ABOUT US
Savanna Cafe is an upmarket family restaurant situated in the hart of Knysna, Woodmill Lane shopping centre. there is a great story and history behind this amazing area.​
The first sawmill on this site was built by The Knysna Steam Sawmills Company, established by William Lloyd of Port Elizabeth in 1875.
The steam sawmill was powered by a 16 horsepower, Ransome engine imported from England. Prior to this, all cutting and working of timber from the Knysna forests was done manually on-site. The company was bought in 1891 by George Parkes, Chairman of A&F Parkes of Birmingham, Edge Tool manufacturers, who exported Kamassie (boxwood) needed for the manufacture of bobbins in England. The company changed its name to the Knysna Forest Company in 1892 and manufactured wooden wheelbarrows, wagon-parts and tool handles. The company was renamed George Parkes & Sons in 1902. In 1919, a new sawmill was erected at the same location.
The sawmill was closed in 1984 and transferred to the Knysna Industrial Area.
Chris Edwards designed and developed the old mills into the Woodmill Lane shopping centre which was launched in 1990. Woodmill Lane was built, and is still owned by, the well-known, local families, the Thesens and the Edwards. Chris Edwards passed away in November 2010 but his legacy for the town and its people continues.​
The design embraced the idea and feel of a village. It still aims at the local communities as a gathering place where one can listen to live music in the wonderful courtyard, be seated beneath beautiful trees and surrounded by history. It provides a relaxed yet arty atmosphere. The mill, and extensions, are now home to interesting shops with the majority been run by long-term Knysna residents. Explore for flowers, paintings, clothes, freshly baked rolls and much more.
Woodmill Lane hosts The Village Market every Sunday in the courtyard area. It’s become a warm attraction for families seeking good deals, morning coffees and tasty lunches.
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​Savanna Café has recently changed owners and Renier Botha and Elsa Groenewald invite all the locals to come and say hello. They are from Bloemfontein and have been welcomed warmly by the people of Knysna. With more than 15 years experience in the hospitality industry, you can rest assure you are in very good and capable hands. Their approach to restauranteuring is one of great passion and drive towards a great family atmosphere and vibe.
Savanna Café specialise in PIZZAS and they are the only restaurant serving square Pizzas in three different sizes to tend to all appetites, big and small. They also have a very contemporary menu serving great breakfasts and light lunches with the main ingredient being LOVE!!!
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We have a great team of service ambassadors and a front of house manager, Abel, making sure that all customers are looked after. The kitchen is run by Owner, Renier Botha, who got his qualification in the U.K working at the famous Donnington Valley Hotel and Spa in Berkshire, England. He was part of the management team responsible for winning the prestige AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARD in 2007/2008 and Zola Magquntulu (ass kitchen manager) who has worked at this premises for 5 years. ​Behind the scenes, running the financial side of business, is Elsa Groenewald, co-owner of Savanna Café Knysna and the inspiration behind the whole concept.
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​​​Savanna
Cafe​​