What's on in and around Knysna

We’re inviting surfers of all levels, riding all crafts to float, surf or rip! You’ll be surfing in teams (make your own or we’ll put you in one) to the judging criteria of “most impressive surfing wins” - you can be impressive by having a party wave with your whole team on a giant inflatable SUP, getting barreled, doing a cockroach in the barrel or doing an air reverse. The point is to come hang on the beach, have a laugh and have a surf.

This route offers the perfect opportunity for gravel-bikers to take on the 29ers. E-bikers are also welcome on this non-technical route. 7Passes MTB also offers a shorter route for younger or not so fit riders who still want to be part of the action! Leeuwenbosch Dairies will once again support the 38km event which starts from the Highlands Cash Store in the humble little village of Karatara.

Red Men Trail Run is an annual 5km, 12km or 18km trail run in the Outeniqua Mountains with start and finish at Herold Wines. Herold Wines will provide picnic lunches - which can be ordered with your entry. Bring the family, and enjoy a fantastic run in the mountains, followed by a picnic under the trees.

2024 information - South Africa’s toughest extreme one-day mountain bike race. For the very brave we have the Attakwas Extreme MTB Challenge, 121km with a 2900m vertical ascent. For the not-so-faint hearted we have the Attakwas Half, 47km with a 1100m vertical ascent. This is the race to do if you want to test mind, body and machine!

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure at one of the most anticipated events in the breathtaking Garden Route! Set against the scenic backdrop of Jonkersberg near Geelhoutboom, the routes promise thrilling challenges for all skill levels. MTB - 26km, 38km & 52km. E- Bike - 53km. Trail Run - 9km. Fun Walk - 5km.

2024 information - A weekend of fun sailing, sundowners, friends, great food, camping and memories. A great place to spend a weekend with great sunsets and views of the lagoon. The historic regatta goes back to 1928 and now features yacht racers from East London, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay and Cape Town.

2024 information - The Tour follows the exact route of the “Ride” and offers the same amenities. However, it provides a more relaxed experience with open chutes, opportunities to enjoy cappuccinos and lunch breaks along the way, and no timed starts. This means you can make it an all-day affair without feeling pressured. The Tour doesn’t have winners or podiums; instead, it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the paradise of mountain biking.

2024 information - Welcome to South Africa's most diverse stage race. The 2024 edition is taking on a slightly different format to the previous 10 years of the event where our riders will be starting their journey from Kurland in the Crags and ending in J-Bay. After plenty feedback from our riders over the years regarding the stages of the journey they enjoyed the most we’ve decided to spend the first 2 stages of the 2024 edition exploring the Tsitsikamma Forest. This means our riders will enjoy the comfort of the same race village for 2 nights in a row at Storms River before moving onto the 3rd at Assegaaibosch. Whether you’re a dedicated racer or a relaxed rider this is a spectacular journey you shouldn’t miss.

2024 information - Classic Car Friday, catering exclusively for historic, classic and vintage cars, kicks off on Thursday at the Fan Fest where cars will be scrutineered and on public display until it closed with the very popular and entertaining parade in Waterfront Drive. The glorious cars from pre-war to 1995 will grace the hill on Friday while drivers, friends and spectators are encouraged to attend in period dress.

2024 information - The 2024 running of the Simola Hillclimb will be the fourteenth edition of what has become South Africa’s premier motorsport lifestyle event with a growing international footprint. Saturday and Sunday’s action has been dubbed the King of the Hill Shootout and is where the country’s fastest machinery will duel it out on the Simola hill. Fans will witness some of the country’s meanest, sleekest, prettiest and most spectacular cars taking to the track during the weekend.

2024 information - The Mountain Ultra Trail or MUT by UTMB is a festival of trail running. The Outeniqua Mountains rise from the urban edge and provide a spectacular adventure seeker’s playground, with hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails criss-crossing the peaks, which reach up to 1,578 meters above sea level, and verdant valleys. Fynbos, one of the world’s most biodiverse floral kingdoms, and old growth indigenous forests line the trails, while the high points along the MUT by UTMB route provide breath-taking views over the Indian Ocean to the south and across the arid Karoo to the north.

2024 information - The Knysna Forest Marathon features many unique highlights that cannot be found in any other trail run in the world. True to its name, most of the route runs deep into the Knysna Forest with breathtaking views over the estuary and even the iconic Knysna Heads, a great distraction to get you through those last few kilometers.

2024 information - Experience the enchanting Knysna Forest. Ride through dense indigenous forest, surrounded by towering trees and lush ferns. Choose between a 85, 45 or 30 km loop, and embrace invigorating climbs and thrilling descents. Conquer gravel roads and navigate jeep tracks in this magical and captivating natural landscape.

2024 information - 100 km Ride: Knysna to Wilderness - Up the Serpentine Climb as in 1987 - Try the challenge again this year. 50 km Ride: Knysna to Sedgefield and back - Undulating ride for the beginner and wannabes.

2024 information - The "Race With Soul" 2024 sees the rebirth of the Cape Pioneer, now boasting a shorter name and route, but undoubtedly the individual stages will be as challenging as they are rewarding! Over the past 15 years, we’ve explored the Karoo and Coast, journeying from Prince Albert to Riversdale, and from Calitzdorp to Mossel Bay. We’ve crossed rivers, conquered vast mountain ranges, faced natural disasters, and triumphed over pandemics. This expedition has led us to unveil our best route yet - 2024 promises a challenging, diverse, scenic, and ultimately rewarding experience along the Karoo and Garden Route.