Fairy Knowe is an old-style country hotel on Dumbleton Road in Wilderness, set in gardens beside the Touw River and a short walk from Wilderness National Park. It has a character quite unlike a modern resort, with riverside rooms, rondavels and family rooms, a restaurant and a terrace, a pool with a poolside bar, a tennis court, a lounge and a coffee shop. It is a three-star property with free self-parking, free Wi-Fi in public areas and a buffet breakfast at an extra charge. It is a good match for travellers who want a quiet, nature-focused stay, with canoeing, birdwatching and walks on the doorstep. The guest score is modest on a small number of reviews, so read the most recent comments and judge whether the old-fashioned style is for you. It suits couples, families and anyone who prefers a slow pace.
Where it is and how to get around: the hotel is in the village of Wilderness on the western end of the Garden Route lakes. Wilderness National Park is about a minute on foot, the Half Collared Kingfisher Trail is a couple of minutes by car, and Victoria Bay beach is about eighteen minutes away. George airport is roughly half an hour by car, and the village restaurants are a short drive. A car makes everything easier, but you can spend a day or two here without one.
The rooms
The property lists standard doubles and family rooms in the main house, double and family rondavels, riverside twin and double rooms, and a classic double with a river view. The rondavels and riverside rooms are the ones to ask for if you want to hear the river and wake to birdsong. Facilities include a garden, two bars or lounges, barbecue grills and a front-desk safe.
Good to know
Check-in is from two in the afternoon until nine in the evening, with no after-hours check-in, and check-out is at ten. Pets are not allowed, and the buffet breakfast costs extra, so check your rate. Wi-Fi is listed for public areas only, so do not count on a strong signal in the room. The hotel is a good value stop between the Cango Caves and Knysna, and it suits a night or two rather than a long stay. Book ahead for the December holidays, when Wilderness fills up.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool and poolside bar
- ✓Restaurant and terrace
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓Garden and tennis court
- ✓Free self-parking
- ✓Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- ✓Thatched rondavel rooms
- ✓Riverside rooms
Good questions
Is Fairy Knowe near Wilderness National Park?+
Yes, the park is about a one-minute walk, and the Touw River runs beside the grounds. It is a good base for canoeing and birdwatching.
Does Fairy Knowe include breakfast?+
The buffet breakfast is listed as an extra charge, so check your rate. Free self-parking is included.
Are pets allowed?+
No, pets are not allowed according to its listing. Check the property's current policy before you travel.
