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Blackwaters River Lodge

4.0 star property
Riverfront guesthouse with a golf course and free breakfast

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Photo gallery for Blackwaters River Lodge

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

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

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

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Luxury Suite

Luxury Suite | In-room business center

Luxury Suite

Highlights

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

Standard Double Room

Highlights

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

Standard Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Premium bedding
  • 30 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Classic Suite

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

Classic Suite

Highlights

Furnished balcony
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Heating
Refrigerator
Flat-screen TV
Select Comfort bed
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

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About the neighborhood

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 - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Knysna Waterfront - 15 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Knysna Quays - 15 min drive - 9.3 miles
  • Thesen Island - 17 min drive - 9.7 miles
  • Buffalo Bay Beach - 23 min drive - 7.1 miles

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

Upscale guesthouse 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 travelers can enjoy volleyball, cycling, and rowing/canoeing at this guesthouse. 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 guesthouse include:
  • An outdoor pool with sun loungers
  • Free self parking
  • Bike rentals, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and babysitting (surcharge)
  • Tour/ticket assistance, scooter rentals, and 1 meeting room
Room features
All guestrooms are individually furnished, and offer comforts such as premium bedding and furnished balconies, in addition to perks like free WiFi and safes.
Other amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with deep soaking tubs and free toiletries
  • Refrigerators, electric kettles, and heating

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Property amenities

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

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 center
  • 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

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • 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

Pets not 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

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
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

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

Does Blackwaters River Lodge have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

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?

Check-out is at 10 AM. Late check-out 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 a 5-minute walk of Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. Garden Route National Park and Knysna Lagoon are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Blackwaters River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

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

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

8.0/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

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 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

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.

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Nhlamulo

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

8/10 Good

anders uffe

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

8/10 Good

PMD1959, Sheffield

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!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

BASHIR

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

conveniant andfreindly

very good n freindly
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

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