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Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat

About Camps Bay Retreat

Camps Bay Retreat is a smart hotel which feels rather like a very good upmarket guesthouse.

Set on the slopes of Lion’s Head, it is spread out over a small private reserve, which covers 1.6 hectares (four acres) of lush woodlands, streams and waterfalls above Camps Bay, with beautiful views of the sea. The hotel is within a 300m walk of the seafront with its beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

Camps Bay Retreat combines a peaceful setting and some old-world charm with high-quality contemporary creature comforts. Despite its quiet situation, it is only a short walk from Camps Bay Beach, and the buzzing restaurants and bars on its palm-fringed promenade. We loved its location and views!

Our view

Camps Bay Retreat combines a peaceful setting and some old-world charm with high-quality contemporary creature comforts. Despite its quiet situation, it is only a short walk from Camps Bay Beach, and the buzzing restaurants and bars on its palm-fringed promenade. We loved its location and views!

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

15 rooms

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Canoeing

Canoeing

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Dune-boarding

Dune-boarding

Fishing

Fishing

Helicopter

Helicopter

Horse-riding

Horse-riding

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Kayaking

Kayaking

Microlight

Microlight

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Quad-biking

Quad-biking

Scuba-diving

Scuba-diving

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Snorkelling

Snorkelling

Watersports

Watersports

Traveller reviews of Camps Bay Retreat

14 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


84%
14 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
4
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs RfromNorwich

Arrived 13 Oct 2017, 2 nights

"good base for visiting the area"

"Lovely situation. on checking in we found that our request for twin beds and …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Ms EfromRichmond

Arrived 17 Oct 2017, 4 nights

"very special place"

"very special place …" Read Ms E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs MfromWales

Arrived 15 May 2017, 2 nights

"Bit of a let down"

"Billed as a quiet retreat with wonderful gardens. However we had a building …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr VfromBirmingham

Arrived 16 Mar 2017, 4 nights

"Camps Bay Retreat review"

"I have stayed at this residence on a number of occasions; location is very good …" Read Mr V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs TfromIreland

Arrived 26 Oct 2016, 3 nights

"Quiet retreat"

"Camps Bay was a very quiet place to stay. The suite was lovely and large. Privacy …" Read Mr & Mrs T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs JfromGodalming

Arrived 1 Apr 2016, 4 nights

"What a delighful retreat"

"What a lovely place this is. We stayed in the main house and loved our room …" Read Mr & Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr N & Ms SfromZambia

Arrived 22 Oct 2015, 3 nights

"Tranquility under the Table"

"We very much enjoyed our stay at Camp's Bay. Comfortable accommodation, …" Read Mr N & Ms S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromYork

Arrived 6 Feb 2014, 2 nights

"Camps Bay Retreat review"

"Stylish and peaceful hotel a stones throw from the buzzing Camps Bay strip …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs AfromHants

Arrived 9 Feb 2014, 3 nights

"Camps Bay Retreat in time warp"

"The main building (Earls Dyke Manor) at Camps Bay Retreat is lost in a time …" Read Mr & Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs RfromYeovil

Arrived 4 Feb 2014, 4 nights

"Loved it."

"Another wonderful stay, this time in our own little stately home. Lovely, well …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Camps Bay Retreat reviews

Trips visiting Camps Bay Retreat

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Fine dining, luxurious accommodation and a wide of range of leisurely activities make this a superbly comfortable self-driven safari. Visit the cosmopolitan Cape Town, tranquil coastal retreats, stylish wine farms and spectacularly peaceful nature reserves.

Visiting Grootbos Reserve, Namaqualand and 2 other areas

US$4,620 - US$6,870 per person

Read more about the Cape Mountain Zebra Self-drive Safari

Camps Bay Retreat: Our full report

Camps Bay Retreat is a smart hotel which feels rather like a very good upmarket guesthouse.

