8 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Knysna, South Africa - Updated 2023

airbnb Knysna, South Africa
Natasha
Natasha  
Updated

Knysna is located on the south of South Africa, halfway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The area is known for its hot summers and the not too cold winters, so it’s the perfect place for year-round travel. Whilst you’re there, why not try some of the amazing food options, including the East Head Cafe with its amazing African food, and Le Maquis with some French food! If you’re after the best nature picks, why not check out the Knysna Heads as well as some hikes, including Tsitsika and Gericke’s Point. Check out the top Airbnb vacation rentals in Knysna.

1. Beautiful studio apartment for two (from USD 38)

This spacious studio apartment has room for up to two people. The studio is linked directly to the garden - you’re going to want to step outside the moment you wake up! You have a small kitchenette to cook up quick meals, and the hosts leave all the basics you may need to feel at home. As well as the kitchen, there’s also a braai (barbeque) in the garden. The apartment is located in the centre of the town, in the safe neighbourhood aptly known as Paradise.

Loeries Nest - Cosy Studio, Solar power, Views!
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
534 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
stunning views from our downstairs apartment
high points: spectacular view loving decor and cozy atmosphere
the wifi was a bit spotty but we weren't there to work :) highly recommended thanks guys
also the view from the room was amazing aesthetically the property was very pleasing
we really enjoyed our stay at mark and liz‘ apartment
Cleanliness:
clean place with amazing touches
clean and crisp space with homely touches
the room is very tidy and clean
it was very clean and we didn’t expect a filled fridge
everything is sparkling clean we didn’t miss anything
Host:
friendly host and hostess
the hosts were a delight
hosts are super friendly
mark was a great host
can see that the owners love people by the way they run their place
Location:
the location was great
perfect location and equipment and very close from the water front
i‘d also recommend staying min 2 night to enjoy the amazing location to the fullest
the place is beautiful and close to amenities
our time at mark’s and liz’ place was amazing
Read more reviews

2. Family-friendly suite with bay views (from USD 52)

Enjoy beautiful views over the bay, and take advantage of this entire guest suite. There’s room for up to four guests, with both a queen bed and a bunk bed, making it the perfect house for a young family to stay in. The hosts provide all the home comforts you’ll need to enjoy your stay, which is perfect for when you’re arriving with kids. The apartment has off street parking and a housekeeper who can do your laundry for a small additional charge.

#Bayview Cosy Studio1- Solar Power, Lagoon Views
Knysna, WC, South Africa
336 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 3 Beds 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view was amazing and the room was perfekt
the amenities was amazing a specially the breakfast goodies
breakfast was good and sea view was nice
the room consists of the most comfortable bed and also a set of bunk beds
amazing personal touches such as breakfast in the fridge filter coffee and snacks
Cleanliness:
the place is spotless clean
the room is clean and decorated beautifully
the room was very clean and got all you need
the place was very clean and we love the decor as well
this place was awesome it was super safe clean cozy
Host:
hosts were really helpful
the hosts were friendly and helpful
the hosts are very accommodating and fulfill all special requests
they are super friendly and courteous hosts
they are really nice hosts with great tips and had always time for a little chat
Location:
the location is nice and close to waterfront (5-10 min driving)
truly a home away from home a stunning place to stay with literally everything you need and more
we loved staying at mark and liz' place
it was a pleasure to stay at mark and liz's place
we had a great time at mark and liz place
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3. Centrally located retreat with Quays views (from USD 51)

Enjoy this private room, right in the centre of the town. The apartment looks straight over the Quays, the perfect place to hitch a ride and enjoy the water. The apartment is only a ten-minute walk away from Thesen Island and plenty of fine dining options. You have a first-floor bedroom, with plenty of storage and an en-suite, as well as amazing views from your balcony. You share the main living spaces with the host, who is always around to give you suggestions about what to do in the local area.

