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De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal
De Hoop Opstal

About De Hoop Opstal

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature ...

... Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

The Opstal has a wide variety of accommodation, which is all good value – from self-catering cottages, which appeal to families, to the historic, elegant rooms in the Opstal Manor and other smart suites. It's a great base from which to explore the real attraction: the fantastic De Hoop Reserve; it’s perfect for those who like to head off the beaten track and explore nature. Come for stunning scenery, outstanding birdlife and a spectacular coastline – to drive a little and explore a lot; it's a real gem of a park.

Our view

The Opstal has a wide variety of accommodation, which is all good value – from self-catering cottages, which appeal to families, to the historic, elegant rooms in the Opstal Manor and other smart suites. It's a great base from which to explore the real attraction: the fantastic De Hoop Reserve; it’s perfect for those who like to head off the beaten track and explore nature. Come for stunning scenery, outstanding birdlife and a spectacular coastline – to drive a little and explore a lot; it's a real gem of a park.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

43 rooms

Children

Excellent for children

Open

All year

Activities

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Boat trip

Boat trip

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Traveller reviews of De Hoop Opstal

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


88%
25 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
14
Good
9
Average
0
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs MfromSurrey

Arrived 8 Nov 2024, 3 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"The De Hoop Reserve is remote with a 50km drive on gravel roads to reach the …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr and Mrs GfromBucks

Arrived 30 Dec 2023, 3 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"staff could not have been more helpful - house itself was beautiful and historic …" Read Mr and Mrs G’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr TfromBangkok

Arrived 12 Apr 2023, 3 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"...really enjoyed our stay at De Hoop Opstal. …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

safari loversfromUK

Arrived 13 Feb 2022, 5 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"a remote, wild area of fynbos, wildlife, vast sand dunes, beautiful beaches ... …" Read safari lovers’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P & familyfromDublin

Arrived 7 Jul 2019, 2 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"The night sky was amazing and we saw whales in the ocean. …" Read Mr P & family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs HfromManingtree

Arrived 12 Apr 2019, 2 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"Well worth visiting, especially the dunes. Abundance of wildlife was a surprise. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs VfromTwickenham

Arrived 15 Apr 2018, 2 nights

"Amazing views and wildlife"

"A really peaceful and interesting place to stay. …" Read Mr & Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr and Ms RfromBristol

Arrived 15 Apr 2018, 2 nights

"Amazing stay at de Hoop"

"A wonderful, peaceful place set in a pristine environment. …" Read Dr and Ms R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr R & Mrs MfromUK

Arrived 4 Mar 2018, 3 nights

"De Hoop Opstal review"

"Beautifully restored buildings, interesting coast line and birdlife ... …" Read Mr R & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SfromBristol

Arrived 1 Mar 2017, 2 nights

"Do Hoop Opstal"

"A lovely self catering cottage in a superb site in the park. Couldn't be bettered …" Read Mr & Mrs S’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all De Hoop Opstal reviews

Trips visiting The Opstal

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


Map

Bontebok Self-drive Safari

12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT

This varied and great-value self-drive trip visits Cape Town, the Winelands and diverse sections of the Garden Route, staying at great places with real local character. It’s ideal for active couples and families who want to explore the Cape’s stunning locations.

Visiting Garden Route | Tsitsikamma, Garden Route | Plettenberg and 3 other areas

US$1,840 - US$1,920 per person

Read more about the Bontebok Self-drive Safari

Map

Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

20 days • 8 locations • 1 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Enjoy fine-dining in Cape Town, whale-watching in Hermanus, and a range of walking and water-based activities throughout De Hoop’s Nature Reserve, the Klein Karoo and Plettenberg. This relaxed self-driven safari concludes with stays in The Winelands and Namaqualand.

Visiting Cape Town, Hermanus and 5 other areas

US$3,730 - US$4,470 per person

Read more about the Cape Genet Self-drive Safari

De Hoop Opstal: Our full report

The De Hoop Opstal, which is often also simply called 'The Opstal', is the central hub of the De Hoop Nature ...

... Reserve, not far from the southern tip of South Africa, about four hours' drive from Cape Town. It’s all about the big outdoors here with a unique variety of eco-systems to explore from sand dunes and inter-tidal rock pools to the vlei, indigenous fynbos plants and antelope. The Opstal has a range of rooms and cottages to suit most people.

The different rooms, suites and houses at De Hoop vary in size, style and facilities – there is something for most tastes though note that this is not a five star establishment so fineries like, bathrobes and slippers, evening turn downs etc will not generally be found here.

Broadly speaking the accommodation here can be divided into those with no kitchen and those with a kitchen where you can self-cater, however all come with an en suite bathroom, which has a shower and/or bath, washbasin, toilet, towels, hairdryer and some Charlotte Rhys body care products. Do note though that even if you book into the self-catering rooms you can always go and eat in the restaurant for any or all of your meals – just make sure you pre-book.

Suites and cottages without a kitchen are more luxurious and hence are the most costly room types here. They are all well appointed, beautifully decorated and have some character features; they also have a kettle, coffee, tea and a bar-fridge and are booked on a half board basis (breakfast and dinner included). These catered rooms are as follows:

  • The Opstal Manor House, is the original farmhouse from the 1800s previously known as the Ou Huis, and forms the focal point of the Opstal accommodation area. Its beautiful yellowwood floors and ceilings, patterned curtains and antique wooden furniture make it feel (as it is!) authentically historic – it’s been wonderfully restored. The Opstal Manor sleeps a maximum of six travellers in its three en-suite bedrooms (two large – one double and one twin - and one much smaller twin room), which are all reached from a beautiful paneled hall. These rooms can be booked individually or you can book the entire Manor House for exclusive use. There is also a comfortable lounge with period pieces, for use by all staying in the Manor House, plus a large non-functioning kitchen where you can make coffee and tea. Note though that the internal doors between the 'manor bedrooms' and the interlinking hall are original, and so don't have locks on them.
  • Beyond the Manor House but still part of the Opstal are the two luxury Opstal suites. These are more modern than the Opstal Manor House but still have a touch of its antiqueness to them and are quite lovely. The Opstal stable suite sleeps two in a king-size bed with mosquito net and has a large en-suite bathroom. The Opstal vlei suite is similar in style, decor and amenities but is larger, with a both a free-standing claw foot bath as well as a separate shower in the bathroom, has a seating – a comfy sofa and armchairs, a large yellowwood desk and the original, enormous arching double doors which open out to give great views towards the vlei.
  • Set in the courtyard at The Opstal with its magnificent wild fig trees is the newly built Fig Tree Suite. It is an upmarket, two-person suite with king-size bed and en-suite bathroom.
  • The Cloete Suites are also situated in the Opstal area - two of the suites (1 and 2) have a view of the grasslands where eland, bontebok and mountain zebra can be seen grazing, while Cloete Suites 3 & 4 have views into the large grassy courtyard. Each suite is beautifully decorated and has a seating area and an en-suite bathroom with bath and shower. Cloete Suite 1 has a warming fireplace for chilly winter nights.
  • The newest room at De Hoop is the Cloete Cottage is situated between the Fig Tree and Cloete Suites. It’s similarly stylish and also has the ubiquitous king size bed with mosquito net and en suite bathroom with both a shower and bath. It’s just a short walk across the courtyard to reach the Fig Tree Restaurant.
  • Moving further afield, the 3 detached, thatched Otter Suites have one bedroom with a king-size bed and mosquito net, and have an en suite bathroom with bath only. Being close to the vlei these suites are peaceful and are good for bird watching - you may even catch a glimpse of an otter if you are lucky.
  • The new Dassie Suite is a luxury room also with a king size bed and an en suite bathroom with a shower and separate bath, but it also has a sitting area with cosy fireplace – great for the cooler winter months. Outside is a patio from where you can take in the fantastic view of the vlei and watch the sun set.
The cottages and houses described below all have self-catering facilities, with a full kitchen comprising a stove/oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, toaster, basic crockery and cutlery, a kettle, basic kitchen utensils and a sink. Most of them have access to a braai area too. Staying in one of these gives you ultimate flexibility to either cook for yourselves or dine out at the Fig Tree Restaurant whenever you fancy (morning, noon or night) as long as you pre-book for evening dinner – you are not obliged to self-cater even though the facilities are there if you want them.

