Interesting Facts about Knysna
Knysna (pronounced "nize-na") was founded in 1802 by George Rex who bought an area of farm land which included the entire Knysna Lagoon area. He introduced many industries to the area, the main one of which was timber.
Knysna is a must-do stop along the Garden Route which takes you from Cape Town along the southern coast through Hermanus, Mossell Bay, Knysna and eventually Plettenberg Bay. It is a beautiful and very popular driving route for tourists who wish to see most of the Western Cape in a limited time. The approximate distance between Cape Town and Knysna is 425 km's therefore is easily done in one day, however it is very easy to take up to a week to complete the drive with all the stop-overs along the way.
Knysna at a Glance:
- Population of Knysna is 76,431 (2010)
- Population density is 48.6 people per sq km
- Language:
- 55.3% speak Afrikaans as their mothertongue
- 14.4% speak English as their mothertongue
- 29% speak isiXhosa
- The remainding % speak a variety of african languages
- Religion
- 86.7% of population are Christian
- 10.7% of population are proclaimed Atheists
- The remaining % are Hindu, Muslim and other
Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival
Knysna is very well known for the annual Pick 'n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival which is held in July of each year. The purpose of the first event, which was first held in 1983, was to increase tourism to Knysna and surrounds in the quieter winter months as well as support certain charities. Over the last 27 years, the Knysna Oyster Festival has grown substantially drawing in the region of 65 000 people to the area and donating around R1 million to charity each year. Accommodation in Knysna has increased and self catering holiday accommodation is abundant.
The Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival has a huge appeal to sporting fans, families and those who are keen for a good party. There are numerous events throughout the 10 day festival period which range from cycling and marathon running to whisky and wine tastings. There are also lots of activities for kids.
The 2 most popular events during the 10 day period are the Pick n Pay Cape Times Knysna Forest Marathon and the Pick n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour. Both of these events take place in the indigenous forests of Knysna and give the participants a unique sporting experience. Most tourists visiting Knysna for the Pick n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival stay in self catering holiday villas and apartments.
Other outdoor activities offered are angling, golf, night biking and much more.
Oyster related activities include the Pick n Pay Oyster Mardi-Gras (an evening of wine drinking and oyster tasting), the annual oyster-shucking competition and the very popular oyster eating competition.