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The Constantia
The Constantia
The Constantia
The Constantia

About The Constantia

A country-style five-star boutique hotel, The Constantia (more formerly known as The Last Word Constantia) ...

... is set in the fertile Constantia Valley – the Cape’s oldest wine region – approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cape Town. This area boasts many excellent restaurants, and five world-class wine estates: Buitenverwachtig, Constantia Uitsig, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenburg.

For those seeking a luxurious hotel close to Cape Town’s centre and its attractions, but outside the hustle and bustle of the city, the Constantia is ideal. The atmosphere is smart, but friendly and relaxed. It offers comfortable accommodation in lush, mountainous surroundings, with a good choice of fine restaurants and excellent South African wine estates nearby.

Our view

For those seeking a luxurious hotel close to Cape Town’s centre and its attractions, but outside the hustle and bustle of the city, the Constantia is ideal. The atmosphere is smart, but friendly and relaxed. It offers comfortable accommodation in lush, mountainous surroundings, with a good choice of fine restaurants and excellent South African wine estates nearby.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

9 suites

Children

Best for 12+

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 The Constantia

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


98%
23 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
21
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
antennariidaefromUSA

Arrived 22 Dec 2024, 4 nights

"The Constantia review"

"Outstanding! Beautiful gardens and a nice pool …" Read antennariidae’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs SfromArni CH

Arrived 20 Nov 2024, 2 nights

"The Constantia review"

"They offer a (funny) whisky tasting... …" Read Mr&Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr D.fromChelmsford

Arrived 10 Nov 2022, 1 nights

"The Constantia review"

"We thought brilliant ...Very helpful staff …" Read Mr D.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs GfromBucks

Arrived 27 Jan 2020, 5 nights

"The Constantia Review"

"Overall an excellent boutique hotel. …" Read Mr & Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

RMN and ATfromLondon

Arrived 12 Nov 2019, 3 nights

"Exceptional"

"This is one of the finest establishments we have ever stayed in; quite exception …" Read RMN and AT’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs WfromGeorgia US

Arrived 18 May 2019, 3 nights

"Will absolutely return to The Constantia "

"We look forward to our next trip so we can stay here again! …" Read Mr & Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromFrance

Arrived 14 Feb 2019, 3 nights

"The Constantia review"

"Second stay and a wonderful place and staff. Very, very enjoyable. …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromBristol

Arrived 15 Feb 2018, 2 nights

"The Last Word Constantia"

"Our third visit here. As excellent as ever. …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs CfromWestBridg

Arrived 23 Nov 2017, 3 nights

"Brilliant stay at The Constantia"

"Our stay at The Constantia set the bar incredibly high for the rest of our trip …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromWales

Arrived 17 May 2017, 3 nights

"Best hotel ever"

"Simply fantastic service and comfort. The staff are excellent whilst being …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all The Constantia reviews

The Constantia: Our full report

A country-style five-star boutique hotel, The Constantia (more formerly known as The Last Word Constantia) ...

... is set in the fertile Constantia Valley – the Cape’s oldest wine region – approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Cape Town. This area boasts many excellent restaurants, and five world-class wine estates: Buitenverwachtig, Constantia Uitsig, Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and Steenburg.

The Constantia has nine elegant rooms and suites: four Superior double rooms (40m²/54m²), two Pool suites (70m²), two elegant suites (95m²), and one Premier suite (95m²), the latter accommodating families. While they vary in size, design, layout, colour scheme and soft furnishing, all have a small private patio and the same facilities. These include under-floor heating, air conditioning, bedside alarm clocks, satellite TVs, an iPod dock, wireless internet connections, in-room telephones, private safes, fresh flowers, and cotton linen. Minibars, tea/coffee and snacks are complimentary.

Central to each room/suite is a large double bed with crisp white linen, and bedside tables with an iPod dock. There is a seating area with a comfy sofa and chairs in muted tones, and coffee table. Behind the bed is a large open-plan bathroom, which can be separated from the bedroom by fold-out wooden louvred panels that come across the full width of the bed. The focal point of each bathroom is a stunning nautical coloured mosaic, which backs the double rain shower. You’ll also find a free-standing bath and twin basins with a full range of toiletries, along with heated towel rails, a hairdryer, velour robes and slippers,.

The Constantia’s main facilities include a large, solar-heated swimming pool with a surrounding deck and loungers, set in manicured gardens, with views of the mountains.

