Riverdeck Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s most distinctive and beloved riverside destinations — a relaxed, multi-experience venue on the banks of the Goukamma River, accessed off the N2 at the Buffalo Bay turn-off, between Sedgefield and Knysna in the Western Cape. More than just a restaurant, Riverdeck Knysna offers a genuinely complete Garden Route escape: a South African restaurant and beach bar dining under ancient Wild Fig trees, a charming mountain stone wedding chapel, multiple accommodation options from en-suite rooms to riverside camping, canoes, paddle boats, horse riding, catch-and-release fishing, a farmstall, and breathtaking river, mountain, and forest views throughout.

Just 5 minutes from Buffelsbay Beach and 12 minutes from Knysna town centre, Riverdeck Knysna is the kind of unspoiled, unhurried destination that the Garden Route is truly famous for — a place where the instruction on their own menu sums it up perfectly: “Good food takes time to prepare… Please sit back, relax & enjoy!”

The Venue — Chapel & Old School for Weddings & Events

Riverdeck Knysna’s event venues are among its most remarkable features — a pair of beautifully restored heritage spaces set into the forested valley slope:

The Mountain Stone Chapel

• A charming chapel built of mountain stone, set against the forested valley slope
• Lovingly restored original wooden pews and graceful candelabra
• Capacity: 70 guests comfortably; up to 110 guests with an outside marquee
• One of the most romantically distinctive ceremony settings on the Garden Route

The Old School

• A gracious small hall with character and warmth
• Large antique framed windows flooding the space with gentle natural light
• Yellowwood floors — a heritage feature of genuine beauty
• Wide, shaded verandah extending the space
• Capacity: 80 guests comfortably; up to 120 guests using the verandah
• The courtyard below creates a natural, al fresco dance floor (marquee hire recommended)
• Ideal for receptions, dinners, and celebratory events

Events hosted: Weddings, conferences, private celebrations, birthday parties, year-end functions, baby showers, and community events.

The Restaurant & Bar — Under the Wild Fig Trees

Riverdeck Knysna’s restaurant is its soul — an outdoor dining experience under the shade of ancient Wild Fig trees on the banks of the Goukamma River:

• Setting: Right on the river’s edge; views of river, mountains, and Garden Route forest
• Style: Relaxed, South African, unhurried — “not a fast-food kind-of place”
• Menu highlights — proudly South African:
  • Potjiekos — slow-cooked South African classic
  • Braai — prepared the proper way
  • Bobotie — made using an old family recipe
  • Malva pudding — described as simply irresistible
  • Burgers, casual meals, and bar snacks
• Beach bar — relaxed drinks by the river
• Dog-friendly — well-behaved dogs welcome (a feature beloved by regulars)
• Marnica’s Farmstall — on-site gift shop and farm produce

Accommodation — River, Forest & Camping

Riverdeck Knysna offers several accommodation types — all within 4 minutes’ walk of the restaurant and activities:

En-Suite Rooms (×4)

• White linen and towels
• Heating and coffee facilities
• Garden views, shared swimming pool access

Self-Catering Cottages (×3)

• White linen, towels, heating
• Kitchenette with fridge, stove, microwave, cutlery, and crockery
• Two cottages with braai/barbeque facilities and indoor fireplaces
• Perfect for families and self-sufficient getaways

Backpackers & Camping

• Riverside camping — directly next to the Goukamma River
• Affordable camping from R80/night
• Communal facilities including hot showers
• One of the Garden Route’s most scenic and affordable camping spots

Activities — The Great Goukamma Outdoors

Riverdeck Knysna’s riverside setting enables an extraordinary range of activities:

• Canoeing — paddle up and down the Goukamma River
• Paddle boats — hire by the hour for gentle river exploration
• Kayaks — available for hire
• Catch-and-release fishing — the Goukamma is a productive and peaceful spot
• Horse riding — trail rides available through the surrounding landscape
• Outdoor river spa — riverside spa treatments (subject to weather conditions)
• Swimming pool — on-site freshwater pool
• Children’s play area — safe outdoor play for younger guests
• Sand art — a creative activity for children and families
• Spa treatments — available on-site

Location & Accessibility

• Address: N2 National, Goukamma (Buffalo Bay turn-off), Knysna, Western Cape
• Phone: +27 78 134 5873
• Website: riverdeckrestaurant.co.za
• Between Sedgefield and Knysna on the N2 — off at the Buffalo Bay turn-off
• 5 minutes to Buffelsbay Beach — one of the Garden Route’s most pristine beaches
• 12 minutes to Knysna town centre

Practical Details

• Setting: Goukamma River, Garden Route, Western Cape
• Restaurant: South African menu; outdoor dining under Wild Fig trees
• Chapel: Mountain stone; seats 70 (110 with marquee)
• Old School venue: Yellowwood floors; seats 80 (120 with verandah)
• Accommodation: 4 en-suite rooms + 3 self-catering cottages + camping
• Activities: Canoeing, paddle boats, fishing, horse riding, spa, pool
• Farmstall: Marnica’s Farmstall on-site
• Dog-friendly: Yes
• Best for: Weddings, romantic river getaways, family holidays, Garden Route camping, fishing breaks, group events, birthday parties, quiet escapes from the N2

For event bookings, wedding enquiries, and accommodation reservations, visit the official Riverdeck website.

Also explore other popular venues and restaurants near Knysna or browse Garden Route Western Cape event venues on Event Venues SA.