There is no lack of top accommodation in Knysna. Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Knysna is a popular destination for both tourists and South Africans. There are various establishments offering accommodation, including bed and breakfasts, self-catering, hotels, lodges, backpackers as well as treetop accommodation in the surrounding area.
Knysna got its name from the Khoisan word meaning ‘place of wood’ or ‘fern leaves’. Surrounded by the Knysna Forest with its marvellous mix of ancient trees and tree ferns, this is also the home of the famous Knysna Loerie and the mystical Knysna elephant.
Knysna Marine Life
Knysna is blessed with year-round sightings of large pods of dolphins and, from June through to November, you can sight the Southern Right and Humpback whales as they make their way to the tropics. So be sure to make a booking.
With the most diverse estuary in South Africa in a Blue Flag accredited Marina, you can also enjoy the multiple activities in the Knysna Lagoon or venture out to sea through the iconic Knysna Heads to explore the coves, caves and bays of the magnificent Garden Route coastline.
What to do in Knysna
One is spoilt for choice with abundant restaurant options which include some of South Africa’s finest cuisine establishments and, of course, arguably the best oysters you’ve ever tasted.
Knysna is also home to the popular Knysna Oyster Festival which takes place over 10 days in the June holidays every year. People travel from all over the country to enjoy the mix of concerts, great food, competitions and activities catering for young and old. It is also during this time that the Knysna Forest Marathon takes place.
Knysna is one of our favourite places to visit and over the years we’ve stayed at heaps of establishments in search of Knysna’s top accommodation. Waking up to call of the Knysna Loerie is a feeling that we will never get tired of.
If you’re looking for the top accommodation in Knysna, have a look at our list below:
Bamboo The Guesthouse – Accommodation type: B&B, self-catering
If you ever feel like your life is overcrowded and you need to coat your stress with peace, calmness and beauty – the charming town of Knysna, on the Garden Route, should be your next destination. It was while planning my escape to this town that I stumbled across Bamboo the Guest House, who later made my stay completely memorable.
The guesthouse was not hard to find as it is conveniently located close to all of Knysna’s amenities and attractions. Walking to their main entrance, through a forest of plants and trees, water features and birds, the ‘unique life experience’ promised on their website began.
Arriving at reception, I was warmly welcomed by the Bamboo staff, who escorted me, via a wooden pathway, to my mystic forest hideaway. My room was well-furnished and designed for total relaxation. Read more…
Telephone 044 384 0937. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Brenton Bushbuck Lodge – Accommodation type: self-catering, B&B
My husband and I were extremely excited when heard we would be staying at the Brenton Bushbuck Lodge, situated in the picturesque sea-side resort town of Brenton-on-Sea, which is a mere 14.8 km from Knysna.
From the moment we arrived, our hosts, Esmé and Julie, made us feel like we were their only guests. They even gave us a tour of the immediate surrounds, which we found to have spectacular views over the ocean, with a glimpse of the Knysna Heads and Buffalo Bay hiding just around the corner.
We couldn’t wait to go out and explore the area, as well as the beautiful picnic spot that was pointed out for us. Read more…
Telephone 082 893 4548. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Brenton on Sea Cottages – Accommodation type: self-catering
Having recently finished rebuilding after the damage endured from the devastating Knysna fires in June 2017, the Brenton on Sea Cottages has remained a breath-taking holiday destination and a nature lover’s paradise.
Brenton on Sea is situated on the scenic Garden Route coastline and nestled between the Indian Ocean and the hills of the Western Head of Knysna’ s Estuary, just 16km from the town.
Surrounded by lush vegetation, unspoilt beaches and peaceful surroundings, Brenton on Sea is not only a perfect accommodation offering, it also provides the perfect backdrop for intimate wedding ceremonies on the beach with beautiful views and dramatic sunsets. Read more…
Telephone 044 381 0082/3. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Forest Edge – Accommodation type: B&B, self-catering
Knysna is the heart of the Garden Route, with its lush greenery and beautiful blue flag beaches, there is much you will find to love about the town. When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation to escape to in Knysna you won’t find one as close to paradise as Forest Edge.
At Forest Edge you will find accommodation that is perfect for Honeymooners, families, romantic couples and of course, nature lovers. You can explore the breath-taking attractions of the area from the rock pools to the abundant bird life, and feel the worries of life simply melt away.
Forest Edge has won a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor every year since 2014. Read more…
Telephone 082 456 1338. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Knysna Herons Guest House – Accommodation type: B&B, self-catering
We live in Port Elizabeth, and not wanting to travel somewhere too far from home, I chose to explore the beautiful Garden Route with the 3 Star Knysna Herons Guest House, situated within walking distance from the famous Knysna Lagoon, as our place to stay.
The three hour journey, through the forested Tsitsikamma and beautiful Plettenberg Bay, is amazing.
We were received at Knysna Herons Guest House by Quintin, one of the managers, who, from the moment we arrived, went out of his way to ensure that we were comfortable during our stay. He recommended a number of popular attractions in the area that could be enjoyed at this time of year. Read more…
Telephone 079 125 5835. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
The Lofts Boutique Hotel – Accommodation type: B&B, self-catering
Found in the heart of the beautiful Knysna Lagoon, the luxurious Lofts Boutique Hotel offers guests true tranquillity and excellent hospitality.
The hotel’s unique location allows guests to enjoy some of the best views in Knysna. Its fresh, smart-casual approach, with an industrial feel, caters to every possible desire.
There are three different room style options to choose from. Each designed to suit your taste; choose between the Exclusive Lagoon Suites, the Luxury Loft Rooms or the Luxury Unit with self-catering facilities. Read more…
Telephone 044 302 5710. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Pumula Lodge – Accommodation type: B&B
Knysna has a very special place in my heart. My mother grew up in this beautiful town and it’s also the town of my birth. I have so many fond childhood memories of Knysna and so it was with great excitement that my husband and I set off to spend some time in this beautiful town.
We had been invited to stay at Pumula Lodge, a three star B&B situated at 7 Lindsay Street, Hunters Home. This is the part of Knysna that lies nestled between the town and the world famous Knysna Heads. It’s a very convenient location being just 5 minutes from the shops, numerous golf courses and my favourite beach in Knysna – Coney Glen.
The residents of Knysna seem to have such pride in their town – from the main road to the suburbs, everything is neat, clean and attractive and so our expectations of Pumula Lodge were high. Read more…
Telephone 044 384 1193. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
The Russel Hotel – Accommodation type: B&B
The Russel Hotel, which is situated in the picturesque town of Knysna, is a modern 3-star hotel that offers luxurious accommodation, free private parking and is within walking distance of Knysna’s popular attractions.
Their friendly and professional staff go above and beyond to see that your needs are met, making your stay at the Russel Hotel all the more memorable.
The Hotel offers a Family Room, a Three-Bedroom Apartment, a Family Suite, and a Standard Double Room. Each room is stylishly decorated with wooden furniture and equipped with air-conditioning, luxurious marble bathrooms, a seating area, TV with DStv and free Wi-Fi. Read more…
Telephone 044 382 1052. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Teniqua Treetops – Accommodation type: B&B
Every passionate traveller will probably agree that the best part of escaping into the countryside is the amazing feeling of discovering new and incredible experiences. That’s exactly what happened when my husband, Andre, and I literally stayed high up in the trees at the magical Teniqua Treetops.
A unique vacation concept, Teniqua Treetops is an eco-friendly, self-catering, tented treehouse resort set atop acres of pristine indigenous forest on the foothills of the Outeniqua Mountain range on the Garden Route, close to the Indian Ocean coastline – just perfect for secluded romantic escapes or happy family getaways.
The resort was easy to locate between Knysna and Sedgefield and on our arrival, we were warmly greeted by our hostess, Beatrice, whose joyfulness was contagious. She explained everything and had a map ready to show us the routes through the indigenous forest, before getting onto her quad-bike and leading us to our ‘honeymoon’ cottage named ‘Moon over Milkwood’. Read more…
Telephone 044 356 2868. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
Tsala Treetop Lodge – Accommodation type: B&B
Set amidst the treetops of an age-old indigenous forest, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a luxurious and tranquil destination with captivating views.
Anyone, who appreciates exclusivity, fine fare, romance, nature and adventure, will find this establishment irresistible.
Situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, in the Western Cape, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a wonderful location from which to explore the beautiful Garden Route. Read more…
Telephone 044 532 8228. Make a reservation, click here. Get there, click here. Find out more, click here.
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