Kids Fun Places โ€” kids' days out, checked by parents

Featherbed Nature Reserve in Knysna, Knysna: Tickets, Hours and Family Guide

Parks, beaches and nature in Knysna, Knysna

Featherbed Nature Reserve

Photo: Auto-generated feature card

A private nature reserve on the Western Head of Knysna, accessible only by boat, with guided hikes, breathtaking views, and a delicious lunch.

๐Ÿ“ Location
Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna, 6570, Knysna, Knysna, Western Cape

What is Featherbed Nature Reserve?

Featherbed Nature Reserve is a unique eco-tourism experience on the Western Head of the Knysna Lagoon. Accessible only by a short ferry ride, the reserve offers a guided hike through the indigenous forest, with spectacular views of the Knysna Heads and the lagoon. The hike is suitable for most fitness levels and is led by knowledgeable guides. The experience includes a delicious buffet lunch at the reserve's restaurant. It's a fantastic half-day outing for families, combining nature, adventure, and stunning scenery.

Featherbed is a private nature reserve dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Family cost snapshot: ZAR 2,000 for 2 adults + 2 children + parkingadults ZAR 650 each. children (4-12) ZAR 350 each. Under 4: free. Food, activities and rentals are extra.

Featherbed Nature Reserve ticket prices 2026

Visitor typeAdultChild (4-12)Under 4
Standard rateZAR 650ZAR 350Free

The price includes the ferry, guided hike, and buffet lunch. Adults R650, children (4-12) R350. Confirm current rates when booking.

Family cost calculator

Estimate your total visit cost in seconds. Set your family size and add optional extras. The calculator uses the same rates shown above.

Calculate your visit cost

AdultsAdult rate
ChildrenAges 4-12
ToddlersUnder 4 โ€” free entry
Optional extras
Total

Estimates only, based on the rates above. Extras vary.

๐Ÿ’ก Money-saving tips for families

  • Book in advance Especially during peak season. Choose the shorter hike

Is it right for your child's age?

Age groupVerdictWhat to expect
0-2 years Good The ferry ride and the shorter hike are suitable, but the full hike is not.
3-5 years Good The shorter hike and the ferry ride are fun.
6-9 years Great The full hike is manageable and the views are rewarding.
10-12 years Great A great outdoor adventure with stunning scenery.
13+ years Great A perfect half-day trip for active families.

Perfect visit planner

How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.

Choose your time window

09:00
Arrive at Knysna WaterfrontCheck in for the ferry.
09:30
Ferry ride to FeatherbedEnjoy the views of the lagoon.
10:00
Guided hikeStart the hike (choose the shorter option for young kids).
11:30
Views of the HeadsTake in the spectacular scenery.
12:30
Buffet lunchAt the reserve restaurant.
14:00
Ferry back to KnysnaEnd of the tour.

Key details

Address
Featherbed Nature Reserve, Knysna, 6570, Knysna
Opening hours
Daily 9am to 4pm (tours run at set times) Closed now
How long to plan
3 to 4 hours
Suitable ages
All ages
Setting
Outdoor
Booking
Book online in advance
Payment accepted
  • Card
  • Mobile money
Phone
+27 44 382 1693

What to expect when you visit

Book your tour in advance. The experience starts with a ferry ride from the Knysna Waterfront. On arrival, you'll join a guided hike (there's a shorter option for families with young children) through the forest. The hike ends with a buffet lunch at the restaurant. Allow 3 to 4 hours for the whole experience.

What if...?

The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.

Is the hike difficult?

There is a shorter, easier hike and a longer, more challenging one. The shorter one is suitable for most families.

Is lunch included?

Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the price.

Do we need to book?

Yes, it is essential to book in advance.

