
Places to stay in Knysna
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Top-rated places to stay in Knysna
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Vacation rentals for every style
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Popular amenities for Knysna places to stay
Family friendly places to stay in Knysna

Phillip Villa: Short/Monthly Stays - Beach & Pool
This house was worth every penny, from the surroundings to the house itself, it met every expectation and more. The host is also extremely friendly so we were all happy about the experience. Highly recommended.

Crescent Cottage. Private garden cottage in Knysna
lovely little cottage that is so beautifully decorated. The outside areas are so beautiful and there is a lovely water feature just outside the door which makes the whole area just feel so soothing and definitely not like in the middle of a big city! I was traveling through Knysna with a vehicle full of things as I am relocating and Lesley even made space in her garage so that I could safely park my car in it as the vehicle couldn't lock. I would definitely recommend this spot to anyone! lovely accommodation and a super lovely host!

Leisure Isle Retreat, Knysna, South Africa
5 Stars – A Slice of Paradise in Knysna! We had the most incredible stay at this beautiful home in Knysna. From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed — the hosts greeted us warmly and had thoughtfully left snacks, a bottle of wine, and even a delicious cake for us to enjoy. Such a special touch that set the tone for the rest of our stay. The house itself is stunning — spotless, beautifully decorated, and perfectly equipped with everything we needed. The peaceful location made it the perfect place to unwind. We loved spending time on the patio, soaking in the scenery, and enjoying relaxed evenings by the fire. The location is ideal too — just a short drive from town, yet far enough to feel like a private retreat. This place truly felt like a home away from home, and we can’t wait to return. Thank you for an unforgettable stay!

Cottage on Lindsay, Hunters Home, Knysna.
Lovely cottage in beautiful Knysna. Area is peaceful and close to places we needed to be.

Thesen Island Holiday House
We really enjoyed our stay here. lovely home, fully equipped with everything we needed. Everything is in good condition unlike other places we've rented. The best part was the location, a few steps to the nearest bridge to get into Thesen Town. We didn't drive at all when we stayed there. Also lovely to walk within the Thesen Estate in the evenings. Faith was incredibly friendly and thorough upon check in. We were very pleased with our stay.

No. 3
Lovely unit, very well and considerately stocked with milk, tea, coffee, etc. Comfiest couch ever! Highly recommended.

Crab Claw Studio, Thesen Islands, Knysna
Hello Liane Thank you for having us to stay. It was so busy next door, that we did not get to relax , with party help. The unit was beautiful and peaceful... Wishing you all the best in your new venture. A wonderful host. Cathy and Daryll

Shades of Grey
Dawn is an excelent host. The communication is great and she also recommended us various attractions nearby. The house we stayed played a huge part on our trip to Knysna being so great. It's beautiful, tidy, cozy, safe. We also liked the location: close to a grocery store and only a few-minutes drive to the Waterfront and the Heads. And there's nothing better than starting the day having breakfast at the balcony looking at the lagoon.
Places to stay with jacuzzis in Knysna

Exotic, North Facing - Mooring, Jacuzzi & Inverter
Beautifully located within the Thesen Island precinct with access to its facilities this unit is a penthouse with convenient access from your parking directly to the unit. Well maintained and kept well by Douglas who communicates clearly and is always close by if you need additional support.

3 Bedroom Holiday home with sea views & hot tub
I would like to take the opportunity to thank Annelize for her hospitality. Her home was cozy and so beautiful. We had everything we needed. Annelize is a very thoughtful host and would recommend anyone to stay at her beautiful chalet. We were warm with the electric blankets and fire place and not to mention the hot tub. Views from her home was just incredible. Thank you so much for the beautiful stay.

Knysna Tsukamori
A great spot by the Knysna lagoon. What impresses most is the stylish and elegant house with Japanese design. It's not too large and not too small - feels elegant and cozy at the same time. We enjoyed the wood stove, the really nice braai area and most of all the location. As a bonus, it's five minutes walk by the lagoon to the newly refurbished Food Lovers Market, too. Our host was professional, friendly and really sharp. Would book again.

Bietjie Brenton Holiday Home (with backup power)
We loved our stay at Brenton Rest

Sunshine, views, beach, kitchenette, bbq.
We had a great stay, stunning views.

Pezula Ocean Splendor-Solar, Ocean View Lux Villa
This has to be the best house we have ever stayed in. The house all the amenities and amazing attention to detail. Incredible views, every appliance you need and responsive host, worth every cent. Definitely coming back.

