The 10 best Cottages in Knysna, South Africa

Nestled amidst leafy Milkwood trees, on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon, The Milkwood Collection offers a variety of self-catering accommodation to suit everyone’s taste. Our waterfront villas, Milkwood Bay and Number Eleven offer five-star luxury with private swimming pools. For more affordable options, choose between Paquita – a villa perfectly situated on the water's edge – Horizon – a spacious family villa overlooking the bay – or one of Under Milkwood's 16 cosy two-bedroom timber chalets. Our properties are a short amble away from the famous Knysna Heads - the two impressive sandstone peaks guarding the Knysna Lagoon entrance which opens into the Indian Ocean. The Milkwood Collection is one of the few establishments in the area with direct access to the beach. The lagoon's calm and shallow shores allow safe swimming for kids and endless opportunities for water sports. The only challenge every morning is to decide between paddling a complimentary kayak or SUP board or enjoying a casual stroll across the wide stretch of beach during low tide.

We are a Rated Self-catering Exclusive resort with accolades for birding, family friendly and hiking, issued by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. Situated in 36 hectares of forest in the Garden Route, 16 km’s from the N2. We are off the beaten track and partially off the grid. The closest town, shop and restaurant is 20 minutes away, so be sure to stock up with groceries on your way. Our on-site facilities include a licensed bar, petting zoo, art gallery, 2 forest trails and a river walk giving guests access to the Karatara river and rock pools. All our suites are nestled within the magnificent indigenous Knysna Forest. The suites are built in a gorge, so access is from ground level and the front of the suite is built on stilts ranging from two to six meters above ground, giving you breath-taking views of the Karatara Gorge or the majestic Knysna Forest. We’re best suited to nature lovers, those wanting something a little unique, quirky and adventurous; especially when the winds pick up and the odd thunderstorm hits. Please be aware that you are going to be in the bush. This is not a manicured environment; it is part of the forest. We won’t, don’t, can’t fumigate the forest … so if you are someone who doesn’t have phobias about flora or fauna; trees, plants, birds, wild animals, insects, spiders, snakes, butterflies, moths, tame animals …… Teniqua Treetops is the holiday destination for you.

Forest Edge is ideal for Honeymooners, Mountain-bikers, Birdwatchers, trail-walkers and nature-loving families. We specialize in romantic getaways to help you destress and re-connect. Ideally situated to enjoy the trails, forest rock pools and picnic spots or to just chill on your veranda with binocs, a book or sundowners. There are 5 free-standing exceptionally well-equipped, comfortable, self-catering cottages; 2 Standard and 3 Luxury cottages. We also have a Swimming Pool & Kiddies Play area. The luxury cottages include complimentary WiFi and Comprehensive Satellite DSTV and have a Queen instead of a Double bed in the main bedroom. We also offer a traditional Breakfast on our picturesque Lily Pond Deck. Although there is no spa on site, we have several mobile massage and beauty therapists that can attend to your needs right in the privacy of your cottage. Come rejuvenate in the Magic of the Forest!

The answer for those looking for affordable accommodation without sacrificing comfort. Conveniently situated 2 km from the town center &walking distance to the Lagoon walkway, the ideal spot from which to explore this prime tourist area with all it has to offer. 6 bachelor style cottages sleep 2-4 each and 2 multi-room style family units sleep 4-6 each.

Situated on the water's edge of the Knysna Lagoon, Knysna River Club is a private enclave of charming, luxury self-catering log chalets in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route coast. Surrounded by shady trees and well-tended gardens, the resort offers security, privacy and comfort for guests looking to unwind, and is the ideal venue from which to explore the quaint lagoon-side town of Knysna. Whether you want an active holiday or the chance to relax in the tranquil surroundings, Knysna River Club is the perfect choice. On-site facilities include WiFi, restaurant, bar, Jacuzzi, sauna, swimming pool, kiddies pool, putting green, fishing, bicycle hire, games room, business centre, braai area and private jetty. Close by attractions include Knysna Heads, Fly fishing, sailing, surfing, scuba diving, golf and hiking.

Our en suite cabanas are available as family rooms for up to 4 guests or double and twin rooms. They are decorated in keeping with our "barefoot sophistication" motto, and all rooms open up onto a wrap-around balcony from where to view our beach and ocean, mountains or natural fynbos. From here you can explore 30km of unspoilt beaches, our pristine estuary, or the bustling not-so-slow Slow Town of Sedgefield, situated midway between Knysna and George. Whether you choose to kick back and relax or go out and grab it by the horns, with its natural splendor, action packed activities and great restaurants and markets we believe you will have an awesome stay.

