Knysna

As of June 2026, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield have 2,003 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 10% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Knysna generates R242K per year. High-performing properties earn R714K/year, while low-performing properties earn R97K/year. Declining supply and revenue year-over-year amid flat 29% occupancy suggests demand contraction outpacing inventory reduction, intensifying competition. The threefold revenue spread between high and low performers indicates market bifurcation where differentiation significantly influences outcomes.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Knysna. Average annual revenue is R242K with 29% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to R714K/year. Declining supply and revenue year-over-year suggest a contracting market, while the threefold gap between average and high performers indicates significant variance in property performance within a competitive landscape.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Knysna is 29%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of R3K, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of R521 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Knysna, with annual revenue of R436K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Knysna market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Knysna area. Knysna: Lenient. Municipal registration required, zoning compliance needed. Minimal enforcement, many operate informally without permits. Plettenberg Bay: Lenient. Business registration and safety certificates required. Light enforcement, widespread unlicensed operations tolerated. Sedgefield: Lenient. Basic municipal registration, fire safety compliance. Very limited enforcement, most hosts operate without formal approval. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Knysna Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 10% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The significant gap between average revenue ($241,675) and top performers ($713,659) suggests considerable performance variance, reflecting competitive differentiation in a market where low occupancy (29%) concentrates bookings among select properties.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak winter season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -14% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (August-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Knysna listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (89%), Bbq (82%), Balcony (75%), Washing Machine (66%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Tv, Gym, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 100% more (R586K/year vs R293K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Knysna over the last 12 months: May: R10K, June: R7K, July: R13K, August: R10K, September: R12K, October: R14K, November: R13K, December: R29K, January: R24K, February: R17K, March: R20K, April: R21K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Knysna is R3K, up 13% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average R2K/night, 2-bedroom properties average R2K/night, 3-bedroom properties average R3K/night, 4+ bedroom properties average R6K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in June.

Guests in Knysna book an average of 34 days in advance, down 18% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 34 days, 3-bedroom: 35 days, 4+ bedroom: 38 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Knysna Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 10%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 13%, and lead time decreased 18%. The 16% occupancy drop despite rate increases suggests weakening demand relative to supply, signaling intensifying competition. The wide gap between average ($241k) and top-performing listings ($713k) indicates substantial performance variance, reflecting uneven market conditions.

In Knysna, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Sunday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 19% higher occupancy than weekdays.