Local Information
Knysna
Knysna is a small coastal town (c. 52,000 inhabitants) in the Western Cape province of South Africa.
It is built around a large warm-water estuary which is fed by the Knysna River flowing from the Outeniqua mountains in the north.
The estuary (or Knysna Lagoon) is now an international Hope Spot and opens to the Indian Ocean through two large headlands (The Heads).
The Heads are infamous due to the difficulty in crossing through them, and many a ship and sailor have been lost.
Knysna is famous for the Knysna Elephant, Knysna Loerie, Knysna Seahorse, Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, Brenton Blue Butterfly, Knysna Honey, annual Oyster Festival, and much more.
It is built around a large warm-water estuary which is fed by the Knysna River flowing from the Outeniqua mountains in the north.
The estuary (or Knysna Lagoon) is now an international Hope Spot and opens to the Indian Ocean through two large headlands (The Heads).
The Heads are infamous due to the difficulty in crossing through them, and many a ship and sailor have been lost.
Knysna is famous for the Knysna Elephant, Knysna Loerie, Knysna Seahorse, Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, Brenton Blue Butterfly, Knysna Honey, annual Oyster Festival, and much more.
Location »
Knysna lies 34 degrees south of the equator on the world famous Garden Route, c.33km west of Plettenberg Bay and c.63km east of George.
It is served by the National Road N2, running from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and beyond.
It is served by the National Road N2, running from Cape Town to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and beyond.
Time Zone »
SAST is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2:00 / UTC+2:00), and is the same as Central African Time (CAT).
South Africa does not observe a Daylight Saving Time.
Time and Date AS: Time Zone difference from Knysna
Climate »
Knysna has an oceanic climate (Cfb in the Köppen climate classification).
An oceanic climate (also known as marine or maritime) generally features warm (but not hot) summers and cool (but not cold) winters, with a relatively narrow annual temperature range. It typically lacks a dry season, as precipitation is more evenly dispersed throughout the year.
At any time of the year there can be bright sunshine, rain, wind, thunderstorms, clouds, or a combination of everything all in one day.
Many websites quote average high/low temperatures, hours of sun, days of rain, etc. but their information is inconsistent.
The chart below is an average from various websites found so far, and should not be taken as definitive.
An oceanic climate (also known as marine or maritime) generally features warm (but not hot) summers and cool (but not cold) winters, with a relatively narrow annual temperature range. It typically lacks a dry season, as precipitation is more evenly dispersed throughout the year.
At any time of the year there can be bright sunshine, rain, wind, thunderstorms, clouds, or a combination of everything all in one day.
Many websites quote average high/low temperatures, hours of sun, days of rain, etc. but their information is inconsistent.
The chart below is an average from various websites found so far, and should not be taken as definitive.
Weather Forecast »
The forecast shown is provided by World Weather Online
Other popular choices include ...
The sailing fraternity also use Windguru
Currency »
The currency used is the South African Rand, which is subdivided into 100 cents. The currency symbol is R and the currency code is ZAR.
Legal tender ... coins ... 1 cent, 2 cents (no longer produced) ... 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 rand, 2 rand, 5 rand
Legal tender ... notes ... 10 rand, 20 rand, 50 rand, 100 rand, 200 rand
Legal tender ... Krugerrand ... 1 full troy ounce of fine gold (31.1035 grams of 22 carat gold)
Legal tender ... coins ... 1 cent, 2 cents (no longer produced) ... 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 rand, 2 rand, 5 rand
Legal tender ... notes ... 10 rand, 20 rand, 50 rand, 100 rand, 200 rand
Legal tender ... Krugerrand ... 1 full troy ounce of fine gold (31.1035 grams of 22 carat gold)
Currency Converter »
Language »
South Africa has 11 official languages, with English ranked 4th as most common first language.
Knysna's dominant language is Afrikaans (followed by Xhosa), but English is widely spoken and understood by the majority of people.
English is the prominent language in government and media, and is the second language of most South Africans.
Find out more ...
Knysna's dominant language is Afrikaans (followed by Xhosa), but English is widely spoken and understood by the majority of people.
English is the prominent language in government and media, and is the second language of most South Africans.
Find out more ...
Driving »
Foreign driving licences are valid provided they are in an official South African language, and contain a photograph and signature of the driver.
Drive on the left, overtake on the right. South African cars are right hand drive.
Distances and speeds are measured in kilometres.
General speed limits are as follows: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on roads outside of urban areas, 120 km/h on freeways.
Seat belts must be worn. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal. Drink / driving laws are very strict (approximately 1 small glass of wine).
Arrive Alive: Rules on the Road
Drive on the left, overtake on the right. South African cars are right hand drive.
Distances and speeds are measured in kilometres.
General speed limits are as follows: 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h on roads outside of urban areas, 120 km/h on freeways.
Seat belts must be worn. Using a mobile phone whilst driving is illegal. Drink / driving laws are very strict (approximately 1 small glass of wine).
Arrive Alive: Rules on the Road
Electricity »
Standard voltage: 230 Volt (220-240V) - Frequency: 50 Hertz
Power sockets are "Type M", "Type C" and "Type N" ...
Power sockets are "Type M", "Type C" and "Type N" ...
Water »
Tap water in Knysna is of high quality and is safe to drink. It is safe to put ice in your drinks and to eat salads.
This is also true in most urban areas of South Africa, but not always if travelling to remote rural areas or the bush.
Knysna's water may appear to have a slight brownish colour. This is due to harmless tannins and humic acid.
Knysna-Plett Herald: Knysna water safe for drinking
This is also true in most urban areas of South Africa, but not always if travelling to remote rural areas or the bush.
Knysna's water may appear to have a slight brownish colour. This is due to harmless tannins and humic acid.
Knysna-Plett Herald: Knysna water safe for drinking
Dialling Codes »
The international dialling code for South Africa is ... +27
The Trunk Prefix is ... 0 ... and is omitted from international calls.
The area code for Knysna is ... 044
Example: to call the N2RS office from the United Kingdom ... dial ... 00 27 44 382 4909 or +27 44 382 4909
The area code is required even when making a local call.
South Africa's International Direct Dialling Code is ... 00
Wikipedia: Telephone numbers in South Africa
The Trunk Prefix is ... 0 ... and is omitted from international calls.
The area code for Knysna is ... 044
Example: to call the N2RS office from the United Kingdom ... dial ... 00 27 44 382 4909 or +27 44 382 4909
The area code is required even when making a local call.
South Africa's International Direct Dialling Code is ... 00
Wikipedia: Telephone numbers in South Africa
Smoking »
Smoking is banned in all public places.
Some restaurants and pubs have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.
Under-18s may not enter a designated smoking area or buy cigarettes.
Some restaurants and pubs have designated smoking and non-smoking areas.
Under-18s may not enter a designated smoking area or buy cigarettes.
