Sea Through House Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.91 - Revenue
- R 928,030
- Occupancy
- 74.4%
- Daily rate
- R 4,454
Prices in
Airbnb market data · 202612 months to September 2026
Knysna, South Africa Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Knysna brought in R 186,629 over the 12 months through September 2026, about 33% less than the Western Cape average of R 279,702.
The short answer
Knysna Airbnb Market at a Glance
Bookings in Knysna trail the Western Cape average, at prices about 6% lower. Listings averaged R 2,759 a night and were booked on 35% of available nights, against R 2,920 and 39% for the Western Cape average.
Timing matters: in December, the best month, the average listing earned about three times as much as in May, the slowest.
With 204 active listings, Knysna is the 23rd-largest of 65 Western Cape markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Knysna Airbnb market
See Every Knysna Listing
Revenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Knysna?
Gross bookings per Knysna listing averaged R 186,629 over the 12 months to September 2026 (Western Cape average: R 279,702), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Knysna listing brought in R 51,400 in December, its best month, and R 16,900 in May, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 37% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
In a typical month, a top-quarter listing earns at least 3.9 times as much as a bottom-quarter one.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn R 55,800+ a month, about 3.3 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn R 33,400 or more, roughly R 16,000 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about R 17,200 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn R 8,420 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
December earned about three times what May did
Average revenue per active listing, by month, September 2025 to August 2026
Monthly average R 51,400 R 16,900
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 26,400.
Knysna Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the September 2026 data. September's figures are still coming in, so the rows run to August.
December 2025 led on revenue, nightly rate and bookings alike.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | RevPAR | Booking Lead Time | Avg. Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | R 18,119 | 26.2% | R 2,804 | R 604 | 25 days | 3.3 nights |
| Oct 2025 | R 20,372 | 31.0% | R 2,844 | R 657 | 33 days | 3.3 nights |
| Nov 2025 | R 23,585 | 32.9% | R 2,837 | R 786 | 47 days | 4.4 nights |
| Dec 2025 | R 51,375 | 56.0% | R 3,025 | R 1,657 | 28 days | 7.9 nights |
| Jan 2026 | R 33,849 | 39.1% | R 2,935 | R 1,092 | 34 days | 4.3 nights |
| Feb 2026 | R 26,806 | 38.4% | R 2,792 | R 957 | 45 days | 4.5 nights |
| Mar 2026 | R 23,384 | 32.7% | R 2,769 | R 754 | 40 days | 3.4 nights |
| Apr 2026 | R 22,704 | 33.7% | R 2,750 | R 757 | 42 days | 3.1 nights |
| May 2026 | R 16,895 | 22.2% | R 2,681 | R 545 | 35 days | 3.7 nights |
| Jun 2026 | R 30,421 | 42.4% | R 2,770 | R 1,014 | 27 days | 6.8 nights |
| Jul 2026 | R 24,535 | 30.9% | R 2,912 | R 791 | 66 days | 3.4 nights |
| Aug 2026 | R 24,225 | 31.3% | R 2,776 | R 781 | 39 days | 3.8 nights |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month of the 12. RevPAR is the month's revenue spread over its nights, booked or not. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in, and length of stay the nights per booking, for stays in that month.
For a figure on one home rather than the whole Knysna market, enter its address and size in the Airbnb profit calculator, which compares it with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Knysna Profitable?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Knysna Airbnb took in R 186,629 in the 12 months to September 2026, and run by its owner at everyday costs, about R 10,700 a month of that is left after running costs, so a home that costs less than that to own or rent makes money. A listing in the top quarter leaves about R 21,000 a month.
Cleaning it yourself keeps the R 11,700 a year guests pay in cleaning fees, for about R 11,700 a month. Handing the listing to a co-host at about 10% of nightly bookings still leaves about R 9,200 a month.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
Knysna Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Nightly bookings | R 174,929 | R 340,700 |
| Cleaning fees guests pay6% of Knysna bookings | R 11,700 | R 22,800 |
| Gross bookings | R 186,629 | R 363,500 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's feeAbout 14%: 15.5% for the 84% of Knysna listings on Simplified Pricing, 3% for the rest | −R 25,300 | −R 49,200 |
| Cleaning and laundryPaid for by the cleaning fee; R 0 if you clean yourself | −R 11,700 | −R 22,800 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −R 9,300 | −R 18,200 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −R 3,700 | −R 7,300 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −R 5,600 | −R 10,900 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −R 1,900 | −R 1,900 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −R 900 | −R 900 |
| ManagementR 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | R 0 | R 0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | R 0 | R 0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | R 0 | R 0 |
| Total running costsAbout 25% of bookings, plus cleaning paid for by the cleaning fee | −R 58,400 | −R 111,200 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | R 128,229about R 10,700 a month | R 252,300about R 21,000 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Knysna Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Knysna's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Knysna home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb income calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Knysna's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Knysna listings are booked on 49% or more of their nights, against 29% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of R 2,065 adds about R 20,700 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge R 3,475 a night or more, against a median of R 2,065. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about R 17,500 a year.
