Knysna (/ˈnaɪznə/; Afrikaans pronunciation: [ˈnəisna]) is a town with 76,150 inhabitants (2019 mid-year estimates) in the Western Cape province of South Africa.

A number of explanations exist for the origins of the name, 'Knysna' - including 'xthys xna,' purportedly from a Khoekhoe language term that might have meant 'place of timber', 'place of ferns', or even 'straight down'[5][6] (referring to the cliffs at The Heads).

[10][11] From the Khoekhoegowab words /hao, 'honey', tun'(teni), 'to carry (verb)', and khoe rendered as qua meaning people.

[15] Archaeological evidence suggests that the Houtunqua kept livestock and practised Nomadic Pastoralism but made extensive use of the resources in mountain forests.

Excavations in the region have unearthed many caves showing signs of pre-colonial occupation.The discovery of shell middens at Knoetzie beach confirms the idea that like other Khoekhoe peoples, the Houtuniqua made use of the ocean for its resources.

[19][20] The first Europeans arrived in the area in 1760, and the farm Melkhoutkraal (literally translating from Afrikaans as 'milk wood pen') was established on the eastern shore of the Knysna Lagoon.

[21] He gave 80 acres (32 ha) of Eastford to the Colonial Government, on which the Royal Navy established the township of Melville.

In April 1817, the transport brig Emu, belonging to the Cape Town Dockyard, was the first European vessel to enter the Knysna Heads.

On their way to New Zealand, the Thesen family who were travelling from Norway fancied the little hamlet of Knysna so much that they decided to stay, bringing with them their knowledge of commerce and sailing.

Soon, timber was being exported to the Cape from the vast areas of forest surrounding Knysna, and a steam sawmill and small shipyard were established.

[30] These are popularly known as "The Heads", and have become infamous due to the loss of boats and fishermen passing through their treacherous and unpredictable waters.

To the north of Knysna, Afro-Montane or temperate rainforest covers the hilly terrain for 20 km until changing to fynbos or macchia high in the Outeniqua Mountains.

The eastern head is heavily developed, while the western head is partially protected by a private nature reserve, Featherbed Nature Reserve, developed and formerly owned by teacher and television presenter William Smith on land he inherited from his father, famed ichthyologist J. L. B.

Knysna has one of the richest rainfall percentages in South Africa with the wettest time of year being from October to November.

Knysna stays green in all seasons, and its temperate climate makes it a tourist destination all year round.

[32] The town is a popular destination for both tourists and senior citizens entering retirement, especially among the British and former expatriates due to the year-round warm climate.

The forest, rivers, estuary, and ocean surrounding the town are dotted with hiking trails and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

The King of the Hill Challenge (limited to 84 entries), for unrestricted cars in various classes, takes place over the weekend.

The Knysna municipality assumed a coat of arms in 1959, and registered them with the Cape Provincial Administration on 24 June 1960.

The Knysna divisional council (the local authority for the rural areas outside the town) assumed a coat of arms in 1961 and registered them with the provincial administration on 28 July 1961.

[38] The arms, designed by Schalk Pienaar, were: Per saltire, I Or on a mount Vert a stinkwood tree proper; II & III Argent three bars wavy Azure; IV Vert the brig Knysna proper the sails charged with two lions rampant Gules and pennants flotant Azure.