Quick Facts
E 22°56'30''
Budget Getaways Review
As the brochure so correctly states, this is "Knysna's ultimate coastal bush retreat" – the nearest thing to a game lodge experience, but available at a fraction of the usual cost (and minus the Big Five, of course).
Buffalo Valley Bush Lodges offers three totally secluded and stylish self-catering timber lodges, on a beautiful 150ha private reserve bordering the Goukamma Nature and Marine Reserve. Judged on setting, privacy, general standard and value for money, they can't be faulted. Fully equipped for four to six happy weekenders, each lodge is uniquely appointed in forest, river or vlei surrounds.
Shaded by indigenous milkwood trees (several sprouting from the wraparound deck), Vlei Lodge (sleeps 5) gazes upon grassland and a small vlei of reeds, birds and croaking frogs. Perched on a sunny hill among trees and grassland, River Lodge (sleeps 6) has a dramatic outlook over the Goukamma River and Reserve. Hidden away somewhere between the two, Forest Lodge (sleeps 5) is an elongated timber abode buried under a thick tangle of gorgeous milkwood and a pebble's throw from a private jetty.
Our favourite? Tough call as all are special - but pressed for an answer, we would probably opt for River Lodge in winter and Vlei and Forest in summer. All are superbly kitted for year-round comfort: languid decks with deck chairs and braai areas, all-wood interiors with fireplaces, reed blinds, eco-friendly gas and solar lighting, candles and storm lanterns, comfortable beds (some draped by mosquito nets), ensuite main bedrooms, plus lots of other nice touches.
With more than enough to do and see, you'll be hard pressed to venture beyond Buffalo Valley's front gate. Canoeing (the river mouth is just a paddle away and canoes are provided), swimming, fishing (catch-and-release encouraged), bird and animal spotting (lynx, grey buck, otters, bushpigs, etc), free access to Goukamma’s hikes, it's all for the taking. Alternatively, flop into your deckchair and with Pink Gin in hand watch the surrounding fynbos hills turn to gold.
"We stayed in the River Lodge for the second year running and both trips were amazingly relaxing, peaceful and restful. We left reluctantly, but recharged and ready - if not to give it all up and move to Knysna - then at least to get back to the city recharged and ready to go. The birds, the walks, the amazing attention to detail, the lack of pretention, the cosy fire, the wonderful hostsall combine to make this by far our favourite holiday spot in the world. Highly recommended!"
(visited August 2011)
"Vlei Cottage was fabulous - although it doesn't have quite the same setting as the cottages on the river, it's lovely to be able to watch the birds right in front of your door step. It is very nice and secluded and we loved some of the literature on offer."
(visited August 2008)
"Tom (aged 3): 'Daddy, can we please buy this house?' Stunning and serene setting on the river bank, beautiful well maintained wooden house with an awesome wooden deck for lazy sunsets, daily canoe rides for fishing picnics on the river bank at Goukamma Nature Reserve. Short trips to beaches at Buffalo Valley and boat trips to the Heads in Knysna. Absolute bliss for adults and kids alike!"
(visited December 2007)
"Excellent."
(visited April 2007)
"Stayed in the River Lodge twice. Can't wait to get back. Great feeling of being away from it all while being a stone's throw from all the bright lights of Knysna. Unforgettable."
(visited July 2004)
"Our first visit was Jan 2000, we stayed in the Forest Lodge, and what an amazing week it was. And in April 2004 we decided on Vlei Lodge, and again it was outstanding. I'm definitely making plans to go there again...soon! A beautifull piece of heaven!
(visited April 2004)
"Stayed at Vlei Lodge and loved every minute, from the birds singing their evening song, to the long walks at the very nearby beach. A log fire in winter, lots of red wine and take-away oysters from Knysna, make this the kind of romantic destination perfect for honeymooners or couples in love. Excellently equipped - luxury in an outdoor setting."
