An intimate and exclusive boutique guesthouse, Kanonkop House is situated on the edge of Knysna Lagoon within an indigenous forest, yet just a short drive from town. The property's idyllic location and world-class amenities combine to create a pin-drop-peaceful atmosphere with stunning views.
Seven elegant rooms and suites boast individual designs and have either lagoon or garden views from private balconies, along with all the modern-day amenities you’d expect. When you’re not relaxing in your room, you could unwind on the sundeck or cool off with a swim in the pool. There's plenty to enjoy outside of the property, too, from abseiling and forest hikes to deep-sea fishing, golfing and strolling the area's beautiful beaches while looking out for whales and birdlife.
Tuck into a full home-cooked breakfast each morning, and in the evening, toast the sunset with a complimentary drink from the bar.
OUR OPINION:
We enjoy the air of exclusivity at this intimately sized property, as well as the warmth of the staff who'll go out of their way to make you feel at home. The uninterrupted views over the lagoon and position within an indigenous forest are also highlights of a stay here.
Speak to someone
who's been there
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our South Africa specialists
- 617-223-4340
- Make an inquiry
Photos of Kanonkop House
Sunbird, Kanonkop House
Kanonkop House, Knysna
Kanonkop House, Knysna
Kanonkop House
Forest suite en suite, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Forest suite balcony, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Sunbird suite, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Selwyn suite, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Selwyn suite, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Kanonkop House, Knysna
Kanonkop House, Knysna
Paradise suite, Kanonkop House, Knysna
Rooms
The guesthouse's seven rooms and suites each have their own design and character, adorned with South African artwork and antiques that balance well with a fresh, modern style. All are exceptionally comfortable and spacious, offering views directly over the lagoon or the garden.
The luxury garden rooms, No Matata ('no worries') and Sivuyile ('be happy'), have large double or twin beds, with space for an extra bed if needed, and open out onto a sun-drenched deck overlooking the pool and garden. The Paradise, Sunbird and Forest suites all have a private balcony overlooking the lagoon and surrounding forest. The former has space for two guests only and a more romantic ambiance, while the others can fit an extra bed. The two penthouse suites, Selwyn Suite and Diamond Suite, offer more space with separate lounge areas overlooking the lagoon. Selwyn Suite has a telescope and two private balconies, while Diamond Suite has an indoor-outdoor bathroom and a private garden and forest-facing balcony.
Location
Overlooking Knysna's lagoon and landmark red-stone cliffs, Kanonkop House is just a five-minute drive from the heart of Knysna town with its shops and restaurants, and a few minutes from the waterfront. It's easily accessible and well signposted from the N2 highway.
Food and drink
- Freshly prepared buffet breakfast served each morning.
- Gin bar.
- Communal fridge filled with complimentary beers and soft drinks.
- Large selection of local and international wines.
- Dozens of restaurants a short drive away in Knysna to choose from.
Families
Children are welcome and an extra bed can be added to your room or suite if requested in advance.
Facilities and activities
- Beautiful garden with a heated pool and a wooden deck with loungers and parasols.
- Complimentary bar.
- Library stocked with magazines, local interest books and light reading material.
- Tea, coffee and light refreshments are served on request.
- The property has corporate memberships at the nearby Pezula and Simola golf courses and offers guests access at reduced prices.
- High-speed Wi-Fi.
- Staff on hand to help plan your day's activities.
Tour ideas in Knysna
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Kanonkop House as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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![Belvidere Manor]()
Belvidere Manor
Knysna -
![Waterfront Lodge, Knysna]()
Waterfront Lodge
Knysna
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves tour ![Cango Caves]()
Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves tour
Oudtshoorn & Cango Caves tour
This taster to the Karoo Desert is a beautiful place, not quite as harsh or barren as the Karoo, but still stark and impressive. The climate proved ideal for rearing ostriches, and thanks to the Victorian craze for ostrich feathers, the town of Oudtshoorn flourished.
View details -
Plettenberg Bay safari ![Southern Right Whale]()
Plettenberg Bay safari
Plettenberg Bay safari
These ocean safaris are quite exciting as they involve beach launches and landings, crossing through the surf.
View details
Knysna and nearby places
- Plettenberg Bay 32 kilometers away
- Wilderness 42 kilometers away
- The Klein Karoo 70 kilometers away
- Tsitsikamma Forest 81 kilometers away
- Oudtshoorn & Surrounds 91 kilometers away
- The Cango Caves & Swartberg Pass 104 kilometers away
- Calitzdorp 136 kilometers away
- Sanbona Game Reserve 231 kilometers away
- De Hoop Nature Reserve 232 kilometers away
- Port Elizabeth 240 kilometers away