Fairhill Cottage
We had a great stay and will definitely be back!

Maison Mahogany - design, lagoon view and jacuzzi
First to mention is that the photos listed do not do justice on the view you see from this property - great & beautiful views of the lagoon at Knysna! And second, place is great too! Only few minutes drive from the town, real good home layout & furniture and the hot tub is a nice added bonus! You won’t be disappointed. Thanks Carla for a great stay!
Other great vacation rentals in Knysna

Heron's View-lagoon views & solar power @ Brenton
We had a fantastic time and enjoyed our stay. Very clean and well organised flat with everything you need. The beds are comfortable. Great view over the lagoon!

Fabulous Family Friendly Villa on Thesen Island.
The house was absolutely fabulous. We were 8 people and the house has plenty is space to comfortably accommodate all of us. It is also tastefully decorated. The neighborhood was completely safe and near many attractions including restaurants. We highly recommend the place and would not hesitate for one minute to book the place again. This was one of the best places I have ever rented on Airbnb. Thank you Kirsten

@Bayview Cozy Studio2 - Safe area, Lagoon Views !
A Perfect Stay! Mark and Liz’s Airbnb was an absolute gem! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed—their warmth and kindness made all the difference. The location was stunning, surrounded by lush greenery, and the decor was beautifully designed with thoughtful touches. Everything was spotless, and the peaceful atmosphere made for a truly relaxing stay. Mark and Liz, thank you for your incredible hospitality! Your home is a haven, and we can’t wait to return!

Knysna Houseboat Myrtle
Myrtle was everything we expected it to be and we were blessed with awesome weather for the few days we spent on the boat. Slept like a baby after witnessing brilliant sunsets. Thank you Jules for

The Nest on Leisure
Private, convenient and comfortable. Friendly hosts and staff. Great location. Beautiful unit. Honestly deserves a perfect score!

Gantry House
This was an amazing spot. Beautiful setting, close to the action and great restaurants on Thesen Island, but also far enough for a peaceful retreat. My wife and our two young daughters (4 and 6 yr old) loved the comfy and well stocked place. Lots of walks on the Island and plenty to do around the area (animal farms, vineyards, nature walks, etc). We would definitely recommend this spot and we’ll be back to Liddi’s place in the future. Wow!!

Sunset Serenity solar Loft -Amazing lagoon views!
We had such a lovely stay. Cherise’s instructions were very helpful, check in was super easy and she was quick to respond via message. The apartment was very clean and had all the kitchen amenities we needed. The views from the whole apartment and the outside area are amazing. Beautiful setting for a bbq. We highly recommend this place!

Thesen Island water lifestyle
The home was lovely, clean and well appointed. Lynne who envelopes us get in was punctual and friendly and communicated with us throughout. Ilsebe also checked in on us to make sure we were comfortable.
Quick stats about vacation rentals in Knysna
Total rentals
1.7K properties
Nightly prices starting at
ﺩ.ﺇ37 before taxes and fees
Total number of reviews
43K reviews
Family-friendly rentals
950 properties are a good fit for families
Pet-friendly rentals
230 properties allow pets
Rentals with a pool
670 properties have a pool
Your guide to Knysna
All About Knysna
Located in the Western Cape region of South Africa, the coastal town of Knysna boasts rugged wilderness offset by modern attractions. A popular stop along the famous Garden Route, the area features dramatic sandstone cliffs plunging into turquoise waters. While much of the coastline is dominated by sheer cliffs, the Knysna River forms a lagoon with several sandy beaches, perfect for swimming or a sunset stroll. The lagoon is also home to a large harbor, where anglers queue up for fishing charters and the chance to reel in spotted grunter and spiny butterfly rays. Further inland, dense tropical forests paint the landscape, providing cover for a variety of indigenous plants and animals, from African leopards and chameleons to warblers and woodpeckers.
A city with a vibrant arts and crafts scene, Knysna is a great place to shop for handcrafted furniture and housewares. The town’s craft market specializes in carved wooden bowls and utensils, stone figurines, textiles, and beaded jewelry — generally at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in the bigger cities. Along the waterfront, you’ll find a handful of boutiques, art studios, and restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with unbeatable views.
The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Knysna
Before booking your Knysna accommodation, remember that South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means seasonal variations and weather patterns are the opposite of those in North America. Although the town’s pleasant weather makes it a suitable destination year-round, the best time to visit is between February and April. The mild autumn climate makes this the perfect time to hike the many trails surrounding the town, and it’s still warm enough to enjoy the beach and waterfront. Autumn also corresponds with many of the artistic and cultural celebrations of the area, including the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival, an unmissable annual LGBTQ+ Pride carnival and parade through the town. Winters remain warm, and in July, the 10-day Oyster Festival celebrates the region’s cuisine and culture with seafood, boat tours, and sporting events.
Top things to do in Knysna
Knysna Lagoon
Knysna Lagoon is home to exquisite marine life and innumerable species of birds, not to mention spectacular views of the water and the mountains that surround the town. You can take a tour of the lagoon to get a closer look, or charter a boat and spend the day lounging on the water. Some cruises offered at the waterfront provide gourmet meals and live musical performances.
Buffalo Bay
Buffalo Bay, or Buffelsbaai, is a tiny seaside village not far from Knysna that is home to one of the area’s best beaches. Secluded and relatively sheltered, the bay is known for its soft golden sand and safe swimming conditions. There are plenty of tidepools to explore, and you may even see an iguana or two on the beach, or a dolphin or whale out at sea. There are a couple of excellent restaurants in the village worth a visit before heading back to Knysna.
Thesen Islands
A visit to Knysna isn’t complete without a trip to Thesen Islands, a collection of 19 artificial islands in the Knysna River. Paddle from cafes and art galleries to charming boutiques as you immerse yourself in the artistic beauty of the region. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the tiny Knysna seahorse, an endangered species that is only found in three estuaries near Knysna.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the weather in Knysna?
Knysna enjoys a mild oceanic climate year-round. Summers typically range from 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 80°F) with occasional rainfall, while winter temperatures range between 8°C and 20°C (46°F to 68°F) with more frequent rain.
What are some of the best things to do in Knysna?
Knysna is a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors often enjoy exploring Knysna Elephant Park, taking a boat tour on the Knysna Lagoon, or visiting Featherbed Nature Reserve. The Knysna Waterfront is also frequently suggested for its array of shops and restaurants.
What is the best time of year to visit Knysna?
The most popular time to visit Knysna is during the warm summer months of November to March. During this time, the town hosts the famous Knysna Oyster Festival, usually held in June or July, which attracts many visitors with its fun-filled activities and delicious local cuisine.
What are the best places to stay in Knysna?
Leisure Isle, Thesen Islands, and Paradise are popular areas for travelers in Knysna. Leisure Isle offers serene lagoon views and tranquil atmosphere, Thesen Islands is well-known for its bustling hub of shops and restaurants, and Paradise provides panoramic town and lagoon views.
What are the best places to visit in Knysna?
Knysna has an array of appealing places to explore, such as the stunning Knysna Heads, the vibrant Knysna Waterfront, and the peaceful Featherbed Nature Reserve. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Knysna Elephant Park is a frequently suggested spot.
What are some hiking trails in Knysna?
In Knysna, you can explore the Jubilee Creek Hiking Trail that takes you through a lush forest to a sparkling creek. Another popular option is the Terblans Nature Walk, which winds through the indigenous forest presenting an opportunity to encounter rich birdlife.
What are some family activities to do in Knysna?
Families can explore Knysna Elephant Park, where they can learn about these fascinating creatures. Another frequently suggested activity is a ferry ride on the Knysna Lagoon, enjoying the stunning natural beauty around. Visit the Knysna Heads for panoramic views, or explore the Featherbed Nature Reserve for a fun day filled with hiking and birdwatching. Lastly, don't miss out on visiting the Knysna Cycle Works, where the family can rent bicycles and explore the town at their own pace.
What are some of the best day trip ideas in Knysna?
You might like to consider exploring the Tsitsikamma National Park, which is roughly 80km (50 miles) from Knysna. It's known for its coastal scenery and diverse birdlife. Plettenberg Bay, located 33km (20 miles) away, is another frequently suggested day trip destination, with beautiful beaches to enjoy.
How much does it cost to stay in bed and breakfast rentals in Knysna?
Experience the best of Knysna with our bed and breakfast rentals, starting at about $30 per day, before taxes and fees. Embrace comfort and style while staying within your budget in your home away from home.
Are there bed and breakfast rentals with a dedicated workspace in Knysna?
Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 20 bed and breakfast rentals in Knysna featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.
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