(visited August 2003)
Beletage Leisure isle
Knysna, Western Cape
Tucked away on a leafy back lane on Knysna's Leisure Isle, Beletage (meaning beautiful space) is just that. Decorated in a mix of contemporary style with a touch of old-w...
Rate Guide
From R1080 to R1710, depending on unit, guests and time of year
The Riverdeck Guesthouse
Knysna, Western Cape
Just over the hill from Knysna and just up the road from Buffalo Bay, The Riverdeck Guesthouse is a character farmhouse of old, which has been lovingly converted into fou...
Rate Guide
From R750 to R1400, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Elephant Rest Forest Cottages
Knysna, Western Cape
Down the Rheenendal road and nibbling a fringe of gorgeous Knysna forest, this pair of timber abodes on a smallholding has already generated its share of gushing feedback...
Rate Guide
From R850.00 nightly for two, and R180pp thereafter.
Salt River Lodge
Knysna, Western Cape
A recent guest review of Salt River Lodge says it all, “The lodge is fantastic, in a beautiful location opposite the lagoon and very peaceful. Getting up in the mor...
Rate Guide
From R950 - R1500 nightly for a cottage (Peak rates apply)
Tree Spirit Cottage
Knysna, Western Cape
As the name suggests, here’s a getaway with plenty of spirit, coupled with a healthy dose of fresh forest air to rejuvenate those weary city bones. Nestled a...
Rate Guide
R800 - R1200 nightly for a cottage
Lagoon Lodge
Knysna, Western Cape
Centrally located, just off the main lagoon road, Lagoon Lodge is an old favourite when it comes to good value, no-nonsense accommodation in Knysna. Apart from its easy ...
Rate Guide
From R900 to R2277, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Woodlands Self-Catering
Knysna, Western Cape
We admit, this is on the upper end of the Budget scale .. but ... perfectly located just outside Knysna, a unique haven of forests, lakes, dramatic cliffs and beaches, ou...
Rate Guide
From R940 to R2025, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Cloud 9 Estate
Knysna, Western Cape
Set on a 4-hectare farm 7 km from Knysna, Cloud 9 Estate is perched on a “koppie” and is surrounded by a nature reserve with breathtaking views of the Knysna ...
Rate Guide
From R2500 to R11250, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Island Villa (groups)
Knysna, Western Cape
Inspired by luxury and relaxation, the Island Villa was created for bigger groups, large families and friends to get together and enjoy the pleasures of Leisure Island an...
Rate Guide
From R12000 to R16000, depending on unit, guests and time of year
Where You'll Also Find Us
Arniston (Waenhuiskrans) • Barrydale • Beaufort West • Betty's Bay • Bonnievale • Bot River • Bredasdorp • Caledon • Calitzdorp • Cape Agulhas and Struisbaai • Cape Town area • Ceres • Citrusdal • Clanwilliam & Cederberg • Darling • De Rust • Franschhoek • Gansbaai • George • Grabouw & Elgin Valley • Greyton • Heidelberg • Hermanus • Knysna • Ladismith • Laingsburg • Lamberts Bay • Langebaan • Malgas • Matjiesfontein • McGregor • Montagu • Mossel Bay • Napier • Oudtshoorn • Paarl • Paternoster • Plettenberg Bay • Prince Albert • Pringle Bay, Betty's Bay and Kleinmond • Riebeek West and Riebeek-Kasteel • Riversdale • Riviersonderend • Robertson • St Helena Bay • Stanford • Stilbaai • Strand, Gordon's Bay and Somerset West • Swellendam • Tulbagh • Velddrif • Vermaaklikheid • Wilderness • Witsand • Worcester & Hex Valley • Yzerfontein • Baviaanskloof • Cape St Francis & St Francis Bay • East London • Graaff-Reinet • Hogsback • Jeffreys Bay • Makhanda (Grahamstown) • Middelburg • Nieu-Bethesda • Rhodes • Sutherland