  • Set on the edge of the De Hoop's wetland, there are three white-walled Vlei Cottages. Each Vlei Cottage has two bedrooms - one twin and one double, an open plan lounge/dining area with a fireplace, a kitchen for self-catering if you wish and a bathroom with a shower. They all have outside seating in a small grassy area with a braai (BBQ), looking out over the vlei.
  • Not far from the Opstal area, nestled near Milkwood trees, are three Opstal houses. Each sleeps up to six travellers in three spacious bedrooms with twin configurations, but one can be converted into a double. There is a fully equipped kitchen, a separate lounge and dining room and a bathroom with both bath and shower. Plus outside you’ll find both a braai (BBQ) and outdoor dining facilities. Again you can opt between self-catering and/or dining out.
  • Further from the Opstal area and close to the Vlei suites are seven equipped cottages. Six of them sleep a maximum of four travellers in two bedrooms each (one twin and one double – can be converted to another twin), whereas the seventh one (called Eland) can accommodate six people in an additional twin room. Each cottage has a bathroom with shower and a fully equipped kitchen / dining area / sitting room, plus an outside area with picnic table and barbeque area.
  • Furthest from the Opstal, De Hoop village consists of 9 cottages, all equipped with kitchen/dining room, comfortable lounge, 3 bedrooms - 1 double, 1 twin and 1 bunk room - as well as a bathroom with a shower. There is also a fully equipped kitchen as well as a braai (barbeque) area with a table for outside dining.
There are also some campsites and more basic rooms here which share communal ablution blocks which we don’t usually book for our travellers but for reference only these are:
  • 5 campsite rondawels
  • ten campsites
  • five caravan sites
  • Dating from the 1800’s, the main areas at the De Hoop Opstal have been lovingly restored and are traditional Cape Dutch in style with lovely paraffin lanterns, varnished window frames and the odd set of buffalo horns and animal skulls. They include the reception, a small shop selling snacks and curios (which also doubles as an information centre), a lounge, a bar, the Fig Tree Restaurant. There are also picnic sites set beneath spectacular, wide-spreading Natal white fig trees, a swimming pool, a tennis court and a boules courtyard. For children there's also an outside play area.

    The De Hoop Nature Reserve is the real draw here rather than the accommodation though. It boasts a diversity of marine and land habitats and is home to a good smattering of wildlife including Cape mountain zebra, Eland, ostrich, otters and whales (in season (June to November) as well as an array of birdlife. There are lots of different activities to enjoy from organised excursions to exploring on your own. The Opstal offer fascinating guided activities including Marine walks, boat trips, stargazing, bird-watching walks and mountain biking.

    You can also head off under your own steam and discover the wonders of this beautiful area in your own time – it’s especially suitable for walking and birding at the wetland, which is situated right next to some of the rooms. You can even just sit and relax on the beach and do some land-based whale watching.

    De Hoop is also a superb place for families. The ability to self-cater if you wish, as well as full dining options, means there is ultimate flexibility at meal times. The vast and varied outdoors here also offers a vast array of choices to keep children busy and interested – the beach, sand dunes, rock pools and bush – it’s a natural playground for them. There is also a kids programme of activities at certain times of the year.

    For more comprehensive information on the local fauna, flora and activities, see our general page on the De Hoop Nature Reserve.

    Geographics

    Location
    De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
    Ideal length of stay
    3 nights
    Directions
    From Cape Town, De Hoop Nature Reserve is about a three and a half hours' drive (260km). It’s may be reached via either Bredasdorp or Swellendam. The last 60 km of either route is along gravel roads and takes an hour to travel.

    Alternatively, there is an airstrip at The Opstal for guests arriving by a chartered plane.
    Accessible by
    Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

    Food & drink

    Usual board basis
    Room Only
    Food quality
    Because about half of the accommodation options at the De Hoop Opstal have access to kitchen facilities, many visitors opt cater for themselves for at least some of the meals. In that case it's best to bring most of your supplies, and not to rely too heavily on the shop here.

    That said, whether you are in self-catering accommodation or not, you have the option to eat in the Fig Tree Restaurant which is open daily from 08:00 – 21:00 and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, teas, coffees and cakes.

    The centrally located Fig Tree Restaurant, at the Opstal, offers à la carte menus for breakfast and lunch and set dinner menus. Picnic baskets can be pre-ordered from reception if you fancy eating al fresco in a scenic spot within the reserve.

    For breakfast you can opt for one of three varieties – healthy, continental or hot English breakfast - which is then brought to your table.

    Lunch is a selection of snacks, burgers and sandwiches.

