Vacation rentals in Knysna

Find and book unique accommodations on Airbnb

Top-rated vacation rentals in Knysna

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

Guest favorite

Cabin in Knysna

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 192 reviews

Knysna Lodge Amazing Views with Woodfired Hot Tub

If you are looking for something unique and to show you what Knysna is all about, you have found the right place! At Knysna Lodge you'll have it all: amazing views, the entire place to yourselves, private woodfired hot tub, braai entertainment area, fully equipped kitchenette with gas cooking facilities, IPTV/Netflix/Wifi and comfy hotel beds for a good night rest!Excellent location close to everything, the ideal spot to getaway and explore the Garden Route.Discount on sight seeing activities.

Jan 19 – 26

G$25,323 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Loft in Knysna

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 516 reviews

Thesen Harbour Town Apartment

Our spacious 45m2 apartment is situated in the heart of Thesen Harbour Town. We have a Solar System to supply power during outages. Excellent restaurants within minutes walking distance, the most famous being "Ile de Pain" situated across the road for breakfast and lunch. Knysna Waterfront is a mere 10 minute walk away along a most picturesque causeway surrounded by the lagoon from where one can view beautiful sunsets. We offer mountain bikes for the duration of your stay for a nominal fee.

Sep 9 – 16

G$12,250 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Boat in Knysna

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 320 reviews

Knysna Houseboat Myrtle

Houseboat Myrtle is a totally self-contained wooden cottage on the water. Permanently Anchored in the Knysna Lagoon, it’s a two minute dinghy ride from the Knysna Waterfront and we’ll give you lessons to get you going on the water. Myrtle is one of the original Knysna houseboats and has a lovely wood finish inside. With its two decks, it’s perfect for lazy days floating on the lagoon. From the deck you can enjoy views of the lagoon, the quays and the Knysna Heads, catch fish or just relax...

Jun 15 – 22

G$18,752 GYD per night

Popular amenities for Knysna vacation rentals

Stay near Knysna's top sights

Knysna Waterfront88 locals recommend
Brenton Beach9 locals recommend
Knysna Mall74 locals recommend
34 Degrees South120 locals recommend
The Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa25 locals recommend
East Head Café197 locals recommend

Other great vacation rentals in Knysna

Guest favorite

Loft in Knysna

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 490 reviews

Crab Island Studio on Thesen Islands

Sep 1 – 8

G$10,945 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Guesthouse in Knysna

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 171 reviews

Cosy Forest Studio | Nature Lovers Dream

Jun 4 – 11

G$10,907 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Knysna

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 364 reviews

Goose cottage, situated in a fynbos estate.

Oct 25 – Nov 1

G$11,961 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Knysna

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 222 reviews

Bayview House - Solar Power, Spacious & Views!

Mar 11 – 18

G$26,381 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Knysna

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 227 reviews

The Knysna Garden Apartment - No Loadshedding!

Mar 10 – 17

G$6,720 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in South Cape DC

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

Amazing Garden Route Getaway

Mar 4 – 11

G$24,607 GYD per night
Superhost

Apartment in Knysna

4.87 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

Sunshine, views, beach, kitchenette, bbq.

Jan 28 – Feb 4

G$22,122 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Bungalow in Knysna

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 279 reviews

Collins Cottage in Paradise.

Aug 5 – 12

G$8,002 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Knysna

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 131 reviews

Belvidere Lagoon front position with solar power.

Jul 15 – 22

G$9,593 GYD per night
Superhost

Apartment in Knysna

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 114 reviews

Heron's View-lagoon views & solar power @ Brenton

Jul 12 – 19

G$15,073 GYD per night
Superhost

Cabin in Knysna

4.83 out of 5 average rating, 154 reviews

The River Treehouse

Oct 3 – 10

G$23,990 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Loft in Knysna

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 159 reviews

Solar-Powered Loft with amazing lagoon views!

Jul 4 – 11

G$15,099 GYD per night

Other great vacation rentals in Knysna

Guest favorite

Home in Knysna

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 97 reviews

Leisure Isle 2 bedroom home with essential power

Sep 7 – 14

G$25,055 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Villa in Brenton

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 26 reviews

Knysna: Lake Brenton Eco Estate (Lithium Battery)

Apr 10 – 17

G$60,810 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Knysna

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Vibrant North Facing Penthouse on Thesen Island

Apr 21 – 28

G$19,901 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Knysna

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews

Knysna Waterfront: Beautiful Quayside Apartment

May 23 – 30

G$15,336 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Knysna

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 36 reviews

Magnificent views of the Knysna Heads 4 Bed

May 20 – 27

G$26,618 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Knysna

4.86 out of 5 average rating, 86 reviews

Waterfront - 15 Quay West- lagoon living

Oct 19 – 26

G$17,107 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Knysna

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 17 reviews

Peace in Africa

Jul 15 – 22

G$36,360 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Home in Buffels Bay

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews

La Dolce Vita: Ground-Floor House @ Buffalo Bay

May 30 – Jun 6

G$29,862 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Knysna

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 30 reviews

TwoAngels - Lovers Nest (Honeymoon Cottage)

G$26,435 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Villa in Knysna

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 10 reviews

Pezula Ocean Splendor-Solar, Ocean View Lux Villa

Jul 6 – 13

G$149,268 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Chalet in Knysna

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 61 reviews

Cliffhanger cottage

Jan 15 – 22

G$34,080 GYD per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Knysna

5.0 out of 5 average rating, 47 reviews

PARADISE PRIVATE TIDAL-ZEN - MAGIC VIEWS

Aug 15 – 22

G$20,448 GYD per night

Quick stats about vacation rentals in Knysna

Total rentals

1.6K properties

Rentals with dedicated workspaces

680 properties have a dedicated workspace

Rentals with a pool

640 properties have a pool

Pet-friendly rentals

250 properties allow pets

Family-friendly rentals

910 properties are a good fit for families

Total number of reviews

36K reviews

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.

  • Do apartment rentals in Knysna have self check-in?

    Absolutely! We offer over 60 apartment rentals with self check-in in Knysna. Enjoy a tailored experience with all the comforts you desire.

  • Are there condo rentals with a dedicated workspace in Knysna?

    Yes! Work meets play with ease at over 10 condo rentals in Knysna featuring dedicated workspaces. Stay connected and productive in your home away from home.

Destinations to explore