December Holiday Accommodation in Knysna from R960/Night – 22 Properties

22 properties found · Showing 1–20 · Knysna Guide

December is Knysna's peak season — schools break mid-December and the town fills up fast. There are 22 holiday properties currently listed near Knysna, with rates ranging from R960 to R3,070 per night and an average of R1,799/night. Options span Knysna Central, Leisure Island, The Heads, and the Waterfront. Whether you need a large group house on the lagoon or a compact self-catering unit near town, availability at this time of year is tight. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead is the minimum; October bookings are safer for prime spots.
White multistory building with trees and a clear sky in the background
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Russel Hotel

Hotel Knysna
From R1,020
Modern hotel room with bed desk TV and open bathroom area

aha Rex Hotel

Hotel Knysna Central
Modern buildings near a waterfront with boats and hills in the background

Knysna Lagoon Holidays

Self-catering Knysna Central
Modern house with garden potted plants and illuminated windows at dusk

Hillview Self-catering Apartments

Lodge Knysna
Black and white landscape with a bird flying over hills and blurred foreground
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Candlewood Knysna

Guest house Knysna
From R2,080
House with a swimming pool and palm trees at sunset

Tides End Manor House

Villa Knysna
From R2,635
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Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel Knysna
Swimming pool with deck chairs white railing and scenic view of greenery and hills
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Hideaway Guest House

Guest house Knysna
From R1,960
Sunset over a harbor with boats colorful sky and distant hills
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Paradise Found

Guest house Knysna
From R1,800
Evening view of a coastal town with illuminated plants and buildings

Big Tree House Lodge

Lodge Knysna
From R1,150
Modern living room with dining area large windows and mountain view
Star Star Star Star

Guadeloupe Self-Catering Apartments

Apartment Knysna
From R1,400
Aerial view of waterfront buildings with docks and boats surrounded by greenery

Knysna Lagoon Self-Catering Apartments

Self-catering Waterfront
From R1,841
Bright living room with sectional sofa large windows and view of pool outside

Villa Leisure

Villa Leisure Island
Dining area with wooden table wicker chairs and open view to outdoor patio
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African Breeze Guesthouse

Guest house Knysna
From R1,500
House with outdoor seating overlooking a lake and hills at dusk

Isola Bella

Guest house Knysna
From R1,600
Modern deck with pool wicker furniture and scenic sunset over mountains and water
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Amanzi Island Boutique Hotel

Boutique Hotel Knysna
From R2,370
Balcony with table chairs and umbrella overlooking a scenic sunset and mountains

Beacon House Knysna

Apartment Knysna
Beachfront house with redtiled roof surrounded by greenery and palm trees

Old Beach House Hotel

Hotel The Heads
Cozy bedroom with large bed desk TV and scenic view through window

Villa Castollini

Guesthouse
Houses on a green hillside overlooking a rocky coastline and ocean
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Headlands House

Guest house Knysna
From R3,070

About Knysna

Knysna features a stunning lagoon and surrounding forests that attract nature lovers and adventurers. The area provides opportunities for boating and hiking, making it ideal for a relaxing getaway. With its mix of wildlife and coastal vibes, it's a solid choice for those seeking a break from city life.

Where to Stay in Knysna in December

The five main areas for December stays are Knysna Central, Leisure Island, The Heads, the Waterfront, and the broader Knysna surrounds. Leisure Island is a small peninsula sitting on the lagoon — calm, good for families, with direct water access and less traffic than central Knysna. The Heads puts you close to the ocean, with Coney Glen beach nearby and dramatic views of the lagoon mouth. The Waterfront area is walkable to restaurants, the jetty, and the market, which makes it convenient but also noisier in peak season. Properties further out tend to be larger and quieter, which suits groups travelling together.

What to Expect from December Weather

Knysna in December is warm but not dry. Temperatures sit between 18°C and 28°C, and the Garden Route gets rain year-round — short afternoon showers are common even in summer. The lagoon and sea are warm enough for swimming by mid-December. Evenings are long and mild, which is part of why this stretch of coast draws so many visitors. Pack a light waterproof layer and plan outdoor activities for mornings when it's typically clearer.

Activities That Book Out Fast

The Featherbed Nature Reserve ferry books out weeks in advance in December — reserve it before you arrive, not when you get there. Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lagoon are easy to organise on arrival, but hire equipment fills up around Christmas week. The Harkerville and Garden of Eden forest trails are accessible without booking. Buffalo Bay, 20 minutes west, is the best nearby surf and swim beach. Noetzie Beach east of Knysna is worth a day trip if you have a vehicle — it's less crowded than closer beaches and the castle ruins make it distinctive.

How to Choose the Right Property

Of the 22 properties listed near Knysna, rates span R960 to R3,070 per night. Budget options under R1,200/night exist but go early. If you're in a group of 6 or more, a self-catering house in The Heads or on Leisure Island often works out cheaper per person than splitting multiple hotel rooms. Check sleeping configurations carefully — some larger houses sleep 8–10 guests across multiple rooms. For couples or smaller groups, Waterfront and Knysna Central units offer the most convenience without the expense of a large house. Avoid booking the cheapest listing without checking reviews; December availability pressure sometimes surfaces properties that don't meet expectations.

Festive Season Timing in Knysna

The town gets significantly busier from 15 December once most schools have broken up. New Year's Eve draws large crowds into the Waterfront and town centre — if your stay overlaps with 31 December and you want a quieter experience, properties on Leisure Island or out at The Heads will serve you better. Traffic on the N2 between George and Plettenberg Bay peaks between Christmas and New Year, so factor in extra travel time if you're driving in or planning day trips.