Knysna, South Africa

Capital City

With a population of just 33,675, Knysna is hardly the bustling metropolis one might expect from a South African coastal town. The timber industry may have long since collapsed, but the bureaucratic headaches linger on. Frequent storms and wildfires also pose persistent challenges, as evidenced by the devastating 2017 blaze that displaced 10,000 residents. Still, Knysna's temperate climate and scenic nature trails make it a popular retirement destination, particularly among British expats seeking a slower pace of life.