Marina facing private room at the Quays
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
217 reviews  Wifi Available
Private room in home 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the room has a great view of the quay
you get a lovely big bed with an amazing view on a balcony
splendid room with private balcony overlooking the waterways
henry has a fantastic room with a fantastic view and henry himself is perfect host
the room was very clean and had an awesome view directly at the knysna quays
Cleanliness:
very clean and friendly
the room was clean and nice
comfy bed and very clean and tidy
the room was super clean and we truly didn't lack anything
his place was very clean and centrally located
Host:
amazing host with incredible hospitality
you were one amazing host
henry is a very nice host
henry is a wonderful host
a friendly knowledgeable and caring host
Location:
lovely location and neighbourhood
his place is really well located and almost everything is within walking distance
good location for bars and restaurants
a lovely room in a perfect location
the place is so beautiful and perfectly located
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4. Escape for two with amazing views (from USD 37)

This beautiful escape is located about the Knysna lagoon - the views from the living room are just amazing. There’s one bedroom, with a double bedroom. There’s also an open planned kitchen and a living room, as well as a spacious bathroom. The hosts are located on the property, so they can give you all the advice you need. They can also organise day trips for you, so you can see more of the area. The hosts will service the apartment every few days. Enjoy the outside deck, as well as the barbecue.

Collins Cottage in Paradise.
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
245 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire bungalow 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very lovely view great views not enough room for two unless you're a couple
nice apartment with a beautiful view
beautiful private apartment with a great view
the views are amazing and the bed is super comfy
she even had a usb hub and converts for our electronics which was a huge plus
Cleanliness:
accommodation is clean and neat
christines places is really nice and clean
a beautiful perfectly clean place
it is spotlessly clean and the fittings are stylish
the cottage is beautiful clean and well equipped
Host:
our host was amazing
very nice host and humble people
she was a gracious host and took good care of us
thanks to the wonderful host christine
great stay with a great host
Location:
christine’s cottage is located just out of the center of town and is a perfect location
close to all the tourist attractions in knysna and surrounding area
collins cottage is perfectly situated offering quiet but being close to the waterfront
it's super comfortable and at a very convenient location
good location in knysna and she gave us some good recommendations
Read more reviews

5. Private accommodation with views of the lagoon (from USD 35)

If you’re after a bit of privacy, then this is your perfect choice. This beautiful private apartment has room for two guests. There’s a large double bed, and a spacious bedroom, with everything you may need to make yourself feel at home. There’s also a small bathroom and a kitchenette. The hosts live next door and can do your laundry for a small additional cost. You’re close to the centre of town, which is perfect if you don’t want to cook during your stay! The house is full of everything you need for your stay - whether you think you need it or not!

@Bayview Cosy Studio2- Solar power, Lagoon Views!
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
357 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire guest suite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable accommodation with great views
nice and cosy room with a nice view at the lagoon
on top of this the room is generously stocked with snacks coffee etc
great value for money awesome view and apartment
5 stars are not enough*****the apartment is the perfect place to visit knysna
Cleanliness:
comfortable and clean bed
apartment was modern and very clean
it was extreme clean and well equipped
the studio was so clean and well equipped
absolutely stunning stylish and clean place
Host:
good recommendations from the owners
mark and liz were wonderful hosts
mark and liz were great hosts
mark and liz were fantastic hosts
very welcoming and accommodating hosts
Location:
the location was easy to find and very close to central town
beautiful room in a beautiful location
mark and liz's place is everything any guest would wish for and more
just a cute little place to experience the beauty of knysna
will definitely be back and recommend this place for the perfect weekend away
Read more reviews

6. Most affordable cottage with an outdoor deck (from USD 34)

The highlight of this property is the beautiful outdoor deck, with amazing views over the water, with the birdsong in the background. You have your own private entrance to the property as well as two bedrooms. The first bedroom has a double bed, and the second has two singles, making the property the perfect escape for a family or two couples. There’s also a sofa bed in the living room. There’s also a large kitchen, which is perfect to try out some of the best of the local produce. The cottage has an alarm, which is linked to a security company, so you do have to worry about your safety whilst you’re there.