- Open for the busy months. December brought the average listing about R 51,400, against R 16,900 in May, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
- Reviews that stand out. Knysna listings average 4.72 stars, and 27% carry Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge, which guests can filter for.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about R 30,300 a month, against R 15,600 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Knysna?
Knysna listings were booked on 35% of the nights they were open over the past year, 4 percentage points below the Western Cape average (39%) and in line with the South Africa average. Occupancy swings from 22% in May to 56% in December.
The busiest tenth of listings are booked about 4.8 times as often as the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 72%+ of open nights, 43 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 49% or more, roughly three nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 29% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 15% or less, under two nights a week.
December was the busiest month in Knysna, May the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month, September 2025 to August 2026
Monthly average 35% 56% 22%
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Knysna?
The average nightly rate in Knysna, known as ADR (average daily rate), was R 2,759 over the past year, about 6% below the Western Cape average of R 2,920 and about 14% above the South Africa average of R 2,425. Rates peak in December at about R 3,025 and bottom out in May at about R 2,680.
Prices span a wide range: the top 10% charge about four times the rate of the bottom quarter.
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge R 5,505+ a night, about 2.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge R 3,475 or more, about R 1,400 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about R 2,065 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge R 1,400 or less, about two-thirds of the median.
December rates ran 13% above May's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month, September 2025 to August 2026
Monthly average R 3,020 R 2,680
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 2,820.
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Knysna?
RevPAR, or revenue per available night, divides a listing's income by every night it was open to book, so it rises with both price and bookings. In Knysna it averaged R 942 over the past year, from about R 545 in May to about R 1,660 in December.
Per open night, by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn R 1,890+ per open night, about three times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn R 1,150 or more, about R 510 a night above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about R 641 per open night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn R 393 or less, about 61% of the median.
December RevPAR was about three times May's
Revenue per open night (RevPAR), by month, September 2025 to August 2026
Monthly average R 1,660 R 545
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, R 866. The 12-month RevPAR of R 942 averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Knysna
Knysna has two high seasons, June and December–January, which makes it a highly seasonal market. Business is slowest from March to May and slows again from August to November.
| Season | Revenue per month | Occupancy | Nightly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| High seasonDecember–January | R 42,600 | 48% | R 2,980 |
| High seasonJune | R 30,400 | 42% | R 2,770 |
| Shoulder seasonFebruary, July | R 25,700 | 35% | R 2,852 |
| Low seasonMarch–May, August–November | R 21,300 | 30% | R 2,780 |
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Knysna?
Guests book Knysna stays 39 days ahead on average (about six weeks). July stays are booked furthest out, about 66 days ahead, and September stays closest to arrival, about 25 days. A typical July booking is made in early May.
July stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay, September 2025 to August 2026
Monthly average 39 days 66 days 25 days
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Knysna
None of the 204 active listings in Knysna display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in Knysna.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Knysna
AirROI's area guide picks seven Knysna neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Thesen Island, Noetzie and Pledge Nature Reserve. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Thesen Island | A popular and scenic destination known for its beautiful waterfront properties and vibrant atmosphere. It's a top choice for tourists looking for a unique getaway with access to boutiques and restaurants. | Thesen Island Harbour Town, Ocean Odyssey, Knysna Heads, Knysna Lagoon, Forest Haven, Knysna Elephant Park |
| Noetzie | Famous for its stunning beach and historic castles, Noetzie offers a picturesque setting for visitors and is ideal for hosting upscale accommodations. | Noetzie Beach, Noetzie Castles, Knysna National Park, Kayaking on the lagoon, Bird watching, Hiking trails |
| Pledge Nature Reserve | An ecological gem with walking trails and abundant wildlife, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Attracts tourists looking for authentic experiences in nature. | Pledge Nature Reserve Trails, Bird watching, Suretseedle Nature Reserve, Knysna River, Picnic areas |
| Knysna Waterfront | A bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the lagoon. It's a must-visit for tourists and an excellent place to host guests. | Knysna Quays, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Art Galleries, Boat trips, Restaurants, Water sports |
| Brenton-on-Sea | Known for its pristine beaches and relaxed vibe, Brenton-on-Sea attracts beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike, making it a prime location for vacation rentals. | Brenton Beach, Bird Sanctuary, Hiking Trails, Whale Watching, Tranquil surroundings, Ocean views |
| The Heads | A scenic area with breathtaking views of the Knysna Heads and lagoon. It appeals to tourists seeking stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. | Viewpoint of the Heads, Knysna Heads viewpoint, Lagoon sailing, Shark diving, Sunset cruises |
| Rugby | A quieter, residential area that provides a more local experience. Attractive for families and those looking for longer stays in a serene environment. | Nearby beaches, Local markets, Parks, Fishing spots, Family-friendly activities |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Listings
Knysna Airbnb Listings by Type and Size
More than nine in ten Airbnbs in Knysna are entire homes (93%), with private rooms at 7%. Houses are the most common property type at 53%, about 1.7 times the share of apartments and condos (32%).
Nearly all listings rent the whole place
Knysna Airbnb listings by room type
- Entire home 93%
- Private room 7%
Room types in numbers
| Room type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| Entire home | 92.6% | 189 |
| Private room | 7.4% | 15 |
Listings by property type
Knysna Airbnb listings by property type
- House 53%
- Apartment/Condo 32%
- Hotel/Boutique 11%
- Cabin/Outdoor 1%
- Others 1%
Property types in numbers
| Property type | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| House | 53.4% | 109 |
| Apartment/Condo | 32.4% | 66 |
| Hotel/Boutique | 11.3% | 23 |
| Cabin/Outdoor | 1.5% | 3 |
| Others | 1.5% | 3 |
How Many Bedrooms Do Airbnb Listings in Knysna Have?
One- and two-bedroom homes are equally common in Knysna (31% of entire homes each), and 35% have three or more bedrooms. Shares are of the 188 entire homes that give a bedroom count; rented rooms are left out.
Knysna entire homes by number of bedrooms
Entire homes with each number of bedrooms, of those with a bedroom count on file
2%
31%
31%
21%
10%
4%
Bedroom counts in numbers
| Bedrooms | Share of entire homes with a bedroom count | Entire homes |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2.1% | 4 |
| 1 bedroom | 31.4% | 59 |
| 2 bedrooms | 31.4% | 59 |
| 3 bedrooms | 21.3% | 40 |
| 4 bedrooms | 10.1% | 19 |
| 5+ bedrooms | 3.7% | 7 |
What Each Home Size Earns in Knysna
A typical one-bedroom home in Knysna earned R 92,600 over the past year, against R 305,000 for a four-bedroom home.
| Home size | Listings | Typical annual revenue (median) | Average annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 59 | R 92,600 | R 112,000 | R 1,387 | 36% |
| 2 bedrooms | 59 | R 172,000 | R 184,000 | R 2,325 | 35% |
| 3 bedrooms | 40 | R 163,000 | R 223,000 | R 3,838 | 35% |
| 4 bedrooms | 19 | R 305,000 | R 341,000 | R 6,054 | 36% |
How Many Guests Do Airbnbs in Knysna Sleep?
The most common capacity in Knysna is four guests (30% of listings), and 38% of listings sleep six or more. Shares are of the 192 listings with a guest capacity on file (94% of the market).
Knysna listings by guest capacity
Share of listings by the number of guests they sleep, of those with a capacity on file
22%
5%
30%
5%
23%
2%
13%
Guest capacity in numbers
| Guest capacity | Share of listings with a capacity on file | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | 22.4% | 43 |
| 3 guests | 5.2% | 10 |
| 4 guests | 29.7% | 57 |
| 5 guests | 5.2% | 10 |
| 6 guests | 22.9% | 44 |
| 7 guests | 1.6% | 3 |
| 8+ guests | 13.0% | 25 |
How Knysna Airbnb Listings Are Set Up
Knysna hosts set up an average of 2.8 beds per listing, close to one bed per bedroom. Only 32% of listings show their exact location on the listing map; the rest show an approximate area.
- Photos per listing
- 15
- Beds per listing
- 2.8
- Show exact location
- 32%
What Amenities Do Airbnb Listings in Knysna Offer?
Free on-site parking is close to standard in Knysna: 99% of listings offer it, and 78% have a barbecue grill.
Share of Knysna listings with each common amenity
Airbnb Amenities Linked to Higher Revenue in Knysna
Listings in Knysna with an indoor fireplace earned about 2.2 times as much a year, on average, as those without: R 304,000 against R 139,000. The gap is smaller for an outdoor shower (about twice as much) and a waterfront setting (about 85% more). Bigger, professionally run homes tend to carry more amenities, so these gaps reflect the kind of listing as much as the feature itself.
Revenue gap for Knysna listings with each amenity
How much more listings with the amenity earned in a year than those without, and the share of listings that have it
Revenue by amenity in numbers
| Amenity | Listings with it | Avg. revenue with | Avg. revenue without | Revenue gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indoor fireplace | 29% | R 304,000 | R 139,000 | +118% |
| Outdoor shower | 5% | R 353,000 | R 177,000 | +99% |
| Waterfront | 11% | R 315,000 | R 171,000 | +84% |
| Beach access | 8% | R 321,000 | R 175,000 | +83% |
| Lake access | 22% | R 286,000 | R 159,000 | +80% |
| Backyard | 26% | R 276,000 | R 155,000 | +78% |
| Outdoor furniture | 52% | R 233,000 | R 137,000 | +70% |
| Sun loungers | 22% | R 269,000 | R 164,000 | +64% |
| Patio or balcony | 52% | R 228,000 | R 141,000 | +62% |
| BBQ grill | 78% | R 203,000 | R 128,000 | +59% |
Guests
Who Books Airbnbs in Knysna?
Knysna splits its demand between home and abroad: 51% of guests who left reviews live outside South Africa, led by visitors from Germany and the United Kingdom. Guests speak a mix of languages: English leads at 51%, followed by German and Afrikaans.
51% of Knysna guests come from abroad
Where guests who left reviews live
- International 51%
- Domestic 49%
Where Knysna guests come from: top cities
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin cities in numbers
| Origin city | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | 17.2% |
| Johannesburg | 5.1% |
| Port Elizabeth | 4.2% |
| Pretoria | 2.5% |
Where Knysna guests come from: top countries
Share of guests who left reviews
Top origin countries in numbers
| Origin country | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 49.4% |
| Germany | 12.2% |
| United Kingdom | 10.8% |
| United States | 3.9% |
| Netherlands | 3.2% |
Languages spoken by Knysna guests
Share of guests who left reviews
Top languages in numbers
| Language | Share of guests |
|---|---|
| English | 50.9% |
| German | 10.3% |
| Afrikaans | 10.0% |
| French | 6.9% |
| Spanish | 4.8% |
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Knysna?
Knysna Airbnbs average 4.72 stars, and 27% of listings hold Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge. The category scores are tightly bunched, and value for money is the lowest, at 4.69.
Location scores highest in Knysna; value is lowest
Average guest rating out of 5 by category; the bars start at 4.0
Category scores in numbers
| Category | Average rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Accuracy | 4.77 |
| Cleanliness | 4.75 |
| Communication | 4.80 |
| Location | 4.82 |
| Check-in | 4.80 |
| Value | 4.69 |
Booking patterns
How Guests Book in Knysna: Stays, Rules and Fees
More than nine in ten Knysna listings are open to guests more than 180 days a year, but only 7% are booked or blocked that many days. The most common booked-or-blocked total is 31 to 90 days a year, covering 45% of listings; blocked nights include any the host closes off.
Days a year Knysna listings are open to guests
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days 72%
- 181-270 days 22%
- 91-180 days 6%
- 31-90 days <1%
Open days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 71.6% | 146 |
| 181-270 days | 21.6% | 44 |
| 91-180 days | 6.4% | 13 |
| 31-90 days | 0.5% | 1 |
Days a year Knysna listings are booked or blocked
Share of listings by days a year
- 271-366 days <1%
- 181-270 days 6%
- 91-180 days 26%
- 31-90 days 45%
- 1-30 days 23%
Booked or blocked days in numbers
| Days a year | Share of listings | Listings |
|---|---|---|
| 271-366 days | 0.5% | 1 |
| 181-270 days | 6.4% | 13 |
| 91-180 days | 26.0% | 53 |
| 31-90 days | 44.6% | 91 |
| 1-30 days | 22.5% | 46 |
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Knysna?
