About Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
Set in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster, the privately owned Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is ...
... 145km north of Cape Town. It has beautiful views over the vegetated dunes to the sea, and is only steps away from a seemingly endless sandy beach. There is a nature reserve right on the doorstep and the West Coast National Park is about 60km away.
With its first-class location and high levels of comfort, Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is a lovely place for a tranquil holiday or secluded beach retreat. The nearby nature reserve and proximity to the West Coast National Park makes it a super choice for those who like the great outdoors; it’s the perfect spot both for birdwatching and walking, and also for seeing the spectacular Namaqua flowers which bloom late August / early September.
Our view
With its first-class location and high levels of comfort, Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is a lovely place for a tranquil holiday or secluded beach retreat. The nearby nature reserve and proximity to the West Coast National Park makes it a super choice for those who like the great outdoors; it’s the perfect spot both for birdwatching and walking, and also for seeing the spectacular Namaqua flowers which bloom late August / early September.
Accommodation
14 rooms and suites
Children
Best for aged 14+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Self-guided walking
Traveller reviews of Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 18 Nov 2024, 2 nights
"Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 6 Apr 2019, 2 nights
"Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Feb 2019, 4 nights
"Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 8 Sep 2018, 2 nights
"Grat Hotel"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 20 Mar 2018, 3 nights
"Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel review"
Overall rating: Excellent







Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 3 pictures of Strandloper Hotel to get the candid view.
View galleryHolidays visiting Strandloper Hotel
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Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel: Our full report
Set in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster, the privately owned Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel is ...
... 145km north of Cape Town. It has beautiful views over the vegetated dunes to the sea, and is only steps away from a seemingly endless sandy beach. There is a nature reserve right on the doorstep and the West Coast National Park is about 60km away.
During our stay in 2014 (and a recent fleeting visit) we found Strandloper to be well appointed and with friendly staff. The 14 luxurious rooms and suites are tastefully minimalist and contemporary in design and furnished with locally made furniture. All have a light and airy feel, their white and earthy tones blending perfectly with their surroundings. The en-suite bathrooms feature indoor and outdoor showers and stone baths. Organic linen, fluffy white towels and handmade bath products show a thoughtful attention to detail.
Every room includes a satellite TV, DVD player and audio system, internal phones, WiFi, air-conditioning, a digital safe, Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities.
The rooms at Strandloper are divided into three categories and all come with their own terrace or courtyard.
- The Courtyard Rooms are the smallest (30m2) of the three categories, but each has either a private courtyard or small terrace with a water feature and seating area.
- The Ocean Suites have a seafront setting offering lovely views of the ocean and direct access to the beach. The suites are similar in style to the Courtyard Rooms but, at 40m2, are a little bigger. High ceilings make the rooms feel spacious and light. They also have a lounge area with large windows opening onto a private terrace overlooking Paternoster Bay, which includes a seating area with sunloungers – a perfect place to have breakfast or enjoy a drink and admire the superb ocean views.
- The Nature King Suites are set on the banks of a dry riverbed, with stunning views of the inland West Coast landscape. At 80m2, they are the most spacious rooms at Strandloper. Their high whitewashed beamed ceilings offer a mezzanine loft space, with a desk that functions as a work area. The open plan bathroom has a free-standing stone bath, light furniture, ‘rain’ showerhead and white towels. These suites also have a lounge with a comfortable seating area and a fireplace – ideal for cooler winter evenings – and glass doors leading onto a private terrace.
The main building at Strandloper incorporates the Leeto Restaurant, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served to a backdrop of beautiful ocean views. There is also a small shop, Ocean Boutique, in the reception area, selling authentic curios and gifts.
For a relaxing treat, head to the Element Wellness Suite – a spa offering various treatments including deep tissue aromatherapy body massages and revitalising facials.
The 20m pool has as a sundeck with elegant loungers and is a great place to relax and cool off on a sunny day.
Most people who visit Strandloper spend their time exploring independently, going on beach walks, birdwatching or just relaxing and taking in the beautiful environment. Other activities close by or a little further afield include kayaking, mountain biking, visiting a fossil park, viewing the stunning display of Namaqua flowers (in August / September, depending on when the rains come), horseriding and fishing.
Geographics
- Location
- Namaqualand, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- Three nights will give you time to explore.
- Directions
- Situated in Paternoster, Strandloper is 145km north of Cape Town, a drive taking about 90 minutes.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Although we have not eaten dinner Strandloper, we understand that the menu features locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Breakfast can be taken on your own terrace or in the restaurant. You can choose between a continental buffet breakfast and a selection of hot dishes.
Lunch and dinner are served in the Leeto Restaurant, which is open daily until 9.00pm, and has a regularly changing menu, including fresh seafood. Be aware that the restaurant is also popular with locals and visitors, so even if you are staying here you will need to make a reservation in advance. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- No drinks are included.
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Younger children are not accommodated at Strandloper.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel welcomes children aged 14 and over.
Communications
- Communications
- There is cellphone reception throughout the hotel, and free WiFi.
- TV & radio
- Satellite TV and a DVD player is provided in each room.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Medical care
- There are doctors in Vredenburg 20km away and excellent hospitals in Cape Town.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- There is a security guard on duty 24 hours a day.
- Fire safety
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Mountain biking
Self-guided walking
Extras
- Disabled access
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Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Strandloper Hotel.
Other lodges in Namaqualand
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Annie's Cottage
Annie's Cottage is a small, good-quality guest house in a good location near the centre of Springbok.

Mountain View
High on a hill overlooking Springbok, Mountain View Guