A stay at Amanzi is about embracing balance – the perfect blend of slow moments, outdoor adventure, and local discovery. Each day offers a choice: perhaps you’ll linger over a leisurely breakfast, tee off at one of Knysna’s world-class golf courses, or set out on a hike along dramatic coastal cliffs. Later, you might wander through island boutiques, sip sundowners on the lagoon, or explore a vibrant local market. However you spend it, every option has been designed to let you savour the beauty, culture, and rhythm of this unique corner of Knysna.
Some of the most memorable mornings are the slow, simple ones spent right here at the lodge. Sleep in as long as you like, then wander up to enjoy a delicious buffet and hot breakfast, or better yet, indulge in breakfast in bed with our room service option.
Once you're well fed, it's time to explore Leisure Isle. Whether you choose to stroll or cycle, the island’s gentle pace and natural charm make every route a joy. Don’t forget your swimsuit, a spontaneous dip in the lagoon is always a possibility! From the peaceful paths of Steenbok Nature Reserve to the soft sands of Bollard Bay, the island is full of surprises. Birdwatching, canoeing, cycling, fishing, and browsing through quaint coffee shops and boutiques… there’s something for everyone. Take your time, the beauty of the island reveals itself in the smallest details.
After your adventures, return to Amanzi and unwind by the pool. You might spot our ping pong table tucked between the trees, a hit with families and competitive spirits alike. If lounging is more your style, curl up in one of our garden egg chairs beneath the shady trees and let the world slow down. Holidays are for relaxing, after all. And when hunger calls again, we’ll be ready with our lunch menu.
For those who enjoy starting the day with a swing, Knysna offers not one, but three world-class golf courses nestled amidst breath-taking natural surrounds. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just keen to enjoy the fresh morning air, you’ll find a course to suit your style and pace.
Choose from the prestigious Pezula Championship Golf Course, with its dramatic clifftop fairways and ocean views; the Simola Golf & Country Estate, a Jack Nicklaus signature course set against a backdrop of rolling hills and indigenous forest; or the charming Knysna Golf Club, a more relaxed and traditional course surrounded by wetlands and home to an array of birdlife. A round of golf here isn’t just a game, it’s an experience. Gentle sea breezes, sweeping views, and the occasional encounter with a wandering buck (or baboon!) make for a truly memorable morning.
Should you require transport, the SAFIRI shuttle is available to ensure a seamless journey to and from your chosen course. After your final putt, enjoy a light refreshment at the club’s terrace or return to Amanzi for a well-earned lunch and a leisurely start to the afternoon.
For those with a thirst for outdoor adventure, the Robberg Nature Reserve in Plettenberg Bay, a 40-minute drive with the SAFIRI shuttle from Leisure Isle, offers an unforgettable hiking experience. While summer visits do call for an early start to avoid the midday heat, the reward is well worth the effort. Robberg is nothing short of extraordinary: a national monument, nature reserve, and marine protected area all wrapped into one ruggedly beautiful peninsula.
With well-marked trails suited to varying fitness levels, you can opt for the shorter Gap Circuit for a leisurely coastal stroll or challenge yourself with the full 9.2 km Robberg Trail, a more demanding route offering panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and possible sightings of seals or even great white sharks in the waters below. (Fun fact: The name "Robberg" comes from the Dutch word "robbe," meaning seal, referring to the colony of Cape fur seals found there).
After your hike, unwind with a well-deserved late breakfast or early lunch at one of Plett’s excellent cafés or restaurants before making your way back to Knysna for a relaxed afternoon at Amanzi.
Hop aboard the SAFIRI shuttle service from Leisure Isle and enjoy a scenic ride along George Rex Drive – named after Knysna’s intriguing founder, who local legend claims may have been an illegitimate son of King George III.
Your journey takes you into the heart of town and across to the charming Thesen Island, a vibrant hub known for its stylish boutiques, contemporary art galleries, and laid-back coastal atmosphere. Stroll down Long Street and uncover its curated collection of shops and creative spaces, before settling in at one of Thesen’s renowned restaurants. Favourites like Sirocco, The Nest Food Bar, 34° South, and Tapas & Oysters offer something for every palate, especially when paired with a signature cocktail as the sun begins to set.
We recommend taking your time here, Thesen Island truly comes alive in the early evening, with an ambience that’s hard to match (present company, Amanzi, graciously excluded of course).
Set sail on a tranquil cruise across the Knysna Lagoon aboard the Amanzi boat, captained by our experienced and ever-charismatic skipper, James (cruise available upon request). Drift through calm waters as you soak in sweeping panoramic views, and look out for marine life such as dolphins and seals, as well as the plenty coastal birdlife. (Fun fact: despite its name, the Knysna Lagoon is actually an estuary and reaches depths of up to 16 metres!).
The Amanzi boat is moored at the Knysna Waterfront and can be easily accessed via the SAFIRI shuttle service, which will take you to and from Amanzi. Cruises can be tailored to suit your preferences, be it a laid-back sightseeing trip or a celebratory outing with a bottle of bubbles in hand. While sundowners are always a treat, there's something undeniably magical about toasting the golden hour from the deck of a boat. Once your cruise winds down and the last glass is poured, you’ll be met at the harbour by the SAFIRI shuttle for a ride back to Amanzi, just in time for dinner.
Alternatively, linger at the Waterfront and explore one of the many excellent restaurants lining the marina, each offering its own flavour of Knysna's vibrant culinary scene.