two years of virtual festivities, the Knysna Oyster Festival (KOF) makes a welcome return to being a physical event this year, and as one of the Garden Route Route and Klein Karoo’s most iconic winter is set to return with interest.
Running for over a week in July, the Knysna Oyster Festival is jam-packed with activities sure to appeal to just about everybody. From oysters and wine to live entertainment and sports, the festival is one of the most popular events in the country and a staple for locals.
What makes it so special is the incredible diversity of events on offer – from the annual bicycle race and Forest Marathon to beer and live music – everybody is catered for at the festival. Race in the morning and relax in the evening.
Then repeat!
Keen to join in the festivities or already booked and want to plan your time in Knysna? Read on for just some of the highlights of the 10-day festival.
KOF Highlights
Knysna Forest Marathon
The annal Knysna Forest Marathon is one of the most popular running event on the South African calendar, with a half marathon and marathon distance on offer. Drawing thousands of participants every year, the route takes runners through the Knysna Forests, and should be on every runner’s bucket list of events to tick off.
More information: https://bit.ly/3QhJFFh
2-day Knysna Cycle Tour
The Knysna Cycle Tour is back in 2022, with a brand new format to enjoy. The Knysna Cycle Tour is a highlight of the annual Knysna Oyster Festival. It is also one of the major sporting events of the festival, traditionally taking place over the first weekend of the 10-day event. This year, competitors can enjoy a MTB event that runs over two days with all entrants 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝟳 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀 to two of the area’s best trail parks – The Garden Route Trail Park & Fynbos-on-Sea – which both, of course, offer magical views and scenery!
More information:https://bit.ly/3mFKMRt
The Featherbed Trail Run
What better way to experience the beauty of The Featherbed Nature Reserve than on foot? The Featherbed Trail Run has two options, the 21km Great White or the 11km Seahorse, but they one thing in common: incredible terrain and an epic day out. The 12th edition of the Featherbed Trail Run turns the event, quite literally, on its head. For the first time, the course will be reversed, starting in town with the closing kilometers weaving down the Garden Routes' most iconic feature, Knysna’s Western Heads.
More information:https://bit.ly/3NLe8Kk
The Garden Route Trail Park Sunrise Run
The forests around Knysna are as iconic as The Heads, and this 7km family trail run gives you the opportunity to explore them off the beaten track. Promises a fantastic morning for all who take part.
More information: https://bit.ly/3tzm1u9
Off-road Adventure into Back and Beyond.
This incredible off-raod adventure allows you travel on restricted access dirt roads on SANParks property to areas of the Garden Route National Park that are usually off-limits to the public including the Knysna River gorge and catchment areas. Enjoy vistas of fynbos, mountains, and valleys in this one-of-a-kind experience.
More information:https://bit.ly/3zPTMvp
Oyster Better Ball Golf Championship
Get you golfing buddies together and sign up for the inaugural Oyster Better Ball Championship 2022 for a day of golf at one of the Garden Route’s finest facilities – Knysna Golf Club. The format on the day is better ball with a twist.
More information:https://bit.ly/3zxBOgK
Food and wine
Savanna Oyster Hotspots are back this year and wine aficionados will be able to taste over 200 wines from more than 50 different wine estates at the Knysna Wine Festival. Count us in! This incredible event will be showcasing 20 of South Africa’s top wineries, bringing up to six of their flagship wines, for visitors to sample. Not only will you be able to taste up to 120 top SA wines, but you will also have the opportunity to purchase them at special cellar door prices. The festival will also include craft beer, gin, and whisky tastings, should you be looking for something other than wine (or simply want to add to the occasion).
More information:https://bit.ly/3NMOhl8
Family friendly
Explore the Mudflats and Rocky Shores of Knysna
Great for families, these guided tours explore the mudflats around Leisure Island, and the rockpools at the Knysna Heads, teaching you all about the area and the eco-system that thrives in these rocky pools.
Or dress up like a pirate and take part in the Treasure hunt on the local Black Pearl!
Dress like a pirate climb on board the Knysna Pirate Ship for a fun cruise finding treasures as they sail towards the Knysna Heads. This beautiful wooden Ketch sailboat will give you the freedom to live out your inner pirate adventure as you sail around the Knysna Lagoon. A great outing for the whole family.
Be sure to keep your eye on the Knysna Oyster Festival website for more exciting experience, like the ‘Boats of Knysna’ Expo taking place on both weekends at the Knysna Waterfront, Arts & Crafts sessions, forest experiences and workshops. The Festival is using Knysna’s natural playground to create great experiences in wide open spaces, enjoying the best life has to offer with family and friends.
See you in Knysna!
