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Blackwaters River Lodge

4.0 star property
Riverside tranquility meets adventure at this retreat where travelers can enjoy rowing, canoeing, hiking, and biking while surrounded by natural beauty

Choose dates to view prices

Blackwaters River Lodge sits along the riverbank with a complimentary breakfast buffet and golf course. Guests can hike, bike, or canoe. Families enjoy the garden playground, while the Earth and Fire restaurant serves all meals. The outdoor pool has sun loungers.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Business services
The current price is AU$242
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Classic Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Select Comfort bed
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Single Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Fridge
Flat-screen TV
Ceiling fan
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds
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About the area

Located in Knysna, Blackwaters River Lodge is on a river. Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve and Liquid Grace Adventures are local attractions and those in the mood for shopping can visit Friday Market and Knysna Waterfront. Make sure you don't miss outdoor adventures like hiking/biking trails and horse riding. Visit our Knysna travel guide
View more Guest houses in Knysna
Map
N2 Highway between Knysna and Sedgefield, opposite the Buffalo Bay turn-off, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570

What's nearby

  • Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve featuring a beach, fishing and landscape views
    Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
    5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Knysna Lagoon featuring general coastal views, boating and a sandy beach
    Knysna Lagoon
    6 min drive - 7.0 km
  • Sunset at the waterfront in Knysna. The waterfront area is one of the best places to eat in Knysna, and our two favorite restaurants are Caffe Mario (Italian) and 34 South (little bit of everything and also great oysters!).
    Knysna Waterfront
    15 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Knysna Quays
    Knysna Quays
    15 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Great 9km beach walk to buffalo bay and back
    Brenton Beach
    16 min drive - 15.6 km

Getting around

  • George (GRJ)
    46 min drive

Restaurants

  • Seattle Coffee Company
    11 min drive
  • Chatters
    11 min drive
  • The Farm
    13 min drive
  • The Drydock Food Co
    13 min drive
  • Lunar Cafe
    11 min drive

About this property

Blackwaters River Lodge

Upscale guest house by the river
A free breakfast buffet, a golf course and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Blackwaters River Lodge. Active travellers can enjoy hiking/biking trails, rowing/canoeing and volleyball at this guest house. The on-site restaurant, Earth and Fire, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a garden and a playground.
Other perks at this guest house include:
  • An outdoor pool, along with sunloungers
  • Free self-parking
  • Bike hire, a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and babysitting (surcharge)
  • Tour/ticket information, wedding services and luggage storage
Room features
All rooms are individually furnished, and feature comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, in addition to perks such as free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • 20 bathrooms with deep-soaking baths and free toiletries
  • Fridges, electric kettles and heating

Similar properties

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  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
8.6 out of 10, Excellent, 356 reviews
The price is AU$178
includes taxes & fees
20 Mar - 21 Mar
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Area shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8 AM to 11 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Earth and Fire

Things to do

  • 9-hole golf course
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Golf
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rowing/canoeing
  • Scooter/moped rentals
  • Volleyball

Family friendly

  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • On a river
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 4 buildings
  • Smoke-free property

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Select Comfort mattress

Bathroom

  • 20 private bathrooms
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Room service

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7 PM
Late check-in fee: ZAR 150.00 for check-in after 7 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
Late check-out fee: ZAR 750.00

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 350.0 per night.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Deposit: ZAR 500 per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 550.00 per person
  • Late check-in fee: ZAR 150.00 for check-in after 7 PM
  • Late check-out fee: ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 350.0 per night

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge
Blackwaters River Knysna
Blackwaters River
Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse Knysna

Frequently asked questions

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Blackwaters River Lodge?

As of 11 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blackwaters River Lodge on 18 Mar 2026 start from AU$242, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Blackwaters River Lodge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7 PM.

What time is check-out at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Checkout is at 10 AM. Late checkout is available for ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability).

Does Blackwaters River Lodge provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 550.00 per person applies.

