Featherbed

Featherbed is the private nature reserve on the Western Head of the Knysna lagoon, the undeveloped side of the Heads, and you can only get there by boat. On the map it is marked as a bar because of the Featherbed Beach Bar on the lagoon shore, but most people come for the whole package: a ferry across, a walk on the headland and lunch under the milkwoods. The reserve opened to visitors in 1984.

What to expect

The main outing is the Eco Experience. You cross the lagoon by boat, ride a 4x4 up to the top of the Western Head for the view out to sea, then walk about 2.2 km back down through milkwood forest and past sea caves along the coast. You can book it with or without lunch, which is served at the restaurant by the water.

If you just want a drink, Featherbed runs a shuttle boat from the Knysna waterfront to the beach bar and to The Deck at the Milkwood Restaurant. The beach bar only opens in the summer months. Look for the green flag, which means it’s open.

Practical details

• Boats leave from the Cruise Cafe, 1 Remembrance Drive, off Waterfront Drive in Knysna.
• Phone +27 44 382 1693 or +27 72 662 5798, bookings@featherbed.co.za.
• Featherbed says it is a small local company and can’t cater for special diets, whether for health or religious reasons. Take that seriously if you have allergies.

Good to know

The headland was spared from building thanks to the ichthyologist JLB Smith (the coelacanth man), who bought land there in 1950, and his son William, who later founded the reserve. Wildlife is small stuff: bushbuck, blue duiker, Knysna turacos and, with luck, African black oystercatchers on the rocks. Featherbed also runs lagoon cruises on the Paddle Cruiser and the John Benn.

Last updated 7 October 2026. Sources: Featherbed Co., Featherbed Co. events, Martin Hatchuel, Featherbed Nature Reserve origins, SA-Venues blog.