Cottage on Lindsay, Hunters Home, Knysna.
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
346 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire cabin 4 Beds 4 Guests 2 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apartment was amazing with a large balcony
great cozy place with a nice view of knysna perfect place for two couples or parents with kids
the cottage is comfortable well equipped and offers a very nice terrasse with good view
the cottage was cosy and comfortable in a peaceful neighborhood
nice people kids would have loved wifi shame
Cleanliness:
very clean and comfortable
well equipped clean and comfortable
a wonderful spacious home clean and all needs fully covered
it was very neat and clean and everything was as described and shown on the pictures
place was clean has a private entrance and is great value for money
Host:
friendly and helpful hosts
paul was very welcoming and a great host
wonderful hosts and a gem home
paul is an amazing host and he gave us his hospitality and help
paul was very kind
Location:
good location out of town
we loved the location its just beautiful
beautiful cosy cabin situated in a calm area of knynsa
nice and close to knysna heads
you will find peace at this place
Read more reviews

7. Historical house with access to a heated pool (from USD 35)

Enjoy one of the first homes built in Knysna - this house was built in the early 1800’s! There’s room for up to four guests in this self-contained flat. There’s a large bedroom with a double bed, and a sofa bed in the living room. The house is full of original features, with wooden floors and high ceilings, which you’re going to fall in love with. There’s plenty of security around the house as well as a beautiful outside verandah. You’re close to the main hotel in town, which has a heated pool, and gym facilities that you can use.

Carpe Diem Apartment. Friendly cosy designer flat.
Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
240 reviews  Wifi Available
Entire home 2 Beds 4 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathrooms

Accommodates: 4

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
there is a comfortable bed tv wifi and a private outdoor area
two slept in the private bedroom and i slept on the couch (very comfortable)michelle and etienne were great
comfy bed and great amenities
we loved the electric bed michelle gave us a lot of informations very helpful
the space is comfortable & has everything you need
Cleanliness:
very clean and spacious
sparkling clean and every thing you need
it was extremely clean and cozy and comfortable
the venue was clean and fully equipped
very clean neat excellent value
Host:
the hosts are very friendly
etienne is a great host
etienne is a friendly helpful host
host is very helpful with all your needs
etienne is a brilliant host
Location:
great location very safe
convenient cute and well located ;
close to some restaurants at the docks and the beautiful island
amazing place at a perfect location in knysna
stunning place walking distance to everything in town
Read more reviews

8. Honeymoon haven best for couples

This beautiful room is the perfect getaway if you’re a newlywed couple on your honeymoon. The house was built inspired by the fourteenth-century French style of houses. You have a large outdoor area, as well as a private patio. You have amazing views over an olive grove. There’s a large spacious bathroom, as well as a self-catering kitchenette. It’s the perfect escape for two! There are both online laundry facilities as well as off-street parking.

The Olive Grove
282 reviews Superhost  Wifi Available
Entire rental unit 1 Bed 2 Guests 0 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
it had a fantastic view over the bay very comfortable amenities and yummy arrival nibbles and wine
the view from the room window and patio area is breathtaking
a breathtaking view a beautiful room
a lovely spacious room with amazing views of knysna heads
laetitias apartment is just georgeous with a wonderful view over the knysna bay
Cleanliness:
the space was very clean and comftable
the room was very clean neat and very spacious
the place is immaculately clean elegantly furnished and wonderfully special
the bed was super comfi and everything was clean
i recommend her place to anyone who appreciates comfort cleanliness and proximity to knysna cbd
Host:
outstanding hospitality laetitia is an awesome host
the host is very kind caring helpful and thoughtful
the host was so helpful and suggested several places to visit
she was very warm and helpful
stunning accommodation with the best host
Location:
5-star accommodation in a beautiful hilltop location
what a beautiful location overlooking the mountains and sea
we absolutely loved our stay at laetitia’s place
i can’t recommend highly enough and the location is truly idyllic
this place is perfection laetitia is an incredible host
Read more reviews

The Garden of Eden

The area around Knysna is known as the Garden of Eden, thanks to its amazing temperate rainforest, with tranquil lakes and golden beaches. You’re never short of activities you can do in the area, including hiking and kayaking. There are even three elephants that roam around the area, that are former orphans from Kruger National Park.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Writer and blogger, currently based in England, with the passion for travel. I've lived and travelled in Spain, New Zealand and England, solo traveled in Sweden and road tripped across America.

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