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BUSINESS NEWS - Set in the heart of Knysna’s lagoon on South Africa’s famed Garden Route, Thesen Islands is one of only five marinas in Africa and one of the country’s most distinctive residential marina developments.
Blending natural beauty, rich history and contemporary design, it offers a lifestyle that feels both peaceful and vibrant, deeply connected to water, community and the surrounding environment.
South Africa’s Garden Route has been officially crowned the Best Road Trip in the World!
The Garden Route won for its unmatched ecosystem diversity, offering coastal lagoons, indigenous forests and mountain passes all in one continuous drive of which Knysna has rich estuarine waterways, canoeing, birdlife and the endangered Knysna seahorse at Thesen Island.
Spread across approximately 90 hectares, Thesen Islands consists of 19 man-made islands linked by 21 arched bridges and surrounded by 25 hectares of tidal waterways.
The Estate includes 570 properties, all designed in a colonial maritime architectural style inspired by Knysna’s historic timber and seafaring heritage.
But Thesen Islands is more than a residential estate. Its story is woven into the history of Knysna itself.
Originally known as Paarden Island, the area was historically linked to the timber industry that shaped the Southern Cape.
In the early 1900s, the Thesen family, Norwegian settlers who became prominent timber merchants in Knysna, established industrial operations on the island.
Decades later, after the closure of the timber treatment plant, the site underwent an ambitious transformation.
Through years of environmental planning and rehabilitation, the former industrial landscape was redeveloped into the award-winning marina community it is today.
A defining feature of Thesen Islands is its relationship with nature.
Located within the Knysna estuary, one of South Africa’s most ecologically important estuarine systems, the islands are surrounded by remarkable biodiversity.
The estuary is home to the rare Knysna seahorse, while the islands and salt marshes support abundant birdlife, with more than 100 recorded bird species in the area.
Environmental stewardship remains central to the development’s identity, with extensive efforts dedicated to preserving habitats, waterways and indigenous vegetation.
Life on Thesen Islands is built around outdoor living. The waterways invite boating, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing, while footpaths and quiet streets encourage walking, jogging and cycling.
Many homes enjoy direct water access with private jetties or nearby communal moorings, creating a seamless connection between home and lagoon. Residents also enjoy access to sporting facilities, parklands, bird hides, beaches and community spaces designed for recreation and connection.
Community is another hallmark of the Thesen Islands lifestyle.
The estate was intentionally planned to create a walkable neighbourhood where people meet naturally, whether on a bridge, along the canals, or gathering with neighbours for a boat trip or evening stroll.
Safety and accessibility are key features, supported by advanced 24-hour security systems and controlled access that allow residents to enjoy a relaxed sense of freedom within a secure environment.
Connected to the estate via causeway is Thesen Harbour Town, the lively commercial heart of the islands. Here, historic industrial buildings have been creatively repurposed into restaurants, boutiques, offices and hospitality spaces, preserving the site’s character while giving it new energy.
The harbour town adds another layer to the Thesen Islands experience, combining residential calm with convenient access to dining, shopping and social life, all against the backdrop of Knysna’s lagoon.
Today, Thesen Islands stands as a remarkable example of thoughtful urban design and environmental restoration.
It is a place where heritage has been preserved, nature has been protected and modern waterfront living has been carefully shaped around both.
Whether admired for its architecture, ecological setting, or unique sense of community, Thesen Islands remains one of Knysna’s most celebrated destinations and a place unlike any other on South Africa’s coastline.
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