Family essentials

Suitable age bands
  • 0โ€“2 years
  • 3โ€“5 years
  • 6โ€“9 years
  • 10โ€“12 years
  • 13+ years
Toddler suitability
Great for toddlers
Minimum age
No minimum age
Facilities
  • Toilets
  • Baby changing
  • Restaurant
  • Parking
Access and parking
  • Wheelchair accessible (partial)
  • Stroller friendly (partial)
Safety notes

Follow the guide on the hike and be careful on the uneven terrain.

Tickets and costs

Parking
Free
Free entry rules
No
Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)

Ferry ride, guided hike, buffet lunch, swim in the lagoon

Plan your visit

Combine with
  • Knysna Elephant Park
  • Knysna Heads
  • Knysna Waterfront
What to bring
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Sun hat
  • Camera
  • Swimwear

Accessibility deep dive

Here is what to expect on the ground.

โ™ฟ Wheelchair access

The ferry and the restaurant are accessible, but the hiking trails are not suitable for wheelchairs.

๐Ÿšผ Baby changing

Available at the restaurant.

๐Ÿ…ฟ๏ธ Parking

Paid parking at Knysna Waterfront.

Combine your visit

Plan the perfect day

1
Knysna Elephant Park Elephant sanctuary Nearby
2
Knysna Heads Scenic viewpoint Nearby
3
Knysna Waterfront Shops and restaurants Starting point of the tour

Resident family of 4 estimate: ~R2000 (2 adults, 2 children)

What to pack

Tick off what you have. Your list saves automatically on this device.

Family day bag checklist

What visitors say

No reviews yet. Be the first to share what your visit was like.

Write a review

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to visit Featherbed Nature Reserve?
Adults pay ZAR 650 and children (ages 4-12) pay ZAR 350. Children under 4 enter free. The price includes the ferry, guided hike, and buffet lunch. Adults R650, children (4-12) R350. Confirm current rates when booking.
What are the Featherbed Nature Reserve opening hours?
Daily 9am to 4pm (tours run at set times).
Is Featherbed Nature Reserve suitable for toddlers and young children?
Yes. Featherbed Nature Reserve is great for toddlers. Minimum age: No minimum age. Baby changing facilities are available. Follow the guide on the hike and be careful on the uneven terrain.
How long do you need at Featherbed Nature Reserve?
Plan for 3 to 4 hours.
What payment methods does Featherbed Nature Reserve accept?
Featherbed Nature Reserve accepts Card, Mobile money. It does not accept cash.
Is Featherbed Nature Reserve accessible, and is there parking?
Access and parking: Wheelchair accessible (partial), Stroller friendly (partial).

Similar places

Parks, beaches and nature in Nairobi

#1 in Parks, beaches and nature

Karura Forest

Karura Forest is a 1,041-hectare urban forest in Nairobi with trails, waterfalls, caves, picnic sites, and bike hire. Eโ€ฆ

  • All ages
  • Outdoor
  • Great for toddlers

Entry from KES 174

Parks, beaches and nature in Dunga, Kisumu

Dunga Beach & Hill Camp

Lakeside camp with boat rides, kayaking, birdwatching and family-friendly restaurant.

  • All ages; boat rides suitable for most
  • Lakeside camp and beach
  • Yes, with carer

Parks, beaches and nature in Nakuru, Nakuru County

Buraha Zenoni Hotel & Resort

Family hotel in Nakuru with outdoor pool, kidsโ€™ play area and bouncing castle.

  • All ages
  • Hotel with pool and kidsโ€™ play area
  • Yes, family rooms

Entry from KES 1

Parks, beaches and nature in Nakuru, Nakuru County

Flamingo Resort & Spa

Lakeside resort with family rooms, childrenโ€™s playground and pool near Lake Nakuru.

  • All ages
  • Lakeside resort with pool and playground
  • Yes, cribs on request

Entry from KES 1

Also in Knysna

Animals and wildlife in Knysna

Knysna Elephant Park

A sanctuary where you can walk with, touch, and feed rescued elephants, learning about their individual stories and theโ€ฆ

  • All ages
  • Outdoor
  • Great for toddlers

Entry from ZAR 350