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Kanonkop House

  • AWARD-WINNING BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE
  • SIX SUMPTUOUS ROOMS, ALL WITH BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER KNYSNA LAGOON
  • OUTDOOR LOUNGE, RESTAURANT, BAR, TERRACE, SUNDECK, SWIMMING POOL
  • BEAUTIFUL LOCATION FROM WHICH TO EXPLORE KNYSNA AND SURROUNDING AREA
When To Visit Knysna:
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"Kanonkop has maintained a reputation for excellent service and quality for years! Well located (especially for golfers!) with access to all of Knysna’s hotspots, gorgeous views of the lagoon and the Knysna Heads, a great setting in the forests… it is ideal for couples or groups looking for a quiet base from which to explore the region."

OVERVIEW:

Kanonkop House is situated on the edge of Knysna Forest, overlooking Knysna Lagoon. The views from the property are spectacular, ranging as far as the famous headstones – known as The Heads – and the Indian Ocean beyond. Kanonkop House is an intimate boutique guesthouse that has gained an entry in the Top 25 Best Small Hotels in Africa for 4 years in a row. The house is owned and run by the Conyers family, who aim to create a “home away from home” while providing world-class hospitality. Kanonkop House itself is contemporary and super-luxurious, and it’s well-positioned for travelers wishing to explore South Africa’s Garden Route.

Please note that full breakfast and all drinks from the bar and mini-bar, internet access, and parking are included in the rate.

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

The property is situated just 5 minutes’ drive from Knysna town center and is easily accessed via the N2 highway. Located at 6 Cuthbert Street, it has an elevated position within well-kept grounds.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT KANONKOP HOUSE: 

Kanonkop House has three different room categories. There are two penthouse suites, two garden suites, and three lagoon view suites, each with its own carefully chosen name, and all rooms were decorated by some of South Africa’s best designers.
Selwyn and Diamond are the two penthouse suites, both with panoramic vistas! The palette involves neutrals with bright splashes, and these suites are perfect for visitors who like plenty of room for relaxation.

The two garden suites, Sivuyile and No Matata, provide a simple homeliness, and each comes with its own sundeck overlooking the house’s pool. These are lovely rooms, but, as they are garden suites, they do not have the spectacular views offered by the other rooms at the front of the house.
Finally, there are the three lagoon view suites. Sunbird, a room on the ground floor, takes inspiration from the garden, with its leaf-print fabrics and squirrel-print cushions. This option has a private balcony, with lovely views out to sea. Forest also celebrates nature, with its primarily brown-and-green palette and use of wood. As you might expect, the views from this room are of the surrounding forest, and a private deck entices you out into the trees to listen to the sounds of birds.
Lastly, Paradise is the room to choose if you are here on honeymoon or a romantic break. With its sleigh bed, plush fabrics, glamorous en-suite facilities, and a private balcony positioned above the forest to maximize vistas over the lagoon, Paradise is pretty special and was voted best room in Knysna!
Small groups and families might consider booking the exclusive-use option, Waterside House, on Thesen Island. This villa is set right on the water and perfectly situated for exploring Thesen Island, as well as the waterfront and town center of Knysna (a 10-minute walk across a causeway and bridge). The villa is fully hosted and its rates include breakfast, beer, wine, and soft drinks. A manager from Kanonkop House is also on standby daily to help plan and organize all the sightseeing, activities, and restaurants.

The house itself has a romantic, chic, and contemporary style. The walls are adorned in art and the rooms take full advantage of the views, with extended and wrap-around decks, over-sized windows, and terraces. Kanonkop’s communal areas include a comfortable outdoor lounge, an elegant restaurant, a fantastic little terrace and sundeck, and a swimming pool flanked by sunloungers and parasols! There is additional seating in the gardens, inviting you to relax and marvel at uninterrupted views.
The bar area is certainly the place to be for sundowners. Here, guests can sample over 30 local gin varieties, which can be sipped from the boma where regular themed evenings (seafood nights, BBQs, or pizza nights) are hosted. These evenings are often accompanied by live music, cooking classes, and food pairings.

There is also a therapy room, and an on-site masseuse. Guests can enjoy a massage in the therapy room, in the privacy of their own suite, or on the deck in the forest.

ACTIVITIES AT MARA NYIKA:

The quality of accommodation at Kanonkop House is matched by the amazing activities available in the local area!

  • Nature walks

    - Many of Knysna’s famous landmarks are within walking distance or just a few kilometers of the property. These include the forest, which has plenty of nature trails for walks, hikes, jogs, and biking.
  • Mountain trekking

    - You could even opt for a challenging trek, all the way up into the Outeniqua Mountains! This activity finds favor with wildlife lovers, as the mountains contain leopard, elephant, grey rhebuck, klipspringer, an assortment of rodents, and an impressive bird count.
  • Wildlife & nature parks

    - Nature fans also appreciate trips out to the likes of Knysna Elephant Park, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Eagle Encounters, and Butterfly World.
  • Water sports

    - Knysna’s lagoon is also close to Kanonkop. Here you can enjoy boat trips, as well as kayaking, waterskiing, and surfing. Further watersports are possible at the region’s beaches, or you can simply soak up some sun! Travelers who enjoy more extreme sports will be keen to try out shark cage diving, bungee jumping, and treetop canopy tours.
  • Golf

    - Golf is a major attraction here too, and Kanonkop offers special rates at two championship courses – Pezula, on the eastern Head, and Simola, up in the hills over Knysna.
  • Explore the Knysna region

    - The town of Knysna itself is well worth a visit, for shops, restaurants, the spectacular waterfront, and Mitchell’s Brewery.
Poolside at Kanonkop

Knysna

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