Where is Blackwaters River Lodge located?

Situated in Knysna, this golf guesthouse is within 1 mile (2 km) of Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. Garden Route National Park and Knysna Lagoon are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Reviews

Blackwaters River Lodge Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4

Cleanliness

8.8

Location

9.2

Staff & service

9.0

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 29 out of 51 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 51 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 51 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 51 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 51 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property owner was amazing, staff was great (people to carry luggage tried to avoid us, typical young people). Grounds were beautiful and the meals were great. Last minute booking as our Vrbo suddenly became unavailable
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Romantic get away.

Beautiful and quiet with friendly service.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leonard B

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very good stay in a beautiful location. The owner and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Great service. I will stay there again. Good value for money.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

Christopher

Disliked: Staff & service
A couple of things we enjoyed about the property included (i) great breakfast that was included the only morning we were there; and (ii) when we checked in the owner went out of her way to make us feel welcome. The reason for the poor review is due to the fact we were not provided a refund for the final two nights of our stay despite the fact the staff told us we could cancel and that we'd be provided a refund. Our room did not include air conditioning and our stay was over a few days in which temperatures were extremely hot. My wife was pregnant and literally did not sleep the one night we stayed there, and could not tolerate staying another two nights. I asked the front desk if we could cancel our last two nights and receive a refund. The staff said we would, but we'd need to coordinate with Expedia to receive the refund. I've spent the last two months trying to coordinate with Expedia to receive a refund. Each time I reached out, Expedia was not able to actually get an answer from the property. Finally, today, they got an answer from the property after which I was informed I would not receive a refund. The fact that the staff specifically told me I could cancel and receive a refund is one of the reasons we did actually cancel our final two nights. As a result of this experience, I would not recommend staying at this property. We did stay the last two nights at the Views Boutique Hotel & Spa in Wilderness. I would highly recommend this hotel of Blackwaters.

8/10 Good

Bontemps

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Petit golf et lieu ( rivière , fire pit ,…) très sympa , personnel très gentil . Petit dej ???, demarre trop tard , pas pris !!. Lit refait mais sol chambre pas nettoyé . Bonne impression quand même .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025

4/10 Poor

Bo

Liked: Cleanliness
Disliked: Room comfort
Meget lidt rindende vand……. Floden ligger lige nedenfor, så mon ikke pumpen var “død”
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

PMD1959

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property is in a quiet, beautiful area by the river just outside Knysna on the N2. The staff were superb and nothing was too much trouble. We had a classic room but if we were staying again we would upgrade to a luxury room. This was not available for our dates but for the price, luxury is a vastly better option. The classic rooms are clean and comfortable but have not yet been refurbished. Be aware that the water from the taps is a dark brown colour and might be off-putting to some. Drinking water is provided and is plentiful. The water wasn’t a problem to us. We loved the setting of the property and enjoyed a tasty breakfast admiring the view from the terrace. An enjoyable visit, thank you!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Nosithembele

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Glorious Getaway

It was the best place we have ever booked. The view and friendly staff. Gerald, you are amazing. Thank you once again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Nice little lodge close enough to town

Very nice little lodge about 10 min drive from town. Very accommodating. My room did not have hot water and they were able to move me without hesitation.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

luiz

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

top place

staff and rooms fantastic. food out of this world. can not fault and well recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Nesreen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely quiet little find

What a wonderful little find. Having been affected by the fires last year this hotel is slowly getting back on their feet. We got upgraded to beautiful suites and the little details that were left in our room made it special and memorable. The front of house staff and the kitchen/breakfast guys are absolutely wonderful and so friendly and it was so nice to hear their stories. A great asset to this establishment. There is currently a water problem in SA and this hotel is trying to be resourceful by using water from the lake that runs through their property, the only downside to this is the water coming through the taps is slightly brown which is a little off putting when washing. We would highly recommend this place based on the comfort and staff though!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wundervolle Lodge direkt am Blackwater River

Wundervolle Lodge direkt im Wald am Fluss. Man kann dort Kanu fahren. Das Frühstück ist sehr gut und das Personal sehr nett.

