Tucked away on a quiet street yet just steps from Knysna's vibrant Main Street, Keedols Inn & Backpackers (formerly Jembjo’s Knysna Lodge) is a recently renovated budget guest house and backpackers (rated 4/5 on Tripadvisor and 7.4/10 on Booking.com) located in Knysna Central, Western Cape, South Africa. Run by the warm and welcoming owner Keedols Bosch (with help from Vicus), this cute and cosy spot stands out for its exceptional home-cooked meals (famous Durban-style curries and bunny chows), spotless rooms, and unbeatable value—making it a hidden gem for travelers wanting a personal, no-loadshedding stay in the heart of town.
Accommodation details: 2 double/twin en-suite rooms, 1 family en-suite room, plus backpacker loft/dorm options (including an 18-seater unit); private bathrooms, high-quality bedding, TV, fridge; total capacity around 20-30 guests.
Dining options: Complimentary simple breakfast; legendary home-cooked dinners on request (Durban curries, braai/BBQ, bunny chows); self-catering kitchen and outdoor braai facilities.
Facilities: Garden with outdoor fireplace and picnic area, sun terrace.
Services: Free WiFi, free private parking, full solar backup (no loadshedding), packed lunches available, helpful tour/activity bookings.
Unique features: Personal hospitality with home-cooked meals that feel like family; allergy-free rooms; recently renovated for comfort; central yet peaceful location.
Budget travelers and backpackers
Solo adventurers or couples seeking value and warmth
Foodies craving authentic home-cooked South African/Indian cuisine
Anyone wanting a central base without the party-hostel vibe
Attraction
Approximate Distance (km)
Knysna Charters
1.5
Knysna Heads
7
Featherbed
7
The Motorcycle Room
1
Monkeyland
30
Knysna Elephant Park
22
Storms River National Park
90
George Airport
70
Addo Elephant Park
250
Cango Caves
140
Hermanus
380
Franschhoek
420
Table Mountain
480
V&A Waterfront
485
Kruger National Park
1,300
Authentic excerpts from recent Tripadvisor and Booking.com reviews:
"Me and a friend had a fantastic stay at Keedols! The room was very nice and clean and the lovely owner cooked a delicious Durban style curry for us... She helped us with booking a whale tour and advised a cute restaurant in Knysna. We really recommend this place!" (Recent guest)
"The pillows are the fluffiest and Keedols is the best in Knysna... the rooms all nicely decorated and the beds are extremely comfortable. Keedols is in the middle of everywhere and it's very safe." (Tripadvisor reviewer)
"Keedols and Vicus were amazing and generous hosts... I had dinner and breakfast at the inn and the food was amazing. Keedols is a fabulous cook. A South African braai one night and a delicious chicken curry on my last night." (Henry, USA)
"Spotless and superb cuisine. Especially the curries and braais. Lovely couple and so friendly... Best value accommodation in town." (Multiple guests)
Physical address: 4 Queen Street, Knysna Central, Knysna, 6571, South Africa
Phone number(s): +27 82 923 9223 / +27 44 (contact via booking platforms)
Email address: Via Booking.com or LekkeSlaap
Website URL: Book via https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/alpaca-inn-knysna12.html or https://www.lekkeslaap.co.za/accommodation/keedols-inn-backpackers
Social media handles: None prominently listed
Google Maps: Open in Google Maps
Waze: Open in Waze
GPS Coordinates: -34.0395, 23.0501