Set on the slopes of Lion’s Head, it is spread out over a small private reserve, which covers 1.6 hectares (four acres) of lush woodlands, streams and waterfalls above Camps Bay, with beautiful views of the sea. The hotel is within a 300m walk of the seafront with its beaches, restaurants and nightlife.

Camps Bay Retreat is the sister hotel to The Bay Hotel, down on the beachfront, but is much quieter and more tranquil. Complimentary transfers are available between the two hotels, and guests are free to use the facilities of both.

The public rooms at Camps Bay Retreat are set in the elegant Earl’s Dyke Manor, which was built in the 1920s. With its striking entrance hall, high ceilings, chandeliers and dark wood-panelled walls, it has a charm that is enriched by Turkish rugs, oversized paintings and a grand piano set against white walls. When we last visited we thought it was magnificent; it's not difficult to imagine what it might have been like to live here in its heyday.

A log fire in the entrance hall is lit throughout the winter, much to the delight of the resident dogs at Camps Bay Retreat. From the hall, a wide wooden staircase leads up to the rooms, and doors lead off to the dining room and two reception rooms. The lounge is a quiet place, ideal to sit and read, whereas the library is more of an entertainment area, with a selection of books, DVDs, CDs and cigars. The walls are covered with books, paintings and vases, and historical items fill the rest of the room. Both rooms boast large comfortable couches, armchairs and pouffes, as well as a fireplace: welcoming, snug spots to enjoy a drink before or after dinner.
There is a lot of memorabilia and history here about the family who originally owned the house, as well as old photos on the walls of Cape Town and Camps Bay.

Accommodation options at Camps Bay Retreat vary, but its 15 rooms are located in one of three venues: Earl’s Dyke Manor itself, with one ‘premier’ room and three suites; the contemporary seven-room Deck House, and four luxurious villa rooms. These last two are linked to the Manor House by a hanging bridge that spans a narrow ravine. All rooms in the Manor House are in keeping with the style of the house, with original features such as wooden floors, high ceilings, original doors and antique furniture, whereas rooms in the Deck House and the villas have a more contemporary feel. Although the rooms are different in style and décor, all are spacious and most have open-plan facilities (albeit with an enclosed toilet). In the Deck House, each room also has a private balcony with deck chairs.

Rooms fall into four categories:

  • Three ‘premier’ rooms – one on the first floor of the Manor House, overlooking the gardens and mountains, and two others in the Deck House.
  • Two ‘luxury’ rooms, both in the Deck House, are larger than the ‘premier’ rooms, and each has a private deck overlooking the gardens and mountains.
  • Three ‘superior’ rooms are all on the ground floor of the Deck House, and have a little more space and luxury, plus a large private outside deck with a spectacular view of the sea and the gardens. Two of these rooms have spa-style baths.
  • Four suites, three in the Manor House and one in the Deck House, have the space and luxury of a separate lounge, and some also have fireplaces. All have beautiful views – some from the ground floor, others from the first floor. One of the suites in the Manor House has a lovingly restored bath; the other two boast the original built-in wardrobes. A few suites are geared for small families travelling together.
Every room at Camps Bay Retreat has a king-size bed, or twin beds, a fully stocked minibar, satellite TV, air conditioning, international plug points, electronic safe, hairdryer, telephone and laptop facilities, and WiFi access. A DVD player comes as standard, too, with DVDs available to borrow from the library in the Manor House, and there is a small compilation of music in each room. Tea and coffee, as well as a Nespresso machine, home-made lemonade and mineral water are all complimentary.

During the winter months, meals at Camps Bay Retreat are served in the formal dining room. In warmer weather, guests may eat outside, either on the terrace, which has a bar in one corner and amazing views across the garden to the sea, or on the lawn. Exploring the garden is great; there are various different paths and walks, one leading to the vegetable garden and nursery where the Retreat grows fresh herbs and vegetables. (There's another herb garden, too, outside the kitchen on the way to the Deck House.) During the summer months guest a barbecue is held twice a week.

A winding path leads down the hillside, through the reserve, to a gate out onto the road below. This gives guests direct access onto the small Glen Beach, or the larger Camps Bay Beach which is a short walk away.

Other facilities at Camps Bay Retreat include a spa (with two treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna and spa bath), tennis court, a ‘nature tent’ in the garden with another two massage beds and views of the sea, and three swimming pools. The main pool at the Manor House is solar heated, while the mountain pool, lower down in the gardens, is usually filled with natural water from the mountain. The third pool is at the Deck House.

Geographics

Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
We'd use this for a minimum stay of 3 to 4 days, and perhaps for longer if time permits.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
On our most recent visit to Camps Bay Retreat, we did not eat here, but this is what we experienced on a previous trip.

Breakfast is usually served between 7.00am and 11.00am. We chose the French toast tower – traditional French toast layered with cheese, bacon and a drizzle of maple syrup.

We did not have lunch, and the menu changes daily, but at the time of our visit, choices included beetroot salad, duck confit salad and octopus salad; a selection of sandwiches; mains of beef burger, beef fillet, rabbit, sea bass, linguine with prawns or quiche of the day; and a selection of desserts.

Dinner is served between 7.00pm and 9.30pm and is usually from an à la carte menu, which again changes daily. We started with stuffed calamari with cream cheese mousse, followed by beef fillet served with pomme dauphine, rocket sauce and roast vegetables. To round it off we had vanilla pannacotta with a berry coulis for dessert.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are not included at Camps Bay Retreat.

Special interests

Beach holidays
Camps Bay Retreat is set within a short walk of three stunning beaches – Glen Beach, Camps Bay & Clifton. Beside this, it has three outdoor swimming pools, so you are spoilt for choice to create a best beach holiday experience.
See ideas for Beach holidays in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children 12 years and older are welcome in the Manor House. Children of all ages are welcome at the Deck House and Villas.
Special activities & services
The Camps Bay Retreat has their own qualified child minder. The cost for this service is R120 an hour (approximately £7 an hour). The tennis court and swimming pool are an attraction for older children.
Equipment
Cots and high chairs are available.
Generally recommended for children
Camps Bay Retreat is an old historic building with lots of antiques and is not suitable for younger children. We recommend it for older children from about 8 years.
Notes
Young children need to supervised by their parents. There is a swing bridge across a steep gorge between the Manor House and the Deck House, as well as balconies and decks which are easy for young children to fall off. The gardens are steep and the pathways uneven.

Communications

Communications
Each room has a direct-dial telephone. Fax, printing and photocopying services are also available. WiFi is available throughout the property. There is also a guest computer in the library where guests can make use of the complimentary internet facilities.
TV & radio
Each room has an 18-channel satellite TV.
Water supply
Mains

Sustainability

Camps Bay Retreat sustainability

Giving the local forest a complete ‘makeover’

Camps Bay Retreat is the ideal setting for a peaceful and serene break. Located on a private green nature reserve with incredible views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and waterfalls around the sanctuary, the Retreat is renowned for its unusual welcoming from their resident dogs. Guests are later accompanied on a forest walk of the area where a happily wagging tail instils both a feeling of safety and familiarity.

The forest in the Retreat has been boosted with the plantation of 100 new trees. The project aimed to increase the density around the beautiful Skywalk Trail which will increase its biodiversity, hence leading to a growth in the indigenous species of the region. This is an important aspect for the Hotel’s private nature reserve due to its connection to the Glen Forest and Table Mountain National Park. Some of the replacement indigenous trees are known for traditional natural remedies (spiritual cleansing and curing ailments) and are replacing the more invasive trees. Some heavy water-using trees such as the Eucalyptus tree contribute to the water crisis in South Africa and others present a significant fire risk such as Gum trees. Planting new indigenous species contributes to the protection of the local eco-system and the aesthetics of the retreat, thus creating a relaxing environment for those looking to escape their daily routine and unwind.

See more great sustainability projects in South Africa

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
The closest doctor is in Camps Bay, about 10 minutes away by car.
Dangerous animals
Security measures
The property is fenced and gated and there is 24-hour security at the front gate.
Fire safety
Each room is fitted with a fire detector and fire extinguishers are dotted throughout the property.

Activities

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Boat trip

    Boat trip

  • Canoeing

    Canoeing

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Dune-boarding

    Dune-boarding

  • Fishing

    Fishing

  • Helicopter

    Helicopter

  • Horse-riding

    Horse-riding

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Kayaking

    Kayaking

  • Microlight

    Microlight

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Quad-biking

    Quad-biking

  • Scuba-diving

    Scuba-diving

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

  • Snorkelling

    Snorkelling

  • Watersports

    Watersports

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A same day service is available Monday to Sunday.
Money
Each room has an electronic safe. Foreign currency exchange is available at The Bay Hotel, by prior arrangement. There are banks located nearby.
Accepted payment on location
Amex, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted. Cash payments may be made in SA rands.

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Camps Bay Retreat's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Camps Bay Retreat.


Excursions from Camps Bay Retreat

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Camps Bay Retreat. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Cape Point and Peninsula Tour

Full day - normally nine hours

Get your camera ready for one of South Africa’s most breathtaking coastal drives in the company of an informative guide. Take in magnificent beaches, stunning scenery, wildlife on land and at sea, and the meeting of two great oceans, then round off your day in the tranquillity of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

More about Cape Point and Peninsula
93% (8 reviews)
City and Table Mountain Tour

City and Table Mountain Tour

Approximately four hours - AM or PM

From atop the iconic Table Mountain, the panoramic views of Cape Town can be breathtaking – and if the cable car isn’t operating, they’re just as good from nearby Signal Hill. Back at sea level, explore the highlights of this fascinating and pretty city, including the South African Museum, the Castle of Good Hope and the Houses of Parliament.

More about City and Table Mountain
93% (3 reviews)
Winelands Private Tour

Winelands Private Tour

Full day

Spend a day exploring the beautiful vineyards, mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands and sample some of the well-known wines they have to offer

More about Winelands Private Tour
100% (3 reviews)

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When to go to Cape Town

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Camps Bay Retreat in Cape Town


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

South Africa in January

January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.

As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.

  • Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
  • Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
  • Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
  • The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
  • Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

South Africa in February

In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.

The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.

For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.

  • Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
  • Wind starts easing in Cape Town
  • Slightly less busy than December & January
  • Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in February

South Africa in March

March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.

The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.

Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.

Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.

  • Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
  • Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
  • Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
  • Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
  • Accommodation can get busy during major events

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in March

South Africa in April

April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.

In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.

The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.

  • Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
  • Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
  • Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
  • Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

South Africa in May

May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.

Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.

With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.

  • Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
  • Day time temperatures drop significantly
  • Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
  • Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
  • Low season rates at the hotels & lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in May

South Africa in June

Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.

The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.

June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.

In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.

Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.

  • Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
  • One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales start arriving to have their calves
  • Low visitor numbers & no crowds
  • Accommodation & flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

South Africa in July

The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.

Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.

By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.

At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.

  • Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
  • Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Oyster festival in Knysna
  • Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
  • Accommodation and flight prices remain low

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

South Africa in August

While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.

The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.

Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.

Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.

  • Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
  • Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
  • Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
  • Whales continue to attract visitors
  • Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

South Africa in September

Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.

The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.

Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.

  • The start of spring; temperatures start rising
  • Whale festival in Hermanus
  • Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
  • Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
  • Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

South Africa in October

The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.

October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.

The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.

  • Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
  • Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
  • Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
  • Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
  • Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

South Africa in November

By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.

The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.

This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.

  • Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
  • Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
  • Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
  • Last month for regular whale sightings
  • Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in November

South Africa in December

December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.

The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.

The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.

Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.

  • Long, hot sunny days
  • Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
  • Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
  • Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
  • Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in December

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