The average Knysna booking lasts 4.9 nights, longest in December and shortest in April. Listings took about 16 bookings each over the year, some 3,330 in all. More than half of listings that give a check-in time set it at 3 p.m., with check-out usually at 10 a.m.
Average length of stay by month in Knysna
Average nights per booking, by month of stay
Average 4.3 nights 7.9 nights 3.1 nights
Knysna Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements
More than eight in ten listings in Knysna accept stays of one or two nights.
Minimum stay set by Knysna listings
Share of listings by the shortest stay they accept, from one night to 30 or more
What Cancellation Policies Do Airbnb Hosts Use in Knysna?
Firm is the most common cancellation policy in Knysna, used by 41% of listings; it refunds guests in full only if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. Hosts here lean strict: 55% of listings use Firm or stricter terms, against 26% on Flexible or Moderate.
Cancellation policies of Knysna listings, from most to least flexible
Share of listings by the policy they use
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Knysna?
More than seven in ten Knysna listings charge a cleaning fee. The typical fee is R 596, and some higher fees lift the average to R 805. Spread over the average stay of 4.9 nights, that adds roughly R 120 a night to what guests pay. For listings that charge one, cleaning fees make up about 6% of gross revenue.
- Median cleaning fee
- R 596
- Average cleaning fee
- R 805
- Listings charging a fee
- 71.6%
- Share of gross revenue
- 6.3%
Top earners
Top-Earning Airbnbs and Hosts in Knysna
The top-grossing Airbnb in Knysna, a five-bedroom home, took in R 928,000 over the past year, about five times the city's average of R 187,000. Three of the six listings below have five or more bedrooms; the other three have four bedrooms.
Sea Through House Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.91 
Modern 14 Bed Home in Eco-Estate on Knysna Lagoon Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.93 - Revenue
- R 896,131
- Occupancy
- 52.2%
- Daily rate
- R 7,343
Tree house Entire home · 4 bedrooms - Revenue
- R 890,185
- Occupancy
- 46.6%
- Daily rate
- R 8,699
Sunny Thesen Island Home Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.80 - Revenue
- R 861,864
- Occupancy
- 58.9%
- Daily rate
- R 5,368
Pezula Ocean Breeze FL7 Entire home · 5 bedrooms Rated 4.44 - Revenue
- R 804,906
- Occupancy
- 50.7%
- Daily rate
- R 5,854
Villa On The 18th @ Pezula Entire home · 4 bedrooms Rated 4.80 - Revenue
- R 800,749
- Occupancy
- 67.6%
- Daily rate
- R 4,524
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Knysna?
Mariska is the top-grossing host in Knysna, with R 3.45 million in bookings across 22 listings over the past year. Together, the ten top-grossing hosts run 33% of the market's 204 listings. Per listing, a smaller operator earns more: Carla grossed R 396,000 per listing, about 2.5 times Mariska's R 157,000.
| # | Host | Listings | Gross revenue | Per listing | Avg. rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mariska | 22 | R 3,447,405 | R 156,700 | 4.70/5 | |
| Linda | 15 | R 2,609,772 | R 173,985 | 4.41/5 | |
| Carla | 4 | R 1,582,353 | R 395,588 | 4.91/5 | |
| 4 | Tracy | 5 | R 1,483,758 | R 296,752 | 5.00/5 |
| 5 | Michelle | 6 | R 1,377,313 | R 229,552 | 3.88/5 |
| 6 | Brenda | 3 | R 1,069,305 | R 356,435 | 4.99/5 |
| 7 | Robyn | 1 | R 928,030 | R 928,030 | 4.91/5 |
| 8 | Perch Short Stays | 9 | R 903,137 | R 100,349 | 4.44/5 |
| 9 | Nicholas | 1 | R 896,131 | R 896,131 | 4.93/5 |
| 10 | Jamie | 1 | R 890,185 | R 890,185 | – |
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Knysna?
Only 12% of Knysna listings are classed as professionally managed, though 25% of listings have a co-host. Only 29% of listings are run by Superhosts. Airbnb's Simplified Pricing, where the host pays the whole service fee and guests see one price with no separate Airbnb charge, covers 84% of listings.
- Superhosts
- 29.4%
- Professional management
- 11.8%
- Cohosted listings
- 25.0%
- Instant Book enabled
- 44.6%
- Simplified Pricing
- 84.3%
Nearby markets
Knysna vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 88 km, Plettenberg Bay (29 km away) earned the most per listing, about 12% more than Knysna.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedgefield 23 km | 48 | R 149,027 | R 2,246 | 36% |
| Plettenberg Bay 29 km | 237 | R 209,628 | R 3,413 | 35% |
| George 38 km | 4,750 | R 199,177 | R 2,574 | 31% |
| Garden Route District Municipality 40 km | 38 | R 109,443 | R 1,702 | 29% |
| Wilderness 41 km | 97 | R 160,355 | R 2,530 | 35% |
| Groot Brakrivier 73 km | 37 | R 126,734 | R 2,534 | 28% |
| Kou-Kamma Local Municipality 86 km | 105 | R 166,400 | R 1,696 | 30% |
| Mossel Bay 88 km | 196 | R 141,292 | R 2,067 | 32% |
Other Airbnb Markets in Western Cape
- Cape Town Airbnb data 16,093 listings
- Overstrand Local Municipality Airbnb data 1,885 listings
- Stellenbosch Local Municipality Airbnb data 1,225 listings
- Saldanha Bay Local Municipality Airbnb data 1,118 listings
- Milnerton Airbnb data 494 listings
- Hout Bay Airbnb data 474 listings
- Langeberg Local Municipality Airbnb data 420 listings
- Drakenstein Local Municipality Airbnb data 413 listings
See all 65 Western Cape Airbnb markets
Markets Similar to Knysna
Markets elsewhere in South Africa with a similar nightly rate and occupancy to Knysna:
- Marloth Park Airbnb data South Africa · R 2,696/night · 34.9%
- Nkomazi Airbnb data South Africa · R 2,953/night · 35.6%
- Ballito Airbnb data South Africa · R 3,119/night · 34.3%
- Umhlanga Rocks Airbnb data South Africa · R 2,606/night · 31.5%
- Okhahlamba Local Municipality Airbnb data South Africa · R 2,571/night · 31.4%
- Umdloti / eMdloti Airbnb data South Africa · R 2,350/night · 35.6%
FAQ
Knysna Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Knysna?
An active Knysna Airbnb grossed R 186,629 on average in the 12 months to September 2026, according to AirROI's tracking of 204 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in R 33,400 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Knysna?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Knysna listings earn between R 8,420 and R 33,400 in a typical month, and the top tenth R 55,800 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Knysna?
Listings in Knysna were booked on 35% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 39% for the Western Cape average. December was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Knysna?
The average booked night in Knysna cost R 2,759 before fees. Half of listings charge between R 1,400 and R 3,475, so bedroom count and location move the price more than the average suggests.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Knysna?
None of the active Knysna listings display a registration, permit or license number. That doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Knysna?
Yes, when it's run well. The average Knysna Airbnb grossed R 186,629 in the 12 months to September 2026, 33% below the Western Cape average of R 279,702. Run by its owner, with the cleaning fee covering the cleaner and everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, R 128,229 a year (about R 10,700 a month) is left before the mortgage or rent. A home that costs less than that to own or rent makes a profit, and a listing at the top-quarter mark leaves about R 21,000 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb estimator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Knysna?
December paid best over the past year, at R 51,400 per active listing, and May paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
What is the Airbnb RevPAR in Knysna?
Each night a Knysna listing was open to book earned R 942 on average over the past year, booked or not. That figure, revenue per available night (RevPAR), folds price and occupancy into one number; the top 10% of listings made R 1,890 or more.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Knysna?
Knysna stays were booked 39 days (about six weeks) before arrival on average over the past year, so most of a month is booked well before it starts.
How long do guests stay at Airbnbs in Knysna?
The average Knysna Airbnb stay lasted 4.9 nights over the past year. A listing took 16 reservations over the year on average.
How are Airbnbs in Knysna rated?
Guests rate Knysna Airbnbs 4.72 out of 5 on average. Guests score location highest and value lowest.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Knysna?
Thesen Island, Noetzie and Pledge Nature Reserve draw the most short-term rental interest in Knysna. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Knysna?
AirROI counted 204 active Airbnb listings in Knysna as of September 2026. The closest tracked market is Sedgefield, 23 km away.
How much are Airbnb cleaning fees in Knysna?
In Knysna, more than seven in ten listings add a cleaning fee. The median fee is R 596, and some higher fees lift the average to R 805.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 204 active Airbnb listings in Knysna from October 2025 to September 2026 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in South African rand at R 16.6 per US$, the typical rate from October 2025 to September 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.