Knysna Backpackers Lodge is one of the longer-standing hostels in Knysna and was taken over by new owners about a year before our visit. Knysna is a popular stopover for international travelers on their way along the south coast that is well served by a wide range of accommodation.
The Location
Located on a quiet street corner, a five-minute, uphill walk from Main Street, the property gives partial views over the rooftops to the bay and the headland opposite. It’s ten minutes’ walk from the minibus taxi station and a further ten minutes’ walk from Waterfront Mall, the drop point of most of the long distance buses.
Rooms and Bathrooms
As well as backpackers’ accommodation, this place offers beds for the Edge of Africa NGO volunteers. There are four dorms here (ranging from four to eight beds, plus two doubles, a family room, and one single room. The configuration is flexible, depending on the requirements of the guests, particularly during off-season. We stayed in the eight-bed dorm at the front of the house -- it is spacious and comfortable. Choose your beds carefully, as some have good, thick mattresses and others have thin, well-worn ones. The bunks also have a choice of wooden or metal frames, but all are pretty sturdy. Extra blankets are provided for the winter nights.
The old, sash-framed windows don't close completely, which meant a bit of a draughty night for us, and the Venetian blinds could be replaced by curtains to help alleviate the draught and cut out the light coming into the room in the early morning. There is a standing fan for the warmer summertime.
The private rooms are clean and comfortable and share bathrooms, of which there are three -- and one even has a bathtub. These are all tiled and scrupulously clean with twenty-four-hour hot water.
Common Spaces
A common sitting room is located in the first room on the left as you enter the house; the reception desk is also located here. There is a long dining table, from which the free egg-toast-cereal-and-yogurt breakfast is served, and there is a water boiler in the corner for the all-day free tea and coffee. Two amply cushioned sofas and a small square table sit opposite a glass cabinet, in which there is a book exchange and board games. There is a flat-screen TV in the room, but it wasn’t connected up when we stayed here, which seemed an oversight as the football World Cup had just started!
The shared kitchen is large with plenty of utensils; pots and pans; and a microwave, fridge, and a six-ring gas cooker. The toaster sits next to the water boiler in the sitting room. As you climb up the steps to the front door, there is a sitting area on the front landing, too. There is free Wi-Fi here with a reasonable signal, which is best in the sitting room by the router on the reception desk.
Summary
This charming old house of wooden floors has a lovely feel to it, and sits high up on the hill like a lord’s mansion! It could do with a sign outside, as there is nothing (as of our visit), so make sure you know the address. It’s also the headquarters of the Edge of Africa NGO, so volunteering opportunities can be had here. Bike and car hire are also available, and trips to Addo Elephant Park are also on offer.
Aside from the draughty old windows, this is a very nice place to stay, particularly in the warmer months of the year. It’s an easy, downhill walk of five minutes into the center of town and a further ten minutes to the waterfront.
We compare all hostel prices in Knysna for you. So you save money and time!
How to book...
Knysna Backpackers is listed at the following booking sites:
HostelworldIt is the only way to book Knysna Backpackers
So get the best deal, save money and travel longer.
How is Knysna Backpackers rated on booking websites?
Knysna Backpackers Reviews
The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
+4
Londonroad
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on 2018-08-10
Verified Reviews by our Community
Beautiful Victorian hostel
Really beautiful and really clean hostel. Furthermore, the staff is really nice and helpful. The free breakfast in the morning just finishes to depict a perfect stay! Enjoy.
Kevin Schroeyers
2013-03-27
Age 24 | French
We stayed in November 2006 and had a lovely light, airy and well furnished double room. Beautiful old house and very central.
Chris and John Harris
2006-08-08
that place is awesome and will definitely be back there for another party of note.
andre van vuuren
2006-02-03
Small, clean and quiet hostel close to everything.
May
2005-12-22
I spent the weekend of November 28th, 2005 here. It's a backpackers' lodge that is always filled with peace and tranquility. Great owners and always clean. Not to mention it's literally a stone's throw from all amenities. If you are looking for a great place to stay for a few days, the KBP is your stop.
Colin Robert Wilson
2005-12-01
Small and quiet place. I did like the place.
Marie
2005-08-29
We stayed here for four days in February 2005 and had a very nice time. It's a small and personal place in a very beautiful Victorian house with a great garden and very friendly owners.
Anonymous
2005-03-11
Description
Location and Contact
Location
Address: 42 Queen Street, Private Bag X31, Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa
Knysna Backpackers is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Not listed at Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
(if you know the URL of their website, let us know and we'll add it)
Phone Number:
+27 785 331 975
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
Facilities and Amenities
Family-Friendly Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Parking
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Airport Pickup
Bike Rental
City Tours
Lockers in Lobby
Towels
BBQ Grill
Board Games
Cable TV
Clothes Dryer
Concierge/Info Desk
Credit Card Payments
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hot Showers
Kitchen
Laundry
Lounge Area
Movie Library/Rental
Curfew: No Curfew
See all 4 hostels in Knysna
Get access to exclusive hostel content
Create your Free Account
