Blackwaters River Lodge  

Tucked on the banks of the Goukamma River in Knysna’s Goukamma Valley on the Garden Route, between Sedgefield and Knysna. A family-friendly river lodge and golf guesthouse opposite the Buffalo Bay turnoff, minutes from Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve and the Cape Floral Region Protected Areas; Garden Route National Park, Knysna Lagoon and Buffalo Bay Beach are close by.

Eighteen individually decorated guestrooms open onto private furnished balconies or verandahs with river or garden views. Rooms feature Select Comfort beds with premium bedding, refrigerators/minibars, flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with separate deep soaking tubs and showers. Expect cosy, rustic-meets-luxe vibes and plenty of verandah downtime.

Wake to the call of the fish eagle and slip into river life — canoeing on-site, bird watching, indigenous tree walks and picnic spots on the riverbank. Play the lodge’s challenging mashie 9‑hole golf course, laze by indoor and outdoor pools, rent bicycles or unwind in the spa and massage room. Babysitting is available (surcharge) and an area shuttle can take you further afield (surcharge).

Complimentary wireless internet, a business center and a 24-hour front desk keep things running smoothly. Additional conveniences include dry cleaning/laundry, luggage storage, a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) and free self-parking onsite.

Earth & Fire Restaurant serves rustic, home-cooked meals and freshly baked breads from a wood-fired oven. There’s a bar/lounge, room service and a complimentary buffet/English breakfast served daily (8–11). Picnic meals on the riverbank are also an option for a laid-back, outdoorsy bite.