8/10 Good

Leif

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lækkert lodge i dejlige omgivelser nær Knysna

Alt var meget fint - bortset fra, at vi havde booket og betalt for et River view værelse (nyrenoveret, stort, luxus, udsigt), men fik et Forrest view værelse, som var mindre, mindre luxus og dårligere udsigt. Indcheckningen og ejeren kunne ikke give os det bookede Riverview værelse, da der ikke var noget ledigt - og de havde fåer bekræftelse fra Expedia.com/Hotel.com om at vi havde booket et Forrestview (trods min bekræftelse på Riverview). Intet kunne de gøre og intet blev gjort - bortset fra at de selv henvendte sig til Expedia.com. Vi er utilfredse med ikke at have fået, hvad vi bookede og betalte for.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely setting and had a great experience

What a lovely experience we had. So picturesque and with staff who could not be more informative and welcoming. We had a great time with great food, room and service.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service

Nice location peaceful retreat

The restaurant was poor. Cooks left to their own devices with little or no training other than being able to put a small pizza together! The owners quite disinterested in following up staffs work to ensure guests get what they pay for! We ordered grilled lamb chops and they were unedible hacked to bits and burned! Over our 4night stay we had cooked breakfast every morning the muesli was old and made me unwell! For South Africa where we have only had delicious food. This was a very poor show!

8/10 Good

BASHIR

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities

conveniant andfreindly

very good n freindly

8/10 Good

Alan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great hotel to base for sightseeing

Very good for a short break very enjoyable visit and friendly staff good restaurant and well priced

10/10 Excellent

Marwa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wonderful surprise

Lovely place, highly recommend it. Wonderful setting, relaxing atmosphere, excellent good value restaurant and personalized service. Rooms are just so cozy and at night they give you the best house made chocolates. Don't make my mistake and stay there for only 1 night.

10/10 Excellent

Phiwokuhle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The reviews on the hotel were not a lie, the service was amazing. Very friendly and welcoming The only issue was wifi in our room, but we were out most of the day other than that I don't think I will stay anywhere else, Blackwaters has my heart

10/10 Excellent

Bill, Wollongong, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Choice

Excellent facility in a great bushland location with friendly staff and a great restaurant.

10/10 Excellent

Meike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Wunderschön

super schönes, mit liebe zum Detail eingerichtetes Zimmer. Grosses Bad, sehr sauber. Tolle Terrasse mit wunderschönen Blick. Als Betthupferl gibts jeden Abend einen Schnaps und Süssigkeiten.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Ein Paradies

Das Hotel liegt abseits der Strasse, ruhig im Wald an einem Fluß. Wir hatten ein tolles und geräumiges Zimmer mit Terrasse zum Fluß. Man muß etwas auf seine Sachen aufpassen, weil freilaufende Affen daran Gefallen finden könnten. Das Hotel-Team ist sehr nett und hilfsbereit.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Road warrior on the garden route

I was upgraded to a river room which was spacious with extra amenities and I loved the bathtub. Wish I had more time to take a canoe out and explore

8/10 Good

Paola, Toronto

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great Room amenities

The rooms were EXCELLENT The restaurant was pleasing - but food only ok and the service could have been better. We only got scraps for breakfast as we got there 20 min before closing -- and the restaurant was visually unpleasant.

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Gemütliches Hotel im Dschungel

Sehr schönes Hotel etwas außerhalb von Knysna direkt am Fluß. Absolut ruhig gelegen, echtes Dschungel-Feeling. Abends vor dem Zimmer sitzen ist unvergesslich. :-) Zimmer sehr sauber, großzügig ausgestattet, Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit. Frühstück einfach, aber lecker -- besonders empfehlenswert das selbst gebackene Brot.