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Vacation rentals in Knysna

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Knysna

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Superhost
Apartment in Knysna
Thesen Island Lux+Use of Bicycles
Beautifully renovated apartment located in the heart of Thesen Island. The flat is designed to give you a sense of privacy and space. It has a full kitchen and lounge .Sleep in a King XL bed make your rest enjoyable and comfortable. Stroll to one of the nearby restaurants or take a SUP board around the canals and soak up the atmosphere.2 Cruiser Bicycles for you to enjoy at leisure around the Island. Tennis/Golf and Beach equipment provided and more good news is we have solar so NO LOADSHEDDING
$53 per night
Superhost
Apartment in Knysna
Thesen Island Luxury Penthouse
Bella vita! Come and spoil yourself. This romantic and luxurious penthouse offers the ultimate in comfort, views & amenities. It is fully equipped for self catering, so spend a romantic evening dining in the comfort at home, or at any of the award winning restaurants within 50 meters away on Thesen Islands or at the Knysna Waterfront ! Lots of exciting activities on your doorstep for the more adventurous. Equipped with back up power so load shedding should not spoil your experience at all !
$106 per night
Home in Knysna
Knysna Lagoon Views in Style (+Solar Backup)
Enjoy a stylish experience at this centrally-located, newly built hideaway gem with views of the Knysna lagoon and Heads. The house has a solar system with a 5kw inverter and 5.32kwh battery. Both rooms have balconies with lagoon views. The house has an open plan living area and a well-equipped kitchen to prepare meals during your stay. The real highlight is the private pool and natural garden that overlooks the lagoon. Relax on holiday or work remotely in the peaceful surroundings.
$123 per night

Stay near Knysna's top sights

34 Degrees South120 locals recommend
Knysna Waterfront88 locals recommend
Tapas & Oysters119 locals recommend
île de païn - lunch & breakfast restaurant & artisan bakery151 locals recommend
Brenton Beach9 locals recommend
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa25 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Knysna

Superhost
Loft in Knysna
Thesen Harbour Town Apartment
$58 per night
Superhost
Place to stay in Knysna
Modern, Romantic Cabin in the heart of Knysna!
$71 per night
Apartment in Knysna
Knysna delightful affordable modern Apartment
$26 per night
Superhost
Apartment in South Cape DC
Upstairs on Thesen Island
$74 per night
Apartment in Knysna
Knysna lux affordable ground level Apartment
$34 per night
Superhost
Guest suite in Knysna
Breathe ~ a new, modern, calm space with views
$72 per night
Superhost
Apartment in Knysna
Valley studio - Tranquility in Paradise + SOLAR
$67 per night
Superhost
Cabin in Knysna
Knysna Lodge Amazing Views with Woodfired Hot Tub
$77 per night
Apartment in Knysna
Knysna spacious affordable modern Apartment
$31 per night
Guest suite in Knysna
The Pistachio - Views! Safe! Close to everything!
$31 per night
Superhost
Apartment in Knysna
Waterfront - 15 Quay West- lagoon living
$61 per night
Superhost
Apartment in Knysna
Modern Apartment: chic, comfort, convenient, clean
$77 per night

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.