Knysna Tsukamori

Knysna Tsukamori is a peaceful holiday villa nestled within an ancient indigenous forest of towering Milkwood and Yellowwood trees, set on the edge of the Knysna Lagoon and estuary. This rare forest-and-water setting offers guests a unique sense of seclusion, natural beauty and calm, while still being within walking distance of Knysna town centre.

Surrounded by mature trees and rich birdlife, the property is a haven for nature lovers. A wide variety of birds are seen daily, with occasional sightings of the iconic Knysna loerie moving through the forest canopy. The lagoon below the property invites kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing, while scenic walking and cycling paths follow the water’s edge through forest and estuary — ideal for relaxed exploration and sunset strolls.

The recently renovated villa comfortably accommodates up to eight guests and offers four spacious bedrooms, four and a half modern bathrooms, and open-plan living areas designed for comfort and connection. The fully equipped kitchen makes self-catering easy, while quality finishes and thoughtful design create a warm, contemporary atmosphere throughout. Outdoor living is central to the Tsukamori experience. Guests can unwind in the wood-fired KolKol outdoor bath, relax around the outdoor fireplace, or simply enjoy morning coffee and evening drinks while listening to birdsong and watching the lagoon change with the light.

Despite its tranquil setting, cafés, restaurants, shops and the waterfront are all easily reached on foot or by bicycle. Knysna Tsukamori is ideal for families, friends or couples seeking a restorative escape that blends nature, comfort and convenience in one of the Garden Route’s most beautiful locations.

The property offers easy self check-in and self check-out for a smooth and flexible arrival and departure. Magru is on standby should any assistance be needed during your stay. The house is fully self-catering, with a few bags of wood provided to get you started. Additional cleaning services are available on request. If you would like the KolKol outdoor bath pre-heated, please let us know in advance so we can prepare it ahead of your arrival.

Please note that no parties or events are permitted at the property. The house is located in a quiet suburban area with permanent neighbouring residents, and we ask guests to be mindful of noise levels at all times, particularly in the evenings. Tsukamori is intended as a peaceful retreat, and these rules help ensure a comfortable environment for both guests and neighbours.

The property features both an indoor fireplace and an outdoor fireplace, which guests are welcome to enjoy responsibly. As the house and decks are predominantly constructed of timber and the property is set within an age-old indigenous forest, we ask guests to exercise extreme care when using fire. Fires must never be left unattended and must be fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the property. For safety and environmental reasons, pets are not permitted at the house.

Please also note that the property is not baby- or toddler-safe, due to its natural setting, decks, and proximity to forest and water features. Guests with young children should take this into careful consideration before booking. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us preserve the tranquillity, safety, and natural surroundings of Tsukamori.

Getting around Knysna and the surrounding region is easy and rewarding, making it an ideal base for exploring the Garden Route. Knysna sits almost halfway between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, approximately a five-hour scenic drive from Cape Town along one of South Africa’s most beautiful routes.

The town is well positioned between Wilderness and Plettenberg Bay, both a short drive away and easily explored as day trips. Knysna is also a popular stopover en route to Addo Elephant National Park, making it an ideal place to pause, rest and enjoy the coast before continuing east.

Inland, the landscape changes dramatically. The Cango Caves and the town of Oudtshoorn are just a couple of hours’ drive away, offering world-class caves, ostrich farms and Karoo scenery. With a car, guests can easily explore beaches, forests, lagoons and mountain passes, all from one central and relaxed base.

Knysna sits at the heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, where forest, ocean and lagoon converge in one of the country’s most naturally beautiful landscapes. Sheltered by ancient indigenous woodland and opening onto a vast tidal lagoon, Knysna offers a rare balance of tranquillity, outdoor adventure and small-town charm. The town is framed by dense forests that once supplied timber to early shipbuilders, remnants of which remain today in the surrounding wilderness.

Just to the east lies the legendary Tsitsikamma Forest, a dramatic landscape of towering yellowwoods, deep ravines, rivers and mist-filled canopies. These forests are among the oldest in the country and form part of a protected ecosystem that feels timeless and immersive, offering a powerful sense of escape from modern life. Knysna’s lagoon is the heart of daily life. Calm, sheltered waters invite kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing, while scenic paths trace the shoreline for walking and cycling.

Birdlife is abundant, with fish eagles overhead and the elusive Knysna loerie occasionally glimpsed in the forest canopy. Sunrises and sunsets transform the water into a shifting palette of colour, making even simple moments feel memorable.

Beyond nature, Knysna offers excellent restaurants, artisan markets, boutique shops and a relaxed pace that encourages lingering rather than rushing. It is equally suited to active travellers seeking trails, forests and water sports, and to those wanting quiet mornings, long lunches and evenings under the stars. To visit Knysna and the Tsitsikamma forests is to experience South Africa at its most balanced — wild yet welcoming, peaceful yet rich with things to explore. It is a place that slows you down, reconnects you with nature, and stays with you long after you leave.