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Blackwaters River Lodge

4.0 star property
Riverfront guesthouse with golf course and free breakfast

Photo gallery for Blackwaters River Lodge

Exterior
Luxury Suite | In-room business centre
Luxury Suite
Luxury Suite
Outdoor wedding area

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • 24/7 front desk
  • Bar
  • Room service
  • Breakfast included
  • Housekeeping
  • Pool
The current price is AU$231
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar

Explore the area

Map
N2 Highway between Knysna and Sedgefield, opposite the Buffalo Bay turn-off, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
  • Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Knysna Lagoon
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Buffalo Bay Beach
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Plettenberg Bay (PBZ)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite

Highlights

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

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
Premium bedding
  • 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
Premium bedding
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

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
Portable fan
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

Similar properties

View from property

Premier Resort The Moorings, Knysna

  • Pool
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
4.2 out of 5, Very good, (88)
The price is AU$279
for 1 room
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
Premier Resort The Moorings, Knysna

About the area

Knysna

Blackwaters River Lodge places you steps from Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and within a short 5-minute stroll of Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. Highlights at this guest house include a golf course, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .The restaurant, Earth and Fire, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a drink, you can stop by the guest house's own lounge bar. Enjoy the pool loungers along with access to rowing/canoeing and scooter/moped rentals. Business amenities include a meeting room and a business centre. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Free buffet breakfast is available daily between 8 AM and 11 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute drive of this 4-property class Knysna guest house include Garden Route National Park and Knysna Lagoon.
View more Guest houses in KnysnaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Knysna Quays - 12 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Knysna Waterfront - 13 min drive - 12.8 km
  • Thesen Island - 13 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Brenton Beach - 23 min drive - 13.0 km

Getting around

  • George (GRJ) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Seattle Coffee Company - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Butterfly Blu Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Brenton Beach Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Farm - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪River Deck Restaurant - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Blackwaters River Lodge

Riverfront guesthouse with golf course and 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 centre 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 guest house 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 a safe. Rooms open to furnished balconies. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation includes desks. Select Comfort beds feature premium bedding. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, complimentary toiletries and hairdryers.

This Knysna guest house provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and blackout curtains. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

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 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

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

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.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

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
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 accepts Visa and Mastercard.

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

Is parking available at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Yep, Blackwaters River Lodge has a free self car park. Onsite parking is limited.

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

As of 4 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blackwaters River Lodge on 5 Mar 2025 start from AU$230.57, 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.

Are there any beaches close to Blackwaters River Lodge?

The closest beach to Blackwaters River Lodge is Brenton Beach (7.1 km).

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a pool?

Blackwaters River Lodge has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What makes Blackwaters River Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Blackwaters River Lodge.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Blackwaters River Lodge?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Does Blackwaters River Lodge serve breakfast?

Sure does, complimentary buffet brekkie is served daily between 8 AM and 11 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Blackwaters River Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What time are check-in & check-out at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM.

Are pets allowed at Blackwaters River Lodge?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is there a golf course on site at Blackwaters River Lodge?

Yep, Blackwaters River Lodge has a 9-hole golf course.

Blackwaters River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 48 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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

Travelled 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 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.

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.

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 traveller

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 traveller

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.

10/10 Excellent

Megan, Port Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Absolutely inlove with this place!
I am a travel agent and would definitely recommend this establishment to any of my family, friends or clients. The Lodge is just outside Knysna, perfectly located for tranquility and surrounded by the most beautiful gardens and mountains. The service from all the staff was out-of-this-world and Winnette went out of her way to make sure we were comfortable. She even set up a braai for us - as typical South African's we could not watch the rugby without a braai! The rooms are beautifully decorated, clean and the attention to detail - from having tots of Amarula and nougat placed in the rooms for a night-cap, to insect repellent for the mozzies. I will most definitely be returning and becoming a "regular".

10/10 Excellent

Cliff, Cape Town.

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The best you're going to get.
We needed a few days of total relaxation. Blackwater fitted the bill perfectly. Lovely room overlooking the beautiful river, quite efficiency,good restaurant open until 21:30 everyday. Will use it over and over.