N2 Highway between Knysna and Sedgefield, opposite the Buffalo Bay turn-off, Knysna, Western Cape, 6570
What's nearby
Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve - 3 min walk
Knysna Quays - 12 min drive
Knysna Waterfront - 13 min drive
Thesen Island - 13 min drive
Brenton Beach - 23 min drive
Getting around
Plettenberg Bay (PBZ) - 43 min drive
George (GRJ) - 46 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Area shuttle (surcharge)
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
A great stay at Blackwaters River Lodge in Knysna can include a round of golf at the 9-hole course. Guests can take a dip in the outdoor pool or grab a bite to eat at Earth and Fire, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights include a bar/lounge, a terrace and a garden.
Languages
Afrikaans, English
At a glance
Hotel size
18 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7 PM
Minimum check-in age – 18
Check-out time is 10 AM
Late check-out subject to availability
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
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cots (infant beds)
Babysitting*
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free on-site self-parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
On-site parking is limited
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*
Off-site
Area shuttle*
Other information
Smoke-free property
Property amenities
Food and drink
Free buffet breakfast each morning 8 AM–11 AM
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Room service
Travelling with children
Playground
Babysitting (surcharge)
What to do
Volleyball
Golfing
Hiking/biking trails
Scooter/moped hire
Canoeing
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horse riding nearby
Whale watching nearby
Working away
Business centre
Meeting room
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Bike hire
Pool loungers
Facilities
4 buildings/towers
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Picnic area
Terrace
Golf course on-site
An outdoor pool
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Home comfort
Heating
Minibar
Coffee/tea maker
Electric kettle
Sleep well
Blackout curtains
Turndown service
Premium bedding
Selected Comfort mattress
What to enjoy
Furnished balcony
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
20 bathrooms
Deep-soaking bath
Separate bath and shower
Free toiletries
Hairdryer
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Food and drink
Fridge
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Special features
Dining
Earth and Fire – This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
Fees & policies
Refundable deposits
Deposit: ZAR 500 per night
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 550.00 per person
Local area shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
Late check-in after 7 PM can be arranged for an extra charge of ZAR 150.00
Late checkout can be arranged for an extra charge of ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability)
Children & extra beds
Babysitting is available for an extra charge
Rollaway beds are available for ZAR 350.0 per night
Policies
This property accepts credit cards.
Also known as
Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge
Blackwaters River Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge Knysna
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse
Blackwaters River Lodge Guesthouse Knysna
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at Blackwaters River Lodge?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool.
Are pets allowed at Blackwaters River Lodge?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Blackwaters River Lodge?
Yes, there's free self parking. Parking spaces may be limited.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by Blackwaters River Lodge?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 550.00 per person.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Blackwaters River Lodge?
Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 7 PM. Check-out time is 10 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge of ZAR 750.00 (subject to availability).
What is there to do at Blackwaters River Lodge and nearby?
Have fun with on-site activities such as rowing and hiking, and practise your swing on the golf course. Additional recreation on-site includes volleyball. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the guest house's other amenities, which include a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Blackwaters River Lodge?
Yes, there's an on-site restaurant, Earth and Fire.
Does Blackwaters River Lodge have rooms with private hot tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep-soaking bath.
Does Blackwaters River Lodge have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a furnished balcony.
What's the area around Blackwaters River Lodge like?
Blackwaters River Lodge is located by the river, a short 1-minute walk from Cape Floral Region Protected Areas and 3 minutes' walk from Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve.
Blackwaters River Lodge Reviews
Reviews
8.8
Excellent
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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 Exceptional
18 December 2023
Romantic get away.
Beautiful and quiet with friendly service.
Verified traveller
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 July 2023
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.
Leonard B
Leonard B, 5-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
2/10 Poor
7 March 2023
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.
Christopher
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
2 January 2022
Nhlamulo
Nhlamulo, 6-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
14 March 2020
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!
PMD1959
PMD1959, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
29 September 2019
Glorious Getaway
It was the best place we have ever booked. The view and friendly staff.
Gerald, you are amazing.
Thank you once again.
Nosithembele
Nosithembele, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
17 April 2019
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.
Christopher
Christopher, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
27 March 2019
top place
staff and rooms fantastic. food out of this world.
can not fault and well recommended
luiz
luiz, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
6 May 2018
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!
Nesreen
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
31 January 2017
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.
Verified traveller
Verified Expedia guest review
6/10 Good
27 January 2017
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!
Verified traveller
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
23 January 2017
conveniant andfreindly
very good n freindly
BASHIR
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
4 December 2016
Great hotel to base for sightseeing
Very good for a short break very enjoyable visit and friendly staff good restaurant and well priced
Alan
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 November 2016
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.
Marwa
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 November 2016
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
Phiwokuhle
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
10 November 2016
Great Choice
Excellent facility in a great bushland location with friendly staff and a great restaurant.
Bill
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
14 May 2016
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
Verified traveller
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
6 April 2016
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.
Paola
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very good
25 January 2016
Excellent good value relaxed accommodation
Good value and excellent staff.
The 9 hole par 3 golf was, however, in poor condition.
Frederick
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
11 January 2016
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.
Verified traveller
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
11 January 2016
Friendly, helpful staff and lots of attention to detail.
Verified traveller
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very good
21 November 2015
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.
shannon
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
21 November 2015
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.
David
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
28 September 2015
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".
Megan
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
24 September 2015
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.