St. James of Knysna
9.5Superb · 211 Reviews
The Point Eastford | Knysna, 6570, ZA
Swimming pool
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About Knysna
Knysna circles a sheltered lagoon between the Knysna Heads and forested hills. This South African Garden Route town is known for oysters, forests and coastal wildlife.
A relaxed waterfront atmosphere gives Knysna an easygoing coastal feel, with couples drawn to its scenery and quiet outlooks. Boat trips cross the lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve, while the Knysna Heads frame whale and dolphin watching and forest trails lead through Diepwalle.
December and January form the main travel season, and three to seven days suits a fuller stay. Thesen Island places restaurants, harbor views and seafood close at hand.
Where to stay
Hotels in Knysna
Book direct on our own Knysna hotel pages — no booking fee.
Abalone Lodges
9.0Superb · 341 Reviews
20 Heron's Way Lower Old Place | Knysna, 6570, ZA
Swimming pool
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Turbine Hotel & Spa
9.0Superb · 499 Reviews
Th36 Sawtooth Lane Thesen Islands | Knysna, 6571, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Knysna Hollow Country Estate
9.3Superb · 292 Reviews
5 Welbedacht Lane | Knysna, 6570, ZA
Swimming pool
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Bamboo the Guesthouse
8.0V. good · 44 Reviews
9 Bolton Street Knysna | Knysna, 6571, ZA
Swimming pool
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Collection Luxury Accomodation Simola House
8.8V. good · 20 Reviews
27 Old Cape Road | Knysna, 6571, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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The Lofts Boutique Hotel
9.2Superb · 254 Reviews
The Boatshed Long Street Thesen Island | Knysna, 6570, ZA
Swimming poolSpa & wellness
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Stay like a local in Knysna
Places to stay in Knysna
Districts
- Thesen Island6 stays
- Knysna Waterfront7 stays
- The Heads8 stays
- Leisure Island1 stays
- Knysna Central4 stays
- Brenton-on-Sea11 stays
Popular amenities
Best for
Ranked by verified guest score, then stars. Based on 186 of 198 hotels with verified data.
Best for families
Family rooms listed · 46 hotels qualify
- One on Bollard9.9/10 · 126 reviews · 4-star
- Double Dutch B & B9.8/10 · 63 reviews · 4-star
- Alexander Guest House9.6/10 · 171 reviews · 5-star
- Falcons View Manor9.6/10 · 155 reviews · 5-star
- The Knysna Belle Guest House9.6/10 · 183 reviews · 4-star
Best for drivers
Free parking · 67 hotels qualify
- THEBLOEM Guest Suites by Knysna Paradise Collection9.9/10 · 100 reviews · 5-star
- De View9.9/10 · 118 reviews · 3-star
- Villa Afrikana Guest Suites by Knysna Paradise Collection9.8/10 · 132 reviews · 5-star
- Chez Pierre9.6/10 · 181 reviews · 4-star
- Paradise Found9.6/10 · 110 reviews · 4-star
Best for a pool
Swimming pool listed · 60 hotels qualify
- Tonquani - Knysna - Private Forest Retreat and Cottages9.7/10 · 88 reviews · 4-star
- Badger's Lodge9.6/10 · 53 reviews · 4-star
- St. James of Knysna9.5/10 · 211 reviews · 5-star
- Somervreug Guesthouse9.5/10 · 218 reviews · 4-star
- Waterfront Lodge9.5/10 · 201 reviews · 4-star
Knysna at a glance
Check-in / check-out
2:00 PM / 10:00 AM
Free parking
124 of 126 hotels (98%)
Pool
109 of 186 hotels
Climate
Temperate
Languages
English, Afrikaans and Xhosa
Local currency
ZAR
(ZAR)
Local time
(GMT+2)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Thesen Island
Tap water
Generally described as safe to drink
Tipping
10-15% expected
History, culture and food in Knysna
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
85 · Very good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Knysna Oysters
Fresh Seafood
Braai (BBQ)
Biltong
Hotel facts in Knysna
Based on 186 of 198 hotels with verified data.