Inside, there’s an extremely comfortable lounge, lit by elegant chandeliers, where afternoon tea is served. Alongside a number of sofas and chairs in cream, pale green and hints of gold are coffee tables with a selection of reference books, current newspapers and magazines.

In the centre of the dining area, a large tree is growing up and through the roof. The lower trunk is enclosed in glass, effectively dividing the space into two, with breakfast served in the light and bright conservatory.

Guests at the Constantia have the option of plenty of activities and attractions to keep them busy, from wine tastings to walking trails. The manager will gladly help to arrange transfers and tours to the area’s highlights for you, and picnic baskets and pampering spa treatments can also be arranged.

As well as producing award-winning wines, the wine estates of the Constantia Valley have excellent restaurants, serving a variety of traditional South African dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, and exotic continental menus – a real treat for gourmets and oenophiles.

Other highlights of the area include the chic Constantia Mall, three championship golf courses, and of course the attractions of Cape Town and the Cape as a whole. Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront are just 20 minutes’ drive from the Constantia, while Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are a mere 10 minutes away; even the drive to Stellenbosch and the Cape Winelands takes only 40 minutes. Self-drivers can make use of the hotel’s secure parking area.

Geographics

Location
Cape Town, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
3–6 nights, depending on the length of time you have for your whole trip; Cape Town has an enormous amount of things to see and do!
Directions
The Last Word Constantia is just 20 minutes drive from the centre of Cape Town and about the same from the airport.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
The extensive buffet breakfast will probably give you enough sustenance to last you through to teatime; there is a huge choice! On our last stay in 2014 there were various cereals, a couple of fruit salads (papaya, kiwi and pineapple, and a second of blueberries, raspberries and strawberries), fresh croissants and other pastries, a cheese and a meat platter and a range of breads. Guests may also choose form a variety of hot dishes: a full English breakfast, eggs Benedict (with either ham, bacon or smoked salmon muffins, topped with a poached egg and hollandaise sauce), scrambled eggs and smoked salmon, omelettes with various fillings, mushrooms on toast….the list goes on. A sumptuous feast to start the day.

The Constantia also offers afternoon tea with a small selection of cakes.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings (or with advance notice), they offer a three-course evening meal, which costs approximately R550 (£32). Guests could alternatively dine at the adjacent Peddlars & Co bar/restaurant, a very relaxed venue that is perfect for a low-key meal with a lively atmosphere.

Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Breakfast can be brought to your room on request.
Drinks included
Yes, drinks are included at the Constantia, including premium brands and bespoke wines.

Special interests

Honeymoons
The Constantia, not far from Cape Town’s centre, is a luxurious boutique hotel for your honeymoon to South Africa. With five world-class wine estates and many great restaurants nearby, you’ll be spoilt for choice of where to indulge in your next romantic meal!
See ideas for Honeymoons in South Africa
Luxury
The Constantia provides the perfect luxury escape from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. It is truly a place of indulgence offering champagne breakfasts, sunken swimming pools and magnificent gardens. Thoughtful décor throughout the property illustrate the outstanding attention to detail.
See ideas for Luxury in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at the Constantia.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
They have children's games, books, DVDs and TV as well as Nintendo Wii in selected suites. They also have a kids’ menu on the evenings they serve meals.
Generally recommended for children
Recommended for older children.
Notes
Children over the age of 12 cannot share a room with two adults in the same room (other than in the family room). They will be accommodated in their own room, and charged at full rate.

Communications

Power supply notes
They have a generator as a back up.
Communications
There’s an in-suite telephone and wireless internet connection in every room. There is also cellphone reception throughout.
TV & radio
Each suite at the Constantia has satellite TV and a DVD Player, along with a few DVDs.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
There are several local doctors, and world-class hospitals in Cape Town.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The Constantia has 24-hour security and a secure parking area.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are located in every room/suite.

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
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Full laundry service is available at an extra charge.
Money
There’s a private digital safe for personal belongings in every suite.
Accepted payment on location
The Constantia accepts all major credit cards (American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa). Payments in cash must be made in South African rand. No foreign currency is accepted, but there is a shopping mall with banks with ATMs only two minutes’ drive away).

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The Constantia's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Constantia.


Excursions from The Constantia

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at The Constantia. 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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Cellars-Hohenort

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When to go to Cape Town

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Constantia 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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