Thesen Island, Knysna Accommodation
Oniro on Thesen
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
Garden Route
Oniro On Thesen offers self catering accommodation on Thesen Island in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in Thesen Islands and designed for relaxed, easy indoor/outdoor living with large veranda with uninterrupted view of Knysna lagoon and wetlands. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Inyathi Guest Lodge Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
1.4 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Inyathi Guest Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Our fully equipped self-catering chalets are situated in a highly convenient central location, but down a quiet side street away from the hustle and bustle... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
B My Guest
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
1.7 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
B My Guest offers visitors to Knysna, Garden Route with self catering accommodation. Voted South Africa's favourite town, Knysna lies on the shores of an estuary between indigenous forests, Outeniqua mountains and a breathtaking coastline. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Greens Guest House
Guest House Accommodation in Knysna
2.3 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
The Greens Guest House offers guests bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of the lush Garden Route greenery in the picturesque and popular town of Knysna. An elegant single storey architectural jewel, housing a large open plan living area... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Lagoon Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
2.8 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Lagoon Lodge provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. If you need a break-away to an elegant and romantic setting, we are ready to treat you and your loved one, in our brand new lodge! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Beach House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
3 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
The Beach House Self Catering Apartments is the original site of the Beach House Hotel which was demolished in 1974 to build this home. It has been in the Krause family since then... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Stannards Guest Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
3 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Stannards Guest Lodge offers both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in the peaceful suburb of Hunter's Home in Knysna, five minutes away from the lagoon and world-class golf courses, and... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Salt River Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
3.1 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Salt River Lodge offers self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Set in a supremely tranquil location, situated on the northern side of the lagoon with its natural ebb and flow of the tide. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Beacon House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Knysna
3.1 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Beacon House is situated on the Eastern Head in Knysna, where the Indian Ocean enters the Knysna lagoon through the sandstone headlands known as The Heads. Built into the side of a steep slope, Beacon House boasts views both across the Knysna lagoon... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Headlands House Guest Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Knysna
3.4 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Headlands House provides bed and breakfast accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Located in the area known as The Heads, Headlands House boasts dramatic views of the sea and the Knysna Heads. Managed with uncompromising quality of service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Waves & Whales, Brenton-on-Sea
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Brenton-on-Sea
3.4 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Waves & Whales is a luxury self-catering apartment in Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna. It features three beautifully appointed bedrooms, each inspired by the majestic whales of our coast. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oyster Creek Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
3.8 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Oyster Creek Lodge provides self catering accommodation in Knysna, Garden Route. Knysna is situated in the heart of South Africa's famous Garden Route - between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. Oyster Creek Lodge is uniquely positioned on the tip of... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oribaai (Oppibaai & Bydibaai)
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Buffels Bay
8.5 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
The Beach Cottage has 3 units available - Oribaai / Oppibaai & Bydibaai in Buffelsbaai that is located in the heart of the Garden Route, 15km from Knysna and Sedgefield. This isolated tranquil village only 200 houses allowed, has supreme safe beaches... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cliffhanger Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Knysna
9.5 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Cliffhanger Cottage provides self catering chalet accommodation near Knysna, Garden Route. Situated off the Rheenendal Road in an area known as Phantom Acre, it is very private yet only 15 minutes to the centre of Knysna and a good swimming beach. This lu …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Protea Wilds Retreat
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Harkerville
19.9 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Protea Wilds Retreat offers self catering accommodation on the outskirts of Harkerville in the Plettenberg Bay area, Garden Route. Safe, peaceful, stunning views, great affordability. Peace and tranquillity like you've never experienced before. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kiewietjie Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
23.2 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Kiewietjie Cottage offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Located in the beautiful seaside town of Sedgefield and offers guests three comfortable furnished self-catering units. The 2 bedroom units have a view on th …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Elfransa Beach Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Sedgefield
23.3 km from Thesen Island, Knysna
Elfranse Beach Cottage provides self catering accommodation in Sedgefield, Garden Route. Situated on the front row of Myoli Beach, 150m from the main swimming area and whale-watching platform. This 90 square meter two-bedroom Sedgefield cottage is... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thesen Island Harbour, Knysna, Garden Route. © 
Knysna lagoon, Thesens Island, Knysna Heads, Garden Route. © 
Thesen Island, Knysna, Garden Route. © 
Thesen Island is home to a South African National Parks Office. © 
Looking down on Thesen Island, Knysna Lagoon. © Thesen Island, Knysna
Thesen Island is a distinctive waterfront neighbourhood in Knysna, surrounded by the calm waters of the Knysna Lagoon and connected to the mainland by bridges. Once an important timber-processing and industrial site, the island has been transformed into a stylish mixed-use precinct while retaining many reminders of its maritime and industrial past.
The island takes its name from the Thesen family, Norwegian immigrants who became prominent in the timber and shipping industries of the southern Cape during the 19th century. The Thesens established a major timber and trading operation in Knysna, and their legacy remains closely linked with the town's development.
Today, Thesen Island is known for its waterside atmosphere, with restaurants, cafés, galleries, shops and accommodation overlooking the lagoon. The old industrial buildings and timber structures have been incorporated into the modern development, creating an appealing blend of heritage architecture and contemporary design.
