Garden Route National Park update: Temporary closure of hiking trail activities in the Knysna section

Travellers along South Africa’s Garden Route should exercise extreme caution this week. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 8 warning for the eastern parts of the Garden Route (including George, Knysna, Bitou, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn), indicating a high likelihood of heavy rainfall, flooding, and dangerous conditions. An Orange Level 6 warning is in place over the Central Karoo and western parts of the Garden Route.

In response, South African National Parks (SANParks) has closed all hiking trails in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park from 04 to 07 May 2026.

What this means for travellers

• All hiking trails remain closed in the Knysna section
• Expect localized flooding, slippery terrain, and possible road disruptions
• Outdoor and nature-based activities are significantly impacted

Travel advice

Given the severity of a Level 8 warning:

• Avoid non-essential outdoor activities, including lagoon cruises and scenic drives in exposed areas
• Stick to indoor or sheltered options (restaurants, galleries, accommodation-based experiences)
• Monitor official updates and do not attempt to bypass closures or barriers

Bottom line

This is not routine bad weather—travel plans should be adjusted conservatively. Safety-first decision-making is essential until conditions stabilise.

 

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Outeniqua Choo Tjoe revival: South Africa’s legendary steam train returns! [update #2]

update (03 December 2025):  Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe company began this week to clear the vegetation that has overgrown the George-Knysna line in many places. 
According to Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, this was necessary so that engineers can make a proper assessment of the line in order to finalise the capital expenditure that will be required to put the iconic train back on track. 
Clearing began at the Sedgefield Station, and will continue towards Knysna, with the George-Sedgefield section to be cleared in the second phase.

update (27 October 2025): Transnet is set to host an official signing ceremony today at George in the Western Cape, paving the way for the reintroduction of the iconic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. 

After almost two decades of silence, one of South Africa’s most beloved heritage trains - the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe - is set to return to the tracks. The legendary steam train of the Garden Route, which once ran between George and Knysna, will soon be revived as a flagship tourism attraction thanks to renewed investment and local collaboration.
Alan McVitty, CEO of Classic Rail and the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, confirmed that his company has secured all the required contracts and partnered with new funding partners to rebuild the historic railway line. “We’re thrilled to announce that everything is now on track. The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is coming back,” McVitty said on 06 October 2025.

A South African rail icon
The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe first began operating in 1928, quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most scenic rail journeys. Winding its way along the spectacular Garden Route coastline, the train offered breathtaking views of lakes, forests, and beaches, making it a favourite among local travellers and international visitors alike.
The service was discontinued after severe flood damage to the line in 2006, followed by years of uncertainty and stalled negotiations. Since then, railway enthusiasts, tourism bodies, and the local community have been campaigning passionately for its return - and now, after nearly 20 years, that dream is finally becoming reality.

Two-Phase Return to the Tracks
Classic Rail plans to reopen the route in two phases:

• Phase 1: Knysna to Sedgefield
• Phase 2: Sedgefield to George

The first phase is expected to take about 12 months to complete. A Ceremonial Signature Event will soon be held to mark this landmark milestone - a celebration of the joint effort between Classic Rail, Transnet Freight Rail, and local Garden Route businesses that made the revival possible.

Restoration and engineering work underway
Several locomotives are currently undergoing restoration in Gauteng, while the passenger carriages are being refurbished in George. Plans also include the establishment of a dedicated steam workshop along the line. Once ready, the rolling stock will be transported by road to the Knysna–Sedgefield section, where the first passenger services will begin.
“Our team is already clearing vegetation from the line so that we can inspect the tracks, bridges, and engineering structures,” McVitty explained. “Safety is our top priority - both for passengers and the project team.”

Tourism revival for the Garden Route
The return of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is expected to reignite tourism along the Garden Route, attracting thousands of visitors eager to relive one of South Africa’s most iconic travel experiences. The project promises to create sustainable local jobs, boost small businesses, and strengthen the region’s reputation as one of Africa’s top coastal destinations.
“It’s too early to start taking bookings, but we’ll keep everyone updated through our social media platforms,” said McVitty. “The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe is more than a train – it’s a symbol of heritage, community, and collaboration. Together with local businesses, everybody wins.”

 

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Garden Route National Park: Access requirements for the Komsepad section of the Knysna Lakes Section!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the implementation of access requirements for the Komsepad section of the Knysna Lakes Section of the Garden Route National Park from 01 November 2024. The access requirements, including standard conservation and cycling permit fees which are not new, are part of a broader effort to manage the area effectively. Permit fees collected will directly support the maintenance, security, and continued conservation of the park’s resources, ensuring they remain available for public enjoyment and ecological sustainability. Cyclists and other regular park visitors may obtain daily permits at the Komsepad entry gate or pre-book them through SANParks' Diepwalle office.

The Knysna Lakes Section of the Garden Route National Park is a beautiful and ecologically diverse area in South Africa’s Western Cape, centered around the Knysna Estuary. This section is renowned for its lush indigenous forests, unique marine and estuarine ecosystems, and historical charm. It’s a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, bird-watchers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.

This town in the Western Cape has the cleanest air in South Africa!

Swiss air quality technology company IQAir yesterday (14 March 2023) released the 5th Annual World Air Quality Report, which reveals details of the world’s most polluted countries, territories, and regions in 2022. For this year’s report, data from more than 30,000 air quality monitoring stations across 7,323 locations in 131 countries, territories, and regions was analyzed by the company’s air quality scientists. According to the Report, Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape is not only the city with the cleanest air (PM2.5* concentration 0.8 µg/m³) in South Africa, but also on the African continent. Grabouw (2.6 µg/m³), also located in the Western Cape, comes in second followed by Nieuwoudtville (3.4 µg/m³) in the Northern Cape, Knysna (5.2 µg/m³) and Cape Town (6.7 µg/m³). On the downside, two South African cities are among the most polluted cities on the African continent. Thabazimbi* (42.2 µg/m³) in Limpopo is the city in South Africa with the worst air quality (Africa #7) followed by Ekurhuleni (31.0 µg/m³ | Africa #13) in Gauteng. South Africa as a whole has the 39th worst air of the 131 countries in the report. The country had an average PM2.5 concentration of 23.40.8 µg/m³ in 2022.

Please note: Only 19 out of 54 countries in Africa had sufficient data available to be included in the 5th Annual World Air Quality Report, leaving 35 countries unaccounted for.

* The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for PM2.5 concentrations is five micrograms per cubic meter or 5 µg/m³ annually.
** Thabazimbi experienced several fire breakouts and a shortage of operational firefighting in 2022 observed annual PM2.5 levels around 42.2 µg/m³, a 50% increase in comparison to 2021.

Five destinations in South Africa among the "Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World"!

According to the findings of the global Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI), a travel data intelligence solution created by the destination marketing agency Destination Think, five destinations in South Africa are among the "Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World" in 2021, with Knysna ranking in the Top 20 at #19, Stellenbosch #23, Hermanus #41, Cape Town #54 (all in the Western Cape) and Pretoria #73 (Gauteng).

Leading Places: The 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World

19. Knysna - Tourism Sentiment Score® 30.23
23. Stellenbosch - Tourism Sentiment Score® 29.31
41. Hermanus - Tourism Sentiment Score® 27.65
54. Cape Town - Tourism Sentiment Score® 26.44
73. Pretoria - Tourism Sentiment Score® 24.77

The Tourism Sentiment Index (TSI) tracked the sentiment of travellers online across a staggering 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available about 21,330 global destinations to determine how people felt about destinations around the world. The Tourism Sentiment Score® is a measure of a destination’s ability to generate positive word of mouth about its tourism offering. It is an aggregate score that focuses solely on online conversations and content that reference or affect a potential traveller’s perceptions of a destination’s tourism offering.

Covid-19: South African National Parks to introduce stricter safety measures for Garden Route National Park during the festive season!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that stricter measures to curb infections with Covid-19 will be introduce for all three sections - Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness - of the Garden Route National Park during this festive season. According to Vuyiswa Thabethe, General Manager for the Garden Route region of SANParks, the following measures will apply effective 16 December 2020: 

• A quota system will be implemented at all entrance gates in the Garden Route National Park in Tsitsikamma, Wilderness and Knysna. 
• Popular areas like Island Lake, Tarentaal and the Half-collard Kingfisher Trail will have a quota system, restricting the number of people entering the facilities.
• The Wilderness Lagoon area (Touw River Mouth), closer to the Wilderness beach, will be closed completely from the 15th of December 2020 to the 15th of January 2021. 
• Other controlled access areas in Wilderness include those leading to Big trees like Krisjian se Nek, Dalene Matthee memorial and popular picnic spots. Visitors will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• The Knysna estuary will remain open for water-based commercial tourism activities, recreational fishing and bait collecting (in allowed zones) as well as recreational water activities. 
• Knysna Estuary users are requested to comply with the required Covid-19 prevention protocols, including social distancing, regular sanitising and use of masks. 
• All permitted commercial operators on the Knysna estuary have signed COVID-19 declaration protocols to confirm they comply with all the necessary COVID-19 prevention protocols and hence provide a safe and enjoyable experience for guests.
• Knysna estuary users are requested to comply with the required vessel capacity, both in terms of safety regulations and in terms of COVID-19 prevention regulations to ensure recreational use of the estuary does not become one of the sources of infections.
• All hiking and cycling trails in Garden Route National Park remain open and will implement a quota system.
• Picnic areas in Garden Route National Park that do not have an entrance gate will remain closed.
• Vessel and boat permits, activity permits and other recreational permits are available at Park reception areas on Thesen Island office (Knysna), Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness and de Vasselot camp in Natures Valley.
• Visitors are reminded to always be in possession of a valid permit to avoid a fine being issued.
• Fishing and bait collection permits can only be purchased from the South African Post Office (SAPO) during official operating hours. 
• Annual or Seasonal Vessel Permits can be bought from the Thesen Island office (Knysna) Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00, only.
• Cycling permits (annual, monthly, family and daily permits) can be obtained from the Garden of Eden, Harkerville Office or Diepwalle Office.
  

Garden Route National Park: Stringent safety measures will apply during the summer holidays!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that stringent safety measures will apply in all three sections - Tsitsikamma, Knysna and Wilderness - of the Garden Route National Park during this summer holidays. According to Vuyiswa Thabethe, General Manager for the Garden Route region of SANParks, Park Rangers will be on high alert during this period keeping visible patrols in all areas to ensure compliance of rules, protection of nature and visitors alike. SANParks also encourages visitors to observe social distancing at all times, wear their masks, sanitize hands at all entrances and be willing to have their temperature checked.

• A quota system will be introduced in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park as from 16 December 2020. Popular areas like Island Lake, Tarentaal and the Half-collard Kingfisher Trail will have a quota system, restricting the number of people entering the facilities.
• The Lagoon area, closer to the Wilderness beach, will be closed completely from 15 December 2020 to 15 January 2021.
• Other controlled access areas include those leading to Big trees like Krisjian se Nek, Dalene Matthee memorial and popular picnic spots. Visitors will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Vessel and boat permits, activity permits and other recreational permits are available at Park reception areas on Thesen Island office (Knysna), Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness.
• Fishing and bait collection permits can only be purchased from the South African Post Office (SAPO) during official operating hours.
• Annual or Seasonal Vessel Permits can be bought from the Thesen Island office (Knysna) Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00 and Saturdays 08:00 - 13:00, only.
• Emergencies on the Knysna Estuary can be reported to the Knysna Ranger on Duty at 082 269 5007.
• Cycling permits (annual, monthly, family and daily permits) can be obtained from the Garden of Eden, Harkerville Office or Diepwalle Office.

The Garden Route's longest and highest ziplines opens in the Garden Route National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) in partnership SA Forest Adventures launched
"Knysna Ziplines", the Garden Route's longest and highest zipline, on 15 September2020. Located in the Knysna Lakes section of Garden Route National Park between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, "Knysna Ziplines" offers scenic views of the Kranshoek Gorge, the ocean, fynbos and indigenous forests. The zipline, which is 2.2km in length and reaches heights of more than 200m, will start operating with four lines, increasing to six lines by the end of 2020. The official opening takes place on 18 September 2020.

"Knysna Ziplines" initially got the thumbs up to proceed with construction in 2017 but were disrupted by the 2017 Knysna fires. Work restarted in late 2018 and was completed just before COVID-19 related lockdown started in March 2020.

Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of hiking trails due to rain!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed hiking trails, including the world-famous multi-day Outeniqua hiking trail, in the Diepwalle Forest and the Harkerville Forest in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park due to rain. According to the Park Manager for the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park, Megan Taplin, "it is great to see rivers overflowing, the trails will be closed temporarily until after the rain. This is done to also protect hikers and nature walkers who use trails in Diepwalle and Harkerville forests".
The hiking trails in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park remain open.

Southern Africa: Rainfall outlook (March - May 2019)! >>

Knysna: The Featherbed Nature Reserve has been reopened!

One of Knysna's biggest tourist attractions, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, has been reopened on 01 December 2018. The privately-owned Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head of the famous landmarks known as "The Knynsa Heads", was closed since June 2017 due to a major fire that destroyed about 90% of the vegetation in the Nature Reserve, with only patches of forest and scrub left uncharred. The Featherbed Nature Reserve offers various activities such as cruising the lagoon, nature trails and hiking "The Knysna Heads", as well as hosting private functions, conferences, and weddings at any of its venues.