    You will need to book at table for supper in advance (at breakfast is ideal) in order to ensure they have space. We ate here both nights on our last visit, and enjoyed the braai (barbeque) evening on one of the nights which offered a good selection of meats as well as side dishes of vegetables and an assortment of salads. The other evening we had a delicious starter of camembert wrapped in filo pastry, with figs and rocket. For the main course we had chicken drumsticks, with caramelized potatoes with seasonal vegetables – broccoli and carrots. For dessert, we enjoyed chocolate mousse with coffee and dark chocolate sauce.
    Dining style
    Individual Tables
    Dining locations
    Indoor and Outdoor Dining
    Further dining info, including room service
    There is no room service at The Opstal, although lunch packs can be delivered when pre-ordered.
    Drinks included
    None

    Special interests

    Family holidays
    The Opstal in the De Hoop Nature Reserve offers a range of affordable and child-friendly accommodation options, often self-catered, for family safari holidays in South Africa. Children can enjoy activities like tracking tortoises and (guided) walks through the coastal dunes.
    See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
    Birdwatching
    Hosting many African birds including the last breeding colony of Cape vultures in the Western Cape, De Hoop is fantastic for birdwatching in South Africa. Spot ostrich, African harrier-hawk, wading birds, etc. on guided walks around the De Hoop Opstal's vlei and coast.
    See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
    Photography holidays
    The Opstal offers the choice between great-value and more elegant accommodation – in any case a lovely base for photography trips in South Africa’s De Hoop Reserve. Come for a wide range of scenic environments, fantastic birdlife and good numbers of game.
    See ideas for Photography holidays in South Africa
    Walking
    There are some stunning ecosystems to be seen at De Hoop Opstal, with few dangerous species around. Hiking trails lead through the rugged Potberg Mountains, coastal dunes, along sandy beaches and pristine rock pools.
    See ideas for Walking in South Africa

    Children

    Attitude towards children
    Children of all ages are welcome at The Opstal.
    Property’s age restrictions
    None
    Special activities & services
    Baby-sitting can be arranged at the De Hoop Opstal – although the sitters will usually be staff from the lodge, not professionally-qualified child minders. Children staying here can participate in activities such as the lodge's “Kiddies' Programme", guided walks and cycling tours specifically for children. There is also a small jungle gym.
    Equipment
    There are cots and high chairs available at the De Hoop Opstal.
    Generally recommended for children
    Yes, the De Hoop Opstal is a very nice and relaxed place for family holidays. Children might enjoy the swimming pool or simply the opportunity to walk and cycle around on the premises relatively freely with their families.
    Notes
    Leopards are present yet rarely seen. For this reason, the De Hoop Opstal area is a fairly relaxed accommodation for a family safari holiday – although we would never advise to leave children without any supervision.

    Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from The Opstal

    Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at De Hoop Opstal have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

    Eland

    100% success

    Zebra

    80% success

    Leopard

    0% success

    Communications

    Power supply notes
    Please note that the De Hoop Opstal’s camping and caravan sites do not provide any electricity.
    Communications
    There is some (but rather patchy) cell phone reception at The Opstal.
    For a small fee, you can access the internet via WiFi In the lodge’s main building.
    TV & radio
    There is a TV in the bar area with local digital channels.
    Water supply
    Mains

    Health & safety

    Malarial protection recommended
    No
    Medical care
    The nearest doctors are in Swellendam and in Bredasdorp.
    Dangerous animals
    Moderate Risk
    Security measures
    The Opstal can be regarded relatively safe as it is situated in a remote area. Furthermore the area is fenced off, with a gate opening at 7am and closing at 6pm (7pm on Fridays).
    Fire safety
    The De Hoop Opstal possesses fire extinguishers.

    Activities

    • Birdwatching

      Birdwatching

    • Boat trip

      Boat trip

    • Guided walking safari

      Guided walking safari

    • Mountain biking

      Mountain biking

    • Private activities

      Private activities

    • Self-guided walking

      Self-guided walking

    Extras

    Disabled access
    On Request
    Laundry facilities
    A 24-hour laundry service is available. The washing will be done outside the De Hoop Opstal as there are no laundry facilities inside the accommodation area.
    Accepted payment on location
    Visa, MasterCard, Diners and Amex are all accepted at the De Hoop Opstal.

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    De Hoop Opstal's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Opstal.


    Other lodges in De Hoop Nature Reserve

    Alternative places to stay in this same area.


    Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

    Lekkerwater Beach Lodge

    Overlooking a stunning beach and the Indian Ocean, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is a modern camp with very comfortable rooms in a little known yet beautiful reserve.


    100% (3 reviews)

    When to go to De Hoop Nature Reserve

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Opstal in De Hoop Nature Reserve


    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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