| Hotels that list | Hotels | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Free parkingof hotels with verified parking | 124 of 126 | 98% |
| Swimming pool | 109 of 186 | 59% |
| 24-hour front desk | 21 of 186 | 11% |
| Facilities for disabled guests | 19 of 186 | 10% |
| Family rooms | 56 of 186 | 30% |
| Breakfast availablefree or paid depends on the rate | 4 of 186 | 2% |
| Kitchen or kitchenette | 18 of 186 | 10% |
| Airport shuttle0 free | 65 of 186 | 35% |
Pools and room sizes by star rating
| Stars | Pool | Standard room |
|---|---|---|
| 3-star | 15 of 35 | 25 m²usually 20 m²–40 m² · 15 hotels |
| 4-star | 74 of 118 | 28 m²usually 20 m²–35 m² · 44 hotels |
| 5-star | 13 of 13 | 32 m²usually 24 m²–40 m² · 10 hotels |
When to visit Knysna
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, February and December
Busiest: Dec-Jan
-
Jan70
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
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Feb68
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
-
Mar63
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
-
Apr50
Pink Loerie Mardi Gras and Arts Festival
-
May33
Cooler, mild, quiet
-
Jun27
Cool, wet, calm
-
Jul39
Cool, wet, quiet
-
Aug27
Cooler, improving, calm
-
Sep27
Mild, sunny, blooming
-
Oct44
Mild, sunny, pleasant
-
Nov63
Beach weather (sea 19°C)
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Dec73
Beach weather (sea 20°C)
Things to do in Knysna
7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 7 of 7 places ·
Best in the morning
4 places
Lagoon Cruise to Featherbed Nature Reserve
Knysna Lagoon 4 hours
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride, nature walk, and buffet lunch at a private reserve.
Hike in the Knysna Forests
Diepwalle 3 hours
Discover ancient trees and diverse wildlife on a tranquil forest trail.
Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour
Knysna Heads 2.5 hours
Embark on an ocean adventure to spot majestic marine life (seasonal).
Visit the Knysna Elephant Park
Harkerville 2 hours
Interact with rescued elephants in a responsible and educational setting.
Best in the afternoon
1 place
Wander through Thesen Island Harbour Town
Thesen Island 3 hours
Browse boutiques, art galleries, and enjoy waterside dining.
Any time of day
2 places
Explore the Knysna Heads
Knysna Heads 2 hours
Witness the dramatic sandstone cliffs guarding the lagoon's entrance.
Taste Knysna Oysters
Waterfront 1 hour
Savor fresh, locally harvested oysters at a waterfront restaurant.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Knysna
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Knysna Sunset Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
2-Hour Quad Biking Guided Excursion Through the Knysna Forests
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Scenic Lagoon cruise with the Bella Vita Champagne Lounger
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Knysna Private Sailing Sunset Cruise, on board luxury catamaran
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Sunset Boat Cruise on Bella Vita Champagne Lounger
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Knysna Sunset Sailing Cruise with captain's steak Braai & Bubbly
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Serendipity Knysna Lagoon Cruise
Free cancellationFind deals
Activity tour
Whale Watching Knysna - Close Encounter Experience Ocean Odyssey
Free cancellationFind deals
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Before you go to Knysna
Our own ratings and notes on eating out, signature experiences, who the city suits and planning ahead.
Near Knysna
Straight-line distance from the centre of Knysna.
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Frequently asked questions about Knysna
How many places to stay are there in Knysna?
There are 200+ hotels, apartments and other places to stay in Knysna. They include 21 hotels and 35 apartments.
When is the peak season in Knysna?
The peak season in Knysna is Dec-Jan.
Which area is a good base in Knysna?
The travel guide suggests staying in Thesen Island when visiting Knysna.
Are there tours and activities in Knysna?
Yes, 18 tours and activities are listed in Knysna.
How many hotels in Knysna have free parking?
124 of the 126 hotels in Knysna with verified parking details list free parking (98%). 1 charge for parking.
What is the usual check-in time at hotels in Knysna?
2:00 PM at 144 of the 178 hotels with a verified check-in time. The next most common time is 3:00 PM (24 hotels).
What time is check-out at hotels in Knysna?
10:00 AM at 133 of 175 hotels with a verified check-out time; 11:00 AM at 25.
How many hotels in Knysna have a pool?
109 of 186 hotels with verified data list a swimming pool.