Knysna: Featherbed Nature Reserve set to reopen!

One of Knysna's biggest tourist attractions, the Featherbed Nature Reserve, just announced it long-awaited re-opening. The privately-owned Nature Reserve, situated on the Western Head in Knysna, is set to open again on 15 October 2018. The Knysna Fires of 2017 destroyed about 90% of the vegetation in the Nature Reserve, with only patches of forest and scrub left uncharred. The owners therefore decided to close the Featherbed Nature Reserve so that the eco-system had time to recover.

New image video: The "Spirit of Knysna"!

Knysna Tourism started a new destination marketing campaign, #SpiritofKnysna, last week with the launch of a brand new image video. The two-minute video was filmed in Knysna and Sedgefield and showcases the highlights of the Greater Knysna area, including the lagoon, forest and beaches. It was produced by local filmmaker Daron Chatz and the original soundtrack was written and recorded by local musician Tigger Reunert. Enjoy!

Garden Route National Park: Progress of hiking trails in the Harkerville area after the fires in June 2017!

The Harkerville area in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park, an activity hub for nature and is known for its blue duiker population, was heavily affected by the Knysna fires in June 2017. South African National Parks (SANParks) has now released an update on the current status of the hiking trails in the Harkerville area:

Harkerville Trail
The trail was re-routed in December 2017 pending the recovery of the burnt area however the coastal portion of the trail is still closed. An alternative scenic route was opened along the coastal ridge. Bookings for the trail are open.

Kranshoek Trail
The Kranshoek Trail is still closed, and maintenance work is currently underway. About 90% of the route is complete but rebuilding and rehabilitation of the route is underway.

Kranshoek Viewpoint
Currently still closed and not accessible to visitors as yet until management and scientists have finalised urgent deliverables pertaining to the area.

Garden Route: The project to revive the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train is on track!

Classic Rail, the private consortium that's working to restore train services on the historic Knysna <> George railway line, has released a first status update since August/September 2016. According to the update, which was released earlier today (19 February 2018), the project to revive the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train is on track. Transnet Freight Rail accepted Classic Rail's revised business plan during January 2018, and they are now attending to the matter as quickly as they can. We'll keep you posted!

The Outeniqua Choo Tjoe steam train

Garden Route National Park: Progress in the Harkerville area after the Knysna Fires!

The Harkerville area in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park, an activity hub for nature and is known for its blue duiker population, was heavily affected by the Knysna fires in June 2017. South African National Parks (SANParks) just released an update on the current status of the activities available in the Harkerville area:

Kranshoek Picnic area

• The picnic area is open for use however there are portable toilets for visitors to use after the fire burnt the old toilet block.
• SANParks is fast-tracking the procurement process of new water tanks to provide drinking water by the 15 December 2017.
  

Kranshoek Trail

• The Kranshoek Trail is still closed, and maintenance work is currently underway.
• About 90% of the route is complete and the rest should be open by end of this week (week 46).
• Rebuilding and rehabilitating the route will probably continue until end of December 2017. The trail should be up and running by the end January 2018.
• There is a clear sign at the entrance and parking area to inform the public of closure and maintenance of routes.
  

Kranshoek Viewpoint

• Currently still closed and not accessible to visitors as yet until management and scientists have finalised urgent deliverables pertaining to the area.

Harkerville Trail

• The coastal portion of the trail is still closed.
• An alternative scenic route was opened along the coastal ridge
• Bookings the trail will be open as from 20 November 2017.

Garden Route National Park: Cycling & hiking trails in Harkerville open after fire!

South African National Parks (SANParks) announced on 04 July 2017 that most hiking and cycling routes in the Harkerville area in the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park are accessible again.

• The Kranshoek Coastal Day Walk will most likely reopen on 07 July 2017
• The Perdekop Hiking Trail is open
• The Petrus-se-Brand Cycle Route is open
• Except for the Red Route, all MTB trails in the Harkerville area, including the Graspad Trail (Black Route), the Blue Route, Yellow Route and the Green Route, are open.
• The multi-day Harkerville Coast Hiking Trail and the Kranshoek Viewpoint and Picnic Site remain closed

Garden Route: Knysna forest not affected by the fire! >>

Knysna: The Pick n Pay 2017 Knysna Oyster Festival is going ahead as planned! >>

Garden Route: Knysna forest not affected by the fire!

