About Cellars-Hohenort
In the heart of Constantia, one of Cape Town’s leafiest and most affluent suburbs, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel ...
... lies close to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It’s a Relais & Châteaux hotel, set in nine acres of manicured, award-winning gardens, for which it is well known, with a small vineyard and forested area. The name relates to the original cellars of the 18th-century Klaasenbosch wine estate, and the Hohenort Manor House – both of which have been beautifully restored.
The Cellars-Hohenort is a luxury hotel offering a relaxing place to stay in beautiful surroundings close to Cape Town’s city centre and major attractions. The tasteful mix of contemporary and antique furniture creates an elegant ambience, and the staff are professional, friendly and polite. It’s the ideal choice for a Cape Town hotel with a quiet country feel.
Our view
The Cellars-Hohenort is a luxury hotel offering a relaxing place to stay in beautiful surroundings close to Cape Town’s city centre and major attractions. The tasteful mix of contemporary and antique furniture creates an elegant ambience, and the staff are professional, friendly and polite. It’s the ideal choice for a Cape Town hotel with a quiet country feel.
Accommodation
51 rooms
Children
Suitable for all ages.
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Private activities
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Cellars-Hohenort
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 15 Nov 2022, 3 nights
"Cellars-Hohenort review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Mar 2018, 1 nights
"Cellars-Hohenort review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 9 Mar 2017, 3 nights
"Outstanding!"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 26 Sep 2016, 1 nights
"A quality hotel, lovely gardens"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 14 Oct 2011, 1 nights
"Cellars-Hohenort review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 30 Jan 2010, 4 nights
"Cellars-Hohenort review"
Overall rating: Good





























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View galleryTrips visiting Cellars-Hohenort
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Waterbuck self-drive
12 days • 6 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
A classic Cape and Garden Route self-drive taken at a leisurely pace and staying in charming boutique hotels. Great food and wine paired with spectacular scenery and an exciting array of activities.
Visiting Cape Town, Winelands and 4 other areas
US$3,050 - US$3,270 per person
Cellars-Hohenort: Our full report
In the heart of Constantia, one of Cape Town’s leafiest and most affluent suburbs, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel ...
... lies close to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. It’s a Relais & Châteaux hotel, set in nine acres of manicured, award-winning gardens, for which it is well known, with a small vineyard and forested area. The name relates to the original cellars of the 18th-century Klaasenbosch wine estate, and the Hohenort Manor House – both of which have been beautifully restored.
This delightful five-star hotel exudes elegance, thanks to a blend of old buildings and antique furniture with modern chic, but friendly staff keep the atmosphere relaxed and personal – which we’ve witnessed over the years and on our most recent visit in November 2018. The Cellars-Hohenort combines well with its two sister properties outside Cape Town; The Marine in the little seaside town of Hermanus, and The Plettenberg in the heart of the Garden Route’s Plettenberg Bay.
Split between the Cellars Main House and the historic Hohenort Manor House, the hotel’s 51 luxurious rooms and suites fall into five categories, including two self-contained villas. All have lovely views: over the Cape Peninsula from the Hohenort building, or of the gardens from the Cellars Main House. Rooms in the manor house are more Edwardian in style, whereas those in the main house have a more contemporary flavour, but high ceilings throughout give a bright and airy feel. Design and furnishing are individual to each room, often with a floral theme befitting the hotel's garden setting.
There are en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries, of course, and every room and suite also has a TV and DVD player, air conditioning and heating, a hairdryer and an electronic safe. More personal touches include a bottle of wine and fruit platter on arrival, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a complimentary minibar, WiFi, hot water bottles in the beds in winter and a complimentary newspaper.
- 23 Standard rooms are located in both the Cellars Main House and the Hohenort Manor House; these have a couple of comfy chairs, and a small desk or table.
- The seven Luxury rooms are in the historic Hohenort building, and are larger with a lounge area within the bedroom. Only four of these have a veranda, leading out from the bedroom.
- All of the 11 Suites have a separate lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe and particularly spacious bathroom.
- 7 Premier suites are in a separate complex away from both the Hohenort building and the Main House. These are either split level or on one floor, and are extremely spacious with a separate lounge and a kitchenette. They have either a small garden area or balcony with views over the garden.
- The Madiba Villa, named after former president Nelson Mandela, is a double-storey, Cape Dutch-style, self-contained house with its own separate driveway. Ideal for friends or a family travelling together, it has three en-suite bedrooms, a large open-plan lounge and dining room with a fireplace and its own private courtyard with a small swimming pool. 24-hour butler service can be arranged for an additional cost.
The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Greenhouse, is in the Hohenort Manor House and is the more formal of the two, offering fine dining in the evenings from Tuesday to Saturday, and lunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Bookings are essential. In November 2018 it was voted sixth in South Africa’s Eat Out Awards.
Adjacent to each restaurant is a bar, both elegantly decorated and with comfortable seating areas. In The Martini Bar beside The Conservatory, high tea from 3.00pm can spill out onto the terrace, then in the evening this is the place for drinks and cocktails, including of course martini – with over 152 martinis on its drinks menu! In the Hohenort Manor House, diners at the Greenhouse restaurant often start their evening with pre-dinner drinks at the adjacent Greenhouse Bar, which has lovely views of the gardens.
The Cellars-Hohenort has two solar-heated swimming pools, one in the terraced gardens of the Hohenort Manor House, and the smaller one beside the main Cellars building in a secluded little garden. For those wanting a little more exercise, there is a tennis court with racquets and balls provided, a small gym with just a treadmill, bikes and weights (but guests also have complimentary access to the nearby Virgin Active gym) and mountain bikes, which guests may use to explore the immediate surroundings of Constantia and the many wooded trails. The old putting green is now a picnic lawn under the tall oak trees and croquet and pétanque (French garden bowls) sets are available at reception. For those more into pampering, there's a Wellness Spa, a hair salon and a boutique which offers a selection of items from acclaimed South African designers.
For those wishing to explore further afield, there’s a once-daily complimentary shuttle service to the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the nearby Constantia Village Mall.
Geographics
- Location
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- Allow 3–4 nights to explore Cape Town’s main highlights, and longer if time permits so that you can enjoy this beautiful hotel and its tranquil surroundings.
- Directions
- From the airport, follow the N2 Highway towards Cape Town and take the turnoff to "Muizenberg, M3" to the left. Continue along the M3 (Edinburgh Drive) past the suburbs of Claremont, Bishop's Court and Wynberg. Take Exit 14 off the M3.
Turn left at the intersection, travelling under the bridge. At the second set of traffic lights, turn right into Brommersvlei Road. The entrance to the hotel will be on the left, 2.5 km down Brommersvlei Road. - Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- The standard of food at The Cellars-Hohenort is excellent. There’s even a cookery book based around the signature dishes from this and the other two 'Collection' properties – The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay.
A full continental and hot breakfast is served in The Conservatory restaurant or outside on the terrace.
For lunch, also in The Conservatory, there is a full à la carte menu with starters (when we last visited in November 2018) ranging from R70–135 (£3.50–7.50) for seasonal vegetable soup, sourdough toasties and Cape Malay Tuna Tataki to main courses at R210–300 (£11–16.50) for an Oak Valley Angus beefburger, herb-crusted springbok loin or teriyaki tuna.
For dinner you have a choice of two restaurants, both serving top cuisine. In The Conservatory, the à la carte menu has starters at R90–160 (£5–9), main courses at R210–340 (£11–18.50) and desserts at R70–90 (£3.50–5).
The Greenhouse offers fine dining, with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local produce. A four-course tasting menu costs R565 (£33) per person, or you can indulge in seven courses for R785 (£46). Both restaurants also have extensive wine lists.
Alternatively you can, of course, opt to dine out at one of the many restaurants found in Cape Town! - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included.
Special interests
- Luxury
- Cellars-Hohenort is the perfect place for those seeking an idyllic holiday with a luxurious feel. Its delightful, old-fashioned character combined with high-quality furniture/furnishings and unique features like its own vineyard, add to its exclusive ambience.
- See ideas for Luxury in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at The Cellars-Hohenort.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age restriction.
- Special activities & services
- Professional child minders, “Kids at Heart”, are available at R185 (£10) per hour. There is no kids’ clubs but children can enjoy the extensive gardens, the tennis, swimming, mountain biking and croquet, as well as DVDs for a rainy day.
Child-friendly meals are on the menu. - Equipment
- Cots and highchairs are provided.
- Generally recommended for children
- Until recently, The Cellars-Hohenort did not accept children under the age of 12, but they are now much more family friendly and are making a concerted effort to welcome children of all ages. Note however that this is still a very smart, sophisticated hotel and we do not feel it is suitable for families with wild and noisy children. We recommend booking ground-floor rooms for children under the age of six.
- Notes
- There are no lifeguards on duty at the pool, so children must be supervised by their parents at all times.
Communications
- Communications
- Every room has a direct-dial phone, and a complimentary Handy Phone for guests to use for the duration of their stay, offering unlimited internet access. There is cellphone reception and WiFi throughout the hotel, and a computer room with two computers for guests to use.
The hotel has an in-house travel desk where they are happy to reconfirm flights and onward arrangements and also to book tours for guests. - TV & radio
- All rooms have a TV with selected satellite services, as well as a DVD player.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- All the toilets and garden irrigation systems use water from a borehole.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There are doctors nearby as well as hospitals.
Balconies: Due to balconies in rooms on the upper floors, we recommend that families with young children book ground floor rooms.
Quadbike warning: Quadbiking with a third party can be arranged from The Cellars-Hohenort. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it's vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurance policies cover quadbike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings; do check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- Security measures
- There are security guards on duty day and night, and security cameras are in place throughout the hotel.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers and smoke detectors throughout the hotel, and evacuation plans are posted on the back of each bedroom door.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Dune-boarding
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Hot air ballooning
Kayaking
Microlight
Mountain biking
Private activities
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an extra charge. Dry cleaning is also available.
- Money
- The hotel can change money, albeit with a 15% handling fee.
- Accepted payment on location
- The hotel accepts payment with Visa, Amex and Mastercard, and cash in South African rand. They will also accept foreign currency converted into rand at the day's exchange rate.
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Cellars-Hohenort's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Cellars-Hohenort.
Excursions from Cellars-Hohenort
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Cellars-Hohenort. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