This quaint and quirky establishment is full of colour and character and offers a relaxed 'home from home'. All accommodation has views of the garden, lagoon and Knysna Heads. Open, friendly and helpful owners on site. A feel good atmosphere offering peace of mind and privacy. All units have full en-suite bathrooms, private decks with Braai and easy access to our large secluded garden and sparkling pool. Secure parking. Rooms serviced daily, DSTV and free WiFi. “Heads Up” – a spacious upper level apartment (2/3 sleeper) with amazing views; “Down to Earth” lower level apartment – Family room (4 sleeper) A practical and unpretentious family room and the cozy romantic "Featherbed Studio" double with kitchenette Footprints of Knysna is set away from the N2 highway in a quiet suburb, but located just a five minute drive from Knysna’s bustling town, vibrant waterfront, architect-inspired Thesen Harbour Town and peaceful Leisure Isle.

Safe, peaceful, stunning views, great affordability. Peace and tranquillity like you've never experienced before. Conveniently situated between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, close enough to enjoy all the activities in and around the area. Spoil yourself on this 270 hectare retreat, abundant with bird life, protea and fynbos, no through road. Relax completely on this "end of the road" 270-hectare farm - open spaces where you can breathe. Our views of the Bitou Valley and the Langkloof Mountains are truly breathtaking. You can be assured of great safety and security, as there are virtually no people/car/bike traffic passing through, maybe the occasional cyclist. Go on a guided walk with our expert resident guide, horticulturist and birder of note, Karen, ending with a gourmet picnic at our special, purposely built venue. Relax on the pool deck overlooking a valley of fynbos and the mountains. Take a hike down to the Bitou river (or make use of other walking routes on the property). Bring your mountain bike and explore the farm as well as the mountain bike trails through the Knysna forest a few kilometres away. Forest horse rides and quad bike rides available on a neighbouring farm . See another neighbour milking hundreds of cows a day (buy your milk there if you want) or book a sumptuous cheese and local wine tasting. Pick your own bunch of Protea and Fynbos. Order a picnic basket and enjoy at your leisure. Wireless internet access at reception/manager's office or on the shaded patio. Linen, towels and firewood supplied, serviced most days. 6 Self-catering studio units suited to two adults (some can accommodate an extra child) each with fully equipped kitchen facilities, and a dining table inside and outside. Partially private, covered patio and deck with stunning views, en-suite shower room. Fynbosskerm (large communal area)with pool deck, lounge with fireplace and DSTV, bbq area (shaded and paved with seating) and dining/breakfast room. Farm breakfast available on request. Safe, shaded parking. The quaint Protea Cottage sleeps 4 (2 bedr, 2 bathr), DSTV, fireplace and private lapa in garden with bbq area, seating and small splash pool. Safe parking. The upmarket Bitou Valley House sleeps 6 -8 (3 bedr, 2 bath, plus bunk bed for 2 kids), Stunning location, secluded, completely private, deck with bbq and breathtaking views. DSTV, fireplace, fully equipped with all modern facilities. Fenced, safe shaded parking

Woodbourne Resort, owned by the Duthie family for decades. Accommodation available is 11 log cabin chalets, ranging from a 2 sleeper to an 8 sleeper. All chalets are self catering, fully furnished including fresh linen and towels. We also offer spacious camping sites tents, motorhomes, campers and caravans welcome. All sites have electrical points. Woodbourne Resort is a birding paradise and the big trees and park like surroundings provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird life including the Knysna Loerie. Woodbourne also adjoins our private vlei which is a water bird sanctuary so special it attracts migrant waders from as far as Siberia. Woodbourne Resort is perfect for couples, families or groups looking to relax and unwind in a natural park-like setting, and is ideal for bird-watching enthusiasts. Facilities we have on the resort, is a huge salted pool for adults, salted kiddies pool, braai area's, trampoline, kiddies play area with jungle gym, slides, swings and volley ball. Situated close to the shores of the Knysna lagoon, Woodbourne Resort offers an idyllic stay in one of the most scenic areas of Knysna, 1.2Km from Coney Glen Beach. 5Km's from the city. Lovely restaurants a stone throw away with breath taking views, offering our guests an unforgettable holiday - truly a home away from home! Woodbourne Resort is under new management, we have upgraded, improved maintanance, appearance and services and will keep striving to stay on top to ensure guest satisfaction. Our entire staff, will do their best to make you feel at home so your stay will be an enjoyable, comfortable and memorable one at Woodbourne Resort.