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Blackwaters River Lodge

4.0 star property
4-star golf guest house with free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Blackwaters River Lodge

Exterior
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served
Luxury Suite | In-room business center
Classic Suite | Terrace/patio
Luxury Suite | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, minibar, in-room safe

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping
  • Pool

Explore the area

View in a map
N2 Highway between Knysna and Sedgefield, opposite the Buffalo Bay turn-off, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
  • Place, Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Knysna Waterfront
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Knysna Quays
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds OR 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Suite

Classic Suite | Premium bedding, Select Comfort beds, minibar, in-room safe

Classic Suite

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

Standard Double Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

Standard Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

  • 323 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Knysna

On river.Within a 5-minute walk of the guesthouse, you'll find 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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What's nearby

  • Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Knysna Waterfront - 15 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Knysna Quays - 15 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Brenton Beach - 16 min drive - 9.5 miles
  • Buffalo Bay Beach - 23 min drive - 7.1 miles

Getting around

  • George (GRJ) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Seattle Coffee Company - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Drydock Food Co - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Butterfly Blu Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Lunar Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Muse - ‬9 min drive

About this property

Blackwaters River Lodge

4-star golf guest house with free breakfast
Blackwaters River Lodge offers its guests a golf course and an outdoor pool. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Business amenities include a business center and a meeting room. A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Blackwaters River Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) and an area shuttle are available for a fee. Limited free parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This 4-star Knysna guesthouse is smoke free.

  • 1 floor
  • 18 guestrooms or units
  • 4 buildings
  • Buffet breakfast (free)
  • Childcare (surcharge)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • 1 conference room
  • Dining venue
Blackwaters River Lodge offers 18 accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to furnished balconies. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations include desks. Select Comfort beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room refrigerators and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.

This Knysna guesthouse provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and blackout drapes/curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Similar properties

Exterior
Phoenix Lodge and Waterside Accommodation
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
  • Business services
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 3 reviews
$53 nightly
The price is $53
Oct 21 - Oct 22
Total with taxes and fees
Phoenix Lodge and Waterside Accommodation

Property amenities

Family friendly

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

Internet

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

Parking and transportation

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

Food and drink

  • Free buffet breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Things to do

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

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

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV

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

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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

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

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Deposit: ZAR 500 per night

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • 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

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa and Mastercard.

National rating

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

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

How close is Blackwaters River Lodge to the airport?

Blackwaters River Lodge is 28.3 mi (43-min drive) away from the Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have an airport shuttle?

Blackwaters River Lodge offers an airport shuttle 24 hours a day, on request, for a charge of ZAR 550.00 per person.

How close is Blackwaters River Lodge to the beach?

This guesthouse is 5.7 mi (18-min drive) from Buffalo Bay Beach and 8.1 mi (23-min drive) from Brenton Beach. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does Blackwaters River Lodge offer free breakfast?

Blackwaters River Lodge offers free buffet breakfast every day from 8 AM to 11 AM.

Is there a casino at Blackwaters River Lodge?

No, there is no casino at this guesthouse.

What time is check-in at Blackwaters River Lodge?

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

Is there free parking at Blackwaters River Lodge?

This guesthouse offers free self parking.

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a pool?

Blackwaters River Lodge features an outdoor pool.

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this guesthouse.

How close is Blackwaters River Lodge to downtown Knysna?

Blackwaters River Lodge is 6.2 mi away from Knysna.

Reviews

Blackwaters River Lodge Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 49 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 49 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 49 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 49 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 49 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Traveled with group
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

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Traveled with family
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

Traveled with partner
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.

10/10 Excellent

Nhlamulo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

PMD1959, Sheffield

Traveled with partner
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 traveler

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 traveler

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.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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.

8/10 Good

Frederick, Tanglewood

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

Excellent good value relaxed accommodation

Good value and excellent staff. The 9 hole par 3 golf was, however, in poor condition.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Relaxing and Convenient Hidden Gem

I loved the personal touches at Blackwaters. The staff was conscientious and made a point to know me by name. Beautiful grounds, and easy access to Knysna and the Eastern Cape. By far the best stop on my trip. Highly recommended and I hope to return.

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly, helpful staff and lots of attention to detail.

8/10 Good

shannon, California

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was a gorgeous location, great breakfast. The only issue we had was that you can only use 250 mb of wifi data (hardly any) and it's pretty far from town.

10/10 Excellent

David, Manchester, UK

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

Warm greeting from Reception staff

From the minute we drove into the car park, the was somebody from reception meet us in the carpark to warmly greet us, with a glass of local Port, the room are spacious, we stayed in a garden view room 5 nights and overlooked the golf course, breakfast was good with lots of chose. We only had the 1 evening meal but the food was good and the setting beautiful. This hotel is ideal for a base for the whole of the coast line of the route from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay.