Basking in its picturesque setting, Knysna is popular with sailing enthusiasts, divers, and wildlife connoisseurs. Dating back to the 18th-century, the town rose to prominence after the discovery of gold. Since then, it has been a thriving trade centre, with many characterful colonial buildings. Today, it is still the heart of the Garden Route. Perennially popular for its laidback, creative and artsy vibe, Knysna boasts plenty of curio shops and galleries, belonging to local artisans selling their wares. There's a long list of places to eat and drink, from fine dining to fresh seafood, there is something to suit every palette. Our collection of the best places to stay in Knysna showcase the finest properties, from high-end to budget-friendly, along this picturesque stretch of coastline.

With a wide range of activities and plenty of places to stay, Knysna has a lot going for it and attracts quite a crowd in the summer months. If you're after something a little more undiscovered, you may want to take a look at some of our other recommendations along the Garden Route. During the winter season, May welcomes the beginning of the Knysna Speed Festival, a three-day racing event beginning with Classic Car Friday, whilst the end of June heralds the now-famous Knysna Oyster Festival.

What not to miss:

• Take a boat out across Knysna Lagoon. Visitors should note, that sadly the Featherbed Nature Reserve was devastated by wildfires in 2017 - and tourism authorities are currently working tirelessly to get the reserve restored to its previous state.
• From artisanal cuisine at île de païn to hearty home-cooked meals at VegTable or informal yet comforting dining at East Head Cafe, there are plenty of great dining options in town.
• Surely one of South Africa's most idiosyncratic beaches, Noetzie, known for its collection of mock-castle style homes, is a gorgeous beach in its own right - and a popular surfing spot.
• Explore the architectural sights of Belvidere, a beautiful Norman-style church dating back to the1850s, built by homesick English expats. Or pay a visit to the 19th-century museum complex of Millwood House and the nearby Old Gaol Museum - the perfect option for a rainy day, of which Knysna is not a stranger too!
• The Garden Route's not just about wine, be sure to visit Mitchell’s Brewery, South Africa's oldest microbrewery.
• Take a hike and a picnic basket to the Garden of Eden.
• Diving enthusiasts flock to Knysna where ragged-tooth sharks, rays, and the elusive Knysna seahorse, can be spotted. It's also known for its several shipwreck dives.

Our recommendations will show you the best places to stay in Knysna, one of the most popular places to stay along this scenic stretch of The Cape.

The Best Places to stay in Knysna

For a great value stay

• Well-priced, beautifully decorated, and conveniently located the Senate Boutique Guest House ticks boxes in all the right places.

For a couples' stay

• With serene suites boasting private balconies with far-reaching views, Headlands House is a perfect couples' stay.
• With private dining, an inviting infinity pool, a very well-stocked cellar, and a home cinema, The Mount Knysna is a cosy stay for couples.

For the perfect family stay

• Kids will love the camping feel at Abalone Lodges, overlooking the lagoon where outdoor activities abound.
• Quirky cabin style accommodation, Under Milkwood Resort, provides a laidback stay that all ages will love.
• With true 'Out of Africa' interiors, The Elephant Hide Guest House is a welcoming stay for all the family - even the dog!
• A collection of colonial cottages spread amongst acres of manicured grounds, Belvidere Manor is a great stay for families.

For a boutique stay

• Right on the harbour, Aha The Rex Hotel is part of a growing chain of well-priced, stylishly decorated South African hotels.
• Funky interiors, superb dining, and intimate service: The Lofts does what the finest boutique hotels do best.
• A local favourite, The Knysna Belle provides a charming stay amidst its white-clad edifice and traditional Cape-Cod architecture.

For a historic stay

• Easily recognisable by its rosy-pink facade, Roseroc is a stylish colonial stay with superlative service to boot.
• Fine dining in this historic setting, Falcons View Manor is a classic stay in Knysna.

For all-out style

• Sleek, white interiors and far-reaching views, Thebloem is a testament to less is more.
• Exquisitely decorated, Villa Afrikana looks after both its guests and the environment, with an impressive list of eco-credentials.
• With sweeping views and a jaw-dropping infinity pool, Alkira Lodge is a minimalist villa, that lets nature do the talking.

For a golf holiday

• Next door to Knysna Golf Course, Greens Guest House is a great stay for those in search of an active break. There is an outdoor pool with plenty of al fresco seating, plus spacious living and dining areas.

For a country escape

• Nestled amidst 40 acres of manicured grounds, Edenbrook Country Manor is a colonial-style country escape like no other. Each of its rooms is filled with antique furnishings, complemented by modern bathrooms with roll-top baths.

For foodies

• Not only does Madison Manor feature traditional Cape Dutch style accommodation with large, airy rooms filled with antiques, it is also home to the perennially popular Red Austin Bistro, as well as a welcoming pub - great for an aperitif or three.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Knysna?

• If you want to rent self-drive to explore the scenic Garden Route, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Alternatively, Plettenberg Bay Airport is a thirty-minute drive from Knysna, with daily flights from Cape Town International Airport.
• December and January can get very hot in Knysna, whilst March is the wettest month. For the best weather travel between April and September

Still not sure?

• Widen the net to include our recommendations in nearby George, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, Plettenberg Bay, and the Western Cape.

• Take a look at our top recommendations for The Garden Route.

• Or contact one of our gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Knysna