A stimulating weekend and vibrant atmosphere as interested locals hear from and interact with renowned South African authors and thought leaders. Informal discussion and spirited debate on a variety of hot and engaging topics. Laugh, think, be inspired and feast!

The Book Festival takes place on popular Thesen Island, Knysna. Park your car and come for the day or the weekend. Mingle and enjoy the buzz. There are food options galore and plenty of accommodation available for a weekend in the pretty holiday town of Knysna.

Thursday evening kicks off the Book Festival with a BIG CONVERSATION. Ferial Haffajee renowned author and journalist together with Oyama Mabandla and Moeletsi Mbeki, discuss big ideas around the Soul of our Nation. No conversation is complete without food and wine and a light supper from the IDP kitchen as well as wine is included.

Friday focusses on Business and Politics with high profile thought leaders discussing ideas around their latest books, business and hot South African topics.  The evening offers an opportunity to mingle at the dinner table with authors and to enjoy a delicious menu from Chef Ollie Swart’s fantastic new cookbook and a hosted conversation around food and his book with Ollie himself.

Saturday starts with crime, both real life and fictional, includes a sample to die live for as Tannie Maria comes to Knysna, explores adventure with the popular Jack Pembroke series set in WWII and finishes with that quintessentially South African Saturday afternoon pastime – sport, going deep inside the Bok Story. 

Back by popular demand, the Book Festival concludes with a Saturday night Greek feast and entertaining conversation with Costa Ayiotis around his new book telling the poignant and often comic tale of an immigrant family trying to navigate South Africa in the 1960’s and 70s.