The iconic Knysna forest, South Africa's largest portion of Southern Afrotemperate Forests, was not affected by the recent fire that devasted the town of Knysna and it's surroundings in early June 2017. The forest, which is spanning across some 60,500 hectares of land, from George to Tsitsikamma in the East, is accessible from Goudveld to Diepwalle.
The Knysna forest is home to over 22 species of amphibians, 24 reptile species, 305 species of birds and some 42% of South Africa’s 290 mammal species. At least 7.1% of the Park’s mammals are listed as endangered (EN) and 14% as vulnerable (VU). Some of the trees in the forest, like the King Edward Big tree in Diepwalle, the Dalene Matthee Memorial and the Hoekwil Big tree are 600 years old. The famous Tsitsikamma Big tree is estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old.

Knysna: The Pick n Pay 2017 Knysna Oyster Festival is going ahead as planned!

The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival in Knysna, one of South Africa's most popular festivals, is going ahead as planned. Although the town of Knysna suffered extensive damage in this week's devastating fires, plans for the festival are continuing. The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival will take place from 07 - 16 July 2017.

Sporting events

• Momentum Knysna Cycle Tour
• Momentum Knysna Forest Marathon and Half Marathon
• BIG5 Challenge (MTB)
• Europcar Knysna Classic (golf)
• Oyster Rapid Chess Tournament
• Knysna Oyster Festival Motorsport Gymkhana
  

Food offerings

• Pick n Pay Seafood Wednesday
• Pick n Pay SASSI Fish Braai, Oyster Shucking and Eating Competitions
• Pick n Pay Flavours of Knysna
• Local establishments have a variety of specials on for the duration of the festival
  

For the kids

• BIG5 Junior Challenge (MTB)
• Simola Little Phantom Kids Adventure Run
• Spur Rotary Knysna Children’s Cycle Tour
• Fun Fair
• Momentum Health Kiddies Area

Tourist attractions

• Take a tour through the Knysna Heads
• Garden Route National Park
• Thesens Wharf and explore a South African Navy ship
• Featherbed Nature Reserve

Garden Route: Update on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe line repairs!

update (15 Sept 2016): Classic Rail has uploaded some pics of the team cleaning the line at Keytersnek and Red Light Siding.



Classic Rail, the private consortium that's working to restore train services on the historic Knysna <> George railway line, has released an update on the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe line repairs. According to the update:

• the section between Knysna Station and Keytersnek Siding has been cleared and weed control will follow soon
• Classic Rail is attending to the Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase of the project, which will establish its actual capex requirement
• the FEED phase will include:
• assessments of the retaining structures required to repair major and minor slips
• the repairs required on the causeway and bridges across the Knysna Estuary
• repairs to storm water crossings and furrows
• sleeper requirements
• Engineers are currently preparing repair options for the Donkey Bridge and the slip at km 62
• Classic Rail is working with Knysna & Partners to establish an "Outeniqua Choo Tjoe Trust" that will receive and distribute funds to the project
• Classic Rail plans to have its Knysna Dinner Train running between Knysna and Keytersnek by April 2017
• Classic Rail plans to have the steam-driven Choo Tjoe running between Knysna and Sedgefield as soon as possible after April 2017
• The second phase of the roll-out will include installing another turntable and a steam locomotive workshop at Sedgefield Station
• The opening of the line between Sedgefield and George will follow when other funds become available - and Classic Rail's ultimate plan includes the introduction of Road-to-Rail freight trains in 2020
• Classic Rail is forced to close the line to all unauthorised personnel; only registered site personnel and those in possession of an access letter from Classic Rail or Transnet Freight Rail may now access the line

Western Cape: First part of the new Cross Cape Cycle Route has been launched!

update (04 May 2017): The Cross Cape Cycle Route will officically be launched on 12 May 2017 and will stretch over 742 km from Plettenberg Bay to Stellenbosch.


The official Destination Marketing, Investment and Trade Promotion Agency for the Western Cape, WESGRO, has officially launched the first five kilometers part of the new Cross Cape Cycle Route in Knysna on 29 July 2016. The new cycle track, which will eventually stretch from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town, will offer local and international visitors the best of the Western Cape's mountains, sea views, food and wines along the Garden Route, Klein Karoo, Cape Overberg, Cape Winelands and Cape Town. The Cross Cape Cycle Route will include road track, mountain trails, jeep as well as forest tracks and will cater to all levels of riders. WESGRO and its partners expect to complete the Cross Cape Cycle Route within the next two to two-and-a-half years. We'll keep you posted!