The Knysna Heads are the two towering cliffs that guard the narrow, treacherous entrance where Knysna's lagoon meets the sea — the town's defining landmark. For expats on the Garden Route, Knysna is a favourite base, and the Heads are its signature view.
What you're looking at
The two headlands frame a famously dangerous channel into one of South Africa's most important estuaries. The Eastern Head is easily reached and has the main viewpoint (off Coney Glen Road) and the well-loved East Head Café; the Western Head is the private Featherbed Nature Reserve, accessible only by ferry. Below, the calm lagoon is prime territory for boating, kayaking, and oysters — Knysna's other claim to fame.
Visiting as a resident
Knysna sits right on the N2 in the middle of the Garden Route. Drive to the Eastern Head viewpoint for the classic scene; take a lagoon cruise or the Featherbed ferry to reach the Western Head. The channel itself is dangerous for swimming and boating — leave that to experienced skippers.
Good to know
- The Eastern Head viewpoint and East Head Café are the easy highlights.
- The Western Head (Featherbed) is reached only by ferry.
- Don't swim in the channel — the currents here are genuinely dangerous.
- Knysna is a great Garden Route base for a few days.
Related
- Living in South Africa — the full expat guide
- Getting around in South Africa — driving the Garden Route
- Plettenberg Bay — the neighbouring Garden Route town