Mid-Year Getaways: The Serene Knysna

Karabelo Phajane

Lifestyle

Yes, sometimes the best travel moments come when you least expect them. That’s exactly how a recent trip to Knysna unfolded a journey that started with a simple, “yes” to an affordable flight and ended with a deeper appreciation for off-season travel, local charm, and the quiet pleasures of exploration.

It all began with the surprising discovery that return flights from Johannesburg to George were significantly cheaper than anticipated. In fact, I double-checked to make sure there wasn’t a catch. But there wasn’t, just a well-priced, conveniently timed escape waiting to happen. Though I must share my secret here, I used the Edgars Members club card to get 25% off my plane ticket, never ever say, I gatekeep. What made it even more intriguing was that the flight was nearly full. It appears that more and more people are choosing to travel outside the traditional December rush, opting instead for the calm and clarity of mid-year breaks.

The flight itself was a smooth and pleasant 1 hour and 45 minutes from OR Tambo to George Airport even though the flight ticket does say its a 2 hour flight or was it an hour 45 mins because I used Flysafair. Now we both know what they say about their pilots... taxi drivers in the air. I must say, the energy on board felt different from festive-season crowds; it was quieter, more relaxed. The flight attendants, friendly and composed, offered a warm presence and excellent service that made the journey even more enjoyable. There’s something about being treated well in transit that sets the tone for the entire trip.

Landing in George is always a slight shift in tempo. The airport, modest and efficient, lacks the overwhelming size of major city terminals, but that’s exactly its charm. It eases you into the Garden Route experience with a slower pace and simpler comforts. While dining options were limited, we found ourselves at Wimpy, that ever-reliable South African staple. After ordering a casual meal and a bottle of local wine, we settled in, letting the journey sink in and preparing ourselves for the next leg of our adventure.

The wine, though modest, somehow tasted richer in that moment. We were no longer in the hum of city life but on the edge of something quieter, softer. As we sipped and unpacked our belongings and our thoughts we began to appreciate what made this trip different. This wasn’t a rushed vacation planned around school holidays or national shutdowns. This was a simple “yes” to movement, to curiosity, to seeing a familiar place in a new season.

We waited at the airport for the rest of our group, who were arriving on a second flight. Normally, waiting in an airport might be frustrating. But not this time. The wait gave us a moment to breathe, to watch the gentle bustle of fellow travelers, and to enjoy the rare luxury of not being in a rush. We laughed, chatted, and took in the atmosphere so often overlooked in the haste of high-season travel.

When the group finally reunited, there was a sense of shared anticipation. The drive to Knysna from George is one of South Africa’s most scenic routes, winding through forested hills, ocean views, and small coastal towns. Even if you’ve driven it before, the Garden Route never disappoints. Its beauty lies in its consistency and its ability to surprise you with a new angle, a new light, or a new roadside discovery every time.

Knysna, our final destination, is a gem that wears many faces throughout the year. In December, it buzzes with tourists, families, and packed schedules. But now, in the middle of the year, it feels like a secret. The lagoon is calmer. The forests feel deeper. The town’s art galleries, cafés, and markets welcome you with a smile rather than a queue. You can breathe here. You can hear yourself think.

We had plans, of course boat rides, hikes, oyster tastings, maybe even some kayaking. But the true magic of this trip wasn’t in the itinerary. It was in the timing. In the decision to say “yes” when the price was right, when the calendar was clear, and when our hearts needed something different from the usual.This trip reminded me of the power of spontaneous travel and the quiet joy of mid-year escapes. As more South Africans and global travelers begin to shift their habits, perhaps the old norm of December-only vacations is being rewritten. Maybe the new travel rhythm is more about flow than frenzy, more about personal pace than peak season.

Yes, the return flight was cheaper.

Yes, the service was superb.

Yes, we had wine at Wimpy.

Yes, we waited for friends and took our time.

And yes, we found something special.

Sometimes, “yes” is all it takes to begin a memorable journey.