The island is also a great place to enjoy Knysna's waterways. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and boat trips provide opportunities to explore the lagoon, while leisurely walks along the waterfront offer views of the surrounding hills and distant Knysna Heads. The calm waters make the area particularly attractive for visitors wanting to experience the lagoon without venturing far from town.
Knysna's timber heritage is especially evident here. The surrounding forests once supplied valuable yellowwood and stinkwood timber, and the timber trade became a major part of the local economy. Thesen Island's historic warehouses and waterfront setting provide a tangible link to that era.
Thesen Island lies in the Garden Route region, close to the centre of Knysna and within easy reach of the famous Knysna Heads, indigenous forests and nearby nature reserves. The island's location makes it a convenient base for exploring both the town and its natural surroundings.
For travellers, Thesen Island offers a particularly appealing combination of history, scenery and modern hospitality. A stroll along the waterfront, followed by a meal overlooking the lagoon, is an easy way to appreciate why this former industrial site has become one of Knysna's most popular destinations.
Here are five things to do or see on Thesen Island:
Explore the Island on Foot or by Bike:
Thesen Island is a pedestrian and bike-friendly area with scenic paths winding through its residential and commercial areas. Stroll or cycle along these paths to enjoy the island’s beautiful gardens, waterways, and the charming Cape Cod-style homes that line the streets. The peaceful and well-maintained environment makes it an ideal place for a relaxing walk or bike ride.Dining and Shopping at Thesen Harbour Town:
Thesen Harbour Town is the vibrant commercial hub of Thesen Island, offering a variety of dining and shopping options. Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes, such as île de païn, known for its artisanal bread and delicious cuisine, or Sirocco, which offers stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon. Browse the boutique shops and art galleries for unique gifts, local crafts, and artworks.Water Activities:
The island’s location on the Knysna Lagoon makes it a perfect spot for various water activities. Rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm waters of the lagoon at your own pace. Alternatively, you can book a boat tour or a sunset cruise to experience the beauty of the lagoon and its surrounding landscapes from the water.Knysna Elephant Park:
Just a short drive from Thesen Island, the Knysna Elephant Park offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic animals. The park provides a safe and ethical environment for rescued elephants, and visitors can learn about their conservation efforts, feed the elephants, and enjoy guided walks with these gentle giants.Visit the Knysna Quays Waterfront:
Adjacent to Thesen Island, the Knysna Quays Waterfront is a bustling area with a marina, shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, enjoy a meal with a view, or embark on a boat tour of the Knysna Lagoon and its surrounding natural beauty. The waterfront is a lively area that complements the more tranquil atmosphere of Thesen Island.
Thesen Island offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and charming amenities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Knysna area along the Garden Route.
- Knysna (1.76km)
- The Heads, Knysna (3.02km)
- Brenton-on-Sea (3.73km)
- Buffels Bay (8.94km)
- Phantom Acres (9.73km)
- Harkerville (17.85km)
- Sedgehill, Sedgefield (24.78km)
- Myoli Beach, Sedgefield (24.86km)
- Sedgefield (24.99km)
- Plettenberg Bay Area (30.49km)
- Robberg Ridge, Plettenberg Bay (30.68km)
- Plettenberg Bay (31.67km)
- Keurboomstrand (40.21km)
- The Crags (42.80km)
- Kurland (45.01km)
- Knysna National Lake Area - Knysna, Garden Route (1.24km)
- Knysna Lagoon - Knysna, Garden Route (1.24km)
- The Waterfront Knysna Quays - Knysna, Garden Route (1.26km)
- Millwood House Museum - Knysna, Garden Route (1.38km)
- Knysna Oyster Festival - Garden Route (1.59km)
- Knysna Golf Club - Knysna, Garden Route (2.04km)
- Pledge Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (2.08km)
- Knysna Heads - Knysna, Garden Route (3.40km)
- Featherbed Private Nature Reserve - Knysna, Garden Route (3.80km)
- Pezula Golf Club & Championship Course - Knysna, Garden Route (3.98km)
- Simola Hillclimb, Knysna Speed Festival - Knysna, Garden Route (4.29km)
- Simola Golf Course - Knysna, Garden Route (5.15km)
- Noetzie Beach - nr Knysna, Garden Route (7.55km)
- Goukamma Nature Reserve - Buffels Bay, Garden Route (12.08km)
- Prince Alfred's Pass - nr Knysna, Garden Route, Western Cape (13.87km)
- Outeniqua Hiking Trail - Garden Route, Western Cape (14.53km)
- Harkerville Trail - between Knysna & Plettenberg Bay (16.46km)
- Homtini Pass - between George & Knysna, Garden Route (16.80km)
- Garden Route Wolf Sanctuary - Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay (18.56km)
- Groenvlei Lake (Lake Pleasant) - Sedgefield, Garden Route (18.61km)
- Sedgefield Lagoon - Sedgefield, Garden Route (23.78km)
- Knysna Elephant Park - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (24.54km)
- Plettenberg Bay Airport - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (25.45km)
- Wild Oats Community Farmers Market - Sedgefield, Western Cape (25.83km)
- Plettenberg Bay Country Club - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (27.16km)
- Swartvlei - Wilderness National Park, Garden Route (27.99km)
- The Market Square Shopping Centre - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (29.02km)
- Plettenberg Mall, Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route (29.18km)
- Robberg 5 Beach - Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route (29.42km)
- Plettenberg Bay Lagoon - Garden Route (29.49km)
