Nestled almost entirely on the banks of the Knysna (‘ny-znah’) River, Knysna is surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, an enchanting lagoon, and beautiful, verdant, ancient forests. Knysna, which is probably the Garden Route’s most famous town, has its origins in the timber industry and still features shops and boutiques specialising in traditional furniture and woodwork. Today, the serene, artsy city and its lagoon are also popular with sailing and boating enthusiasts. With a wide spectrum of activities and attractions and excellent places to eat, drink, and stay, Knysna is a great place to get away and vacay. Here are the top chalets in Knysna, South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 20, 2025.
1. Room at Under Milkwood Chalets (from USD 145)
In the quaint community of Knysna Heads, on the shores of Knysna Lagoon, lie the Under Milkwood timber chalets, nestled amongst lush, indigenous vegetation, and are the only place in Knysna Heads with direct access to the beach. The split-level, two-bedroom chalets feature a double bed and two single beds each, modern bathrooms, and a fully equipped, contemporary kitchen with all modern conveniences and appliances. Library books, babysitting, and DVDs can be arranged from the reception on request. The chalets also offer complimentary sun loungers, paddleboards, and kayaks, with direct beach access.
Tip from tour guide
Fans of Wilbur Smith's 'Birds of Prey' will know that Knysna Lagoon is where the story occurs. On either side of the water are two sandstone cliffs known as the Heads, which were declared the most treacherous harbour entrance by the British Royal Navy. Both the eastern and western heads have great views, and from the latter, you can see Featherbed Nature Reserve.Stayed at this property?
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
45.09 km (28.1 mi) from Garden Route National ParkAccommodates: 4
2. Woodbourne Resort (from USD 60)
If you are looking for a cosy getaway in Knysna, then there’s no better a place to holiday than at the Woodbourne Resort chalets in Knysna Heads, which feature lush greenery all around. The chalets feature comfortable beds, private en suite bathrooms, modern, fully equipped kitchens, and even balconies and terraces. The beautiful chalets also offer outdoor recreation facilities, including barbecue tables, a gorgeous, verdant, landscaped garden, a swimming pool, and a children’s playground. Nature lovers will love this property which is close to all the hiking, trekking, and fishing facilities in Knysna Heads.
Woodbourne Resort
Address: George Rex Drive The Heads
45.03 km (28.0 mi) from Garden Route National Park
3. The Leisure
For a rustic, secluded getaway in Knysna, head to this beautiful chalet on a hill in Paradise Heads, complete with magnificent views of Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads. The one-bedroom chalets feature single beds, a fully equipped kitchenette, TV, and continuous WiFi. The best part about the chalets is that they feature a deck with a hot tub and a barbecue grill, which looks out to Knysna Lagoon and Knysna Heads and boast sweeping, panoramic views.
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
44.6 km (27.8 mi) from Garden Route National ParkAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Host:
it was a nice hostvery welcoming and helpful hostsbarbara and eddie are lovely hostsbarbara a very friendly hostbarbara was a great host and we will definitely returnLocation:
nice location overlooking the lagunethe location is also goodthe area was great within walking distance of town and the waterfrontlove the position just outside knysna and very close to the centerparadise heads is located near the centre of knysna where plenty of restaurants bars lunchrooms and shops areCleanliness:
everything was clean and fresh washedit is a small clean room with a good bed with clean nice sheets on itour unit was clean and cosynice and clean roomsthe room is clean and beds are niceRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
nice view from the balcony of the roomsuper awesome view from the roomthe room was perfect the view is fantastic and the braai on the deck was greatthe room was very nice with all the basic amenities providedspacious room and bathroom and a wonderful view over the lake
4. Owl's Rest chalet (from USD 33)
Revel in the laidback luxury of Owl’s Rest, a chalet located just one block from the Knysna River with beautiful verdant greenery all around. The chalet features one en suite bedroom, a cosy seating area with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, and even a patio overlooking a beautiful garden area. Make Knysna evenings even more enjoyable with the on-site barbecue. For fishing and hiking lovers, the trails and the river are close by. What’s even better is that the chalet is in a wonderful location, being close to both the town and its shopping and entertainment, as well as Knysna Lagoon.
Owl's Rest
Address: 4 Azalea Street
44.6 km (27.8 mi) from Garden Route National Park
5. 'Old Knysna' two-bedroom chalet
Stay in this beautiful, rustic chalet in the heart of Knysna on the quiet, secluded Trotter Street, and just two blocks from the Knysna waterfront. The two-bedroom chalet features en suite bedrooms with a double and two single beds, a spacious lounge area, a dining area/kitchen with all modern cooking appliances, and even a private, walled-in courtyard with a braai as well as alfresco seating for enjoying Knysna evenings. What’s more, the chalet is also close to some of Knysna’s best bars, restaurants, and convenience stores.
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
43.85 km (27.3 mi) from Garden Route National Park
6. Knysna lagoon-view chalet
Enjoy stunning views of Knysna’s sunsets from the privacy of this beautiful wooden, three-bedroom chalet. The chalet features three king beds in en suite bedrooms complete with spa bathrooms and balconies in each of them. The balcony features lovely patio furniture where you can sip a cuppa or a glass of wine while watching Knysna’s famous sunsets. The rental even has a TV, continuous WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining area. The property even has a gorgeous swimming pool for the guests’ use!
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
42.27 km (26.3 mi) from Garden Route National ParkSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Host:
lovely staff and the house was amazing more than expectedLocation:
nice place and well locatedRead more reviewsAmenities & Room:
very nice view best king size bed
Captivating Knysna
Azure high seas, gushing river waters, lush green forests, and a wonderful atmosphere - Knysna has it all. Head to this wonderful South African seaside town and stay at one of these top chalets in Knysna, South Africa.
History
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