Set in leafy grounds overlooking the Touws River, this long-running hostel is based in a 19th-century farmhouse. The bar is in another building some distance away, so boozers won’t keep you awake. There's an activity centre offering kayaking, abseiling, horse riding and paragliding. To get here, drive through town and follow the road for 2km to the Fairy Knowe turn-off.
Fairy Knowe Backpackers
Garden Route
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
29.3 MILES
This excellent museum offers insight into Mossel Bay's role as an early stomping ground for European sailors. Named for 15th-century Portuguese explorer…
25.81 MILES
The Knysna Lagoon opens between two sandstone cliffs known as the Heads – once proclaimed by the British Royal Navy to be the most dangerous harbour…
Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section)
9.86 MILES
Formerly the Wilderness National Park, this section has now been incorporated into the vast and scattered Garden Route National Park along with the Knysna…
20.3 MILES
This reserve is accessible from the Buffalo Bay road, and protects 14km of rocky coastline, sandstone cliffs, dunes covered with coastal fynbos (fine bush…
Botlierskop Private Game Reserve
26.43 MILES
This reserve contains a vast range of wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and giraffes. Day visitors are welcome for a variety of…
7.58 MILES
The starting point and terminus for journeys on the Outeniqua Power Van, this museum is worth a visit if you’re even remotely interested in trains. A…
23.07 MILES
Belvidere, 10km from Knysna, is so immaculate it’s positively creepy. But it’s worth a quick look for the beautiful Norman-style Belvidere church that was…
26.1 MILES
South Africa’s oldest microbrewery occupies bright, new premises on the edge of the lagoon. You can join a tour or just taste its range of English-style…
Nearby Garden Route attractions
7.58 MILES
The starting point and terminus for journeys on the Outeniqua Power Van, this museum is worth a visit if you’re even remotely interested in trains. A…
8.55 MILES
George was the hub of the indigenous timber industry and, thus, this museum contains a wealth of related artefacts.
3. Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section)
9.86 MILES
Formerly the Wilderness National Park, this section has now been incorporated into the vast and scattered Garden Route National Park along with the Knysna…
20.3 MILES
This reserve is accessible from the Buffalo Bay road, and protects 14km of rocky coastline, sandstone cliffs, dunes covered with coastal fynbos (fine bush…
23.07 MILES
Belvidere, 10km from Knysna, is so immaculate it’s positively creepy. But it’s worth a quick look for the beautiful Norman-style Belvidere church that was…
23.09 MILES
A Norman-style church built in the 1850s by homesick English expats.
25.81 MILES
The Knysna Lagoon opens between two sandstone cliffs known as the Heads – once proclaimed by the British Royal Navy to be the most dangerous harbour…
25.97 MILES
The Featherbed Nature Reserve was completely devastated by wildfires in 2017. Tourism authorities were working to get the reserve up and running again…