The Riverdeck Accommodation And Backpackers in Knysna

The Riverdeck offers a mix of private rooms with en-suite bathrooms and budget-friendly tents with shared bathroom facilities. The River House includes a main bedroom plus two permanent tents, while twin tents with shared bathrooms are available for couples or small groups. Some accommodation needs upgrading-the gas geyser in the old cottage may not work properly, and tent zips can break, allowing insects inside. However, the spacious wooden deck with river and mountain views, plus the braai area, are standout features. Campers can use the shared kitchen and new shower block.

The onsite restaurant and bar overlook the river, serving pizzas, grilled fish, calamari, and roosterkoeke (South African bread rolls). Breakfast is available but with limited options; the Sunday curry chicken special is sometimes sold out. Many guests report long waits for food-the menu even warns about this. Some dishes like the roosterkoeke can be bland or frozen, and burgers may arrive raw. On busy days, waitstaff may be overwhelmed and miss items. However, when it works, the grilled fish and wood-fired pizzas get high marks. The bar stocks wine, champagne, and snacks.

Guests can rent canoes and fish from the property. There is a children's playground and a picnic area with outdoor furniture and a fireplace. For water lovers, the Knysna lagoon and Buffalo Bay Beach are a 10-minute drive away, and Buffelsbaai beach is a few kilometres further. The property also has a farm stall, minimarket, and shared lounge/TV area with satellite TV. Live sport events are shown at the bar. Guests can swim in the river (kids love it) or take a night swim.

The Riverdeck is 12 km from Knysna town centre and a 10-minute drive from Buffalo Bay Beach. It sits along the Goukamma River, close to the Knysna lagoon and Buffelsbaai. On-site parking is free and accessible. Public transport is limited-the nearest supermarket is in Knysna, so guests should come stocked if they don't want to drive out daily. The property is wheelchair accessible.

The property offers 24-hour security with CCTV, outside cameras, fire extinguishers, and key access. Check-in and check-out are private. Family rooms and facilities for disabled guests are available. There is a shared kitchen, BBQ facilities, and a designated smoking area. However, cancellations have happened due to date confusion, causing inconvenience. Guests should confirm arrangements early. No room service or business centre is provided, but the minimarket and farm stall cover basic needs.