Knysna - Immigration

Where is Knysna?

Situated midway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, the town of Knysna lies around a wide and spectacular lagoon at the mouth of the Knysna River.

The Knysna Estuary area (sometimes referred to as the Lagoon) is a protected South African National Park and is administered and managed by SANParks and current regulations apply.  The park is alive with birds and wildlife.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Knysna:

Knysna Heads can be notoriously rough and difficult to navigate.  This isn't a place to visit if you are on a fixed timescale as it is important to wait for the right conditions to get through the Heads. Visiting yachts must have an up to date chart - Chart SAN 1021.

Because of heavy breakers across the Heads at times, it is not easy for low powered craft to maintain proper way in this channel.

It is recommended that entry should only be made when conditions are fair in swell/wave conditions no higher than 2.0m, the best time being in the last hour before high water and in daytime.   It is strongly emphasized that it can be dangerous to attempt entry during the period of ebb tide, especially if there are breakers over the bars with the resultant effect of overfall.

When approaching from the West, an offing of at least half a mile is recommended to avoid the above-water rocks which extend south from the Western Head to 34°05.3’S.

When approaching from the East a similar situation exists. Rocks extend to 34°05.4’S from the Eastern Head and East Cape over a mile from the Heads.

In addition, at times the cold Benguella current from the Cape Town side ridges in and with warm air causes fog so thick you apparently can see the front of your yacht according to respected SA weather router Des Cason.

Knysna Yacht Club have provided some helpful Knysna Heads Entrance and Estuary Notes.  For more information contact the KYC Manager at 044 382 5724, or email at manager@knysnayachtclub.com 

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) Station 12, Knysna is situated on the eastern side of the Heads a short distance from the Fountain Point beacon.  Contact:  044 384 0211 Mobile: 082 990 5946.

Cruiser Highlights for Knysna:

Whilst not the easiest place to get into, cruisers report that it is well worth the effort and very sheltered once inside. An excellent calm spot to wait for a weather window to Cape Town and enjoy some time exploring ashore.

This town is cheap, beautiful, very sheltered, has excellent shops and restaurants, some yachting facilities, a very welcoming yacht club and there is easy access to N2 and the garden route.

Position:

34° 05'15"S, 23° 03'31"E (entrance)

Last updated:  December 2023