About Knysna

Knysna sits roughly halfway along the Garden Route, built around a tidal lagoon enclosed by a pair of sandstone cliffs (the Knysna Heads) that form one of the most photographed entrances on the South African coast. It is a tourism town first — population around 80,000, but pulling 600,000+ tourist visits a year — and a wedding-and-events town second. The conferencing economy is built around boutique lakeside hotels, lodge resorts and the broader Garden Route experience.

Where conferences happen

Pezula Resort (cliff-top, with a championship golf course and views across the Heads), Conrad Pezula, Belvidere Manor, The Rex Hotel, Knysna Hollow, and a long list of boutique guesthouses handle most events. Capacity per venue is small (40–250 delegates). The annual Knysna Oyster Festival and Pink Loerie Mardi Gras can crowd venue availability — book around them. Larger destination conferences typically split between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

When to pick Knysna

Mid-sized incentive programmes, executive retreats, board off-sites, and destination conferences where the lagoon view, oyster lunches and forest walks are part of the brief. It is not a fly-in conference town (no airport — you fly to George or Plett). Plan on a 4-day-minimum programme or it doesn't justify the travel time.

Getting there

George Airport is 50 minutes; Plettenberg Bay Airport (small, charter-only) is 25 minutes. Drive from Cape Town is 5 hours via the N2; from Port Elizabeth 3.5 hours.

Climate and seasonality

Same Garden Route year-round pattern as George — warm summers, mild winters, rain across the year. The Knysna Forest microclimate adds noticeable humidity. Whale season (June–November) is a strong shoulder-season draw.

What to budget

Day-delegate packages R1,200–R2,400; accommodation R2,500–R6,000 four-star, R8,000+ at Pezula and Conrad. December peak premium can be 30%+.