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
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
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 TourOther lodges in Cape Town
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Vineyard Hotel
In the quiet, leafy suburb of Newlands, the sophisticated Vineyard Hotel has close access to smart shops, sports facilities and the main sights of Cape Town.

Acorn House
Against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Table Mountain, Acorn House offers a traditional guesthouse welcome in a historic setting.

Victoria & Alfred Hotel
The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is a pleasant place to stay whilst visiting Cape Town. It's located at one of the Cape's most visited destinations, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

The Constantia
The five-star Constantia is an elegant, country-style boutique hotel with well-appointed rooms, situated close to Cape Town’s attractions, five world-class wine estates and many superb restaurants.

Camps Bay Retreat
Camps Bay Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary set in a lush green private reserve overlooking the sea, close to one of Cape Town's most desirable beachfront areas.

Four Rosmead
Four Rosmead is a comfortable, very friendly guest house located very close to the city centre and all its nearby attractions.

Cape Grace
The Cape Grace is set in the centre of Cape Town's Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. It's a perfect base for those wanting to be close to restaurants and shops.

Long Beach
Located on one of Cape Town's best beaches, the Long Beach is a great place to relax and explore, although it is further from the city than many other hotels and guesthouses.

Radisson Blu Waterfront
The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is located beside the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and has great views of the Atlantic Ocean

Hotel Verde
The contemporary and comfortable Hotel Verde, within a stone’s throw of Cape Town International Airport, has a strong focus on sustainability and the environment.

Bay Hotel
On the beachfront at Camps Bay, the Bay Hotel has luxury 5-star amenities, plus close access to one of Cape Towns best beaches as well as lots of restaurants, bars and nightlife.

Mount Nelson Hotel
Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town's oldest and most famous hotel. It's a place to be seen and the best address for a delicious afternoon tea.

Twelve Apostles
The welcoming Twelve Apostles Hotel has a great location overlooking the ocean, just a short drive to the beach and restaurants of Camps Bay.
When to go to Cape Town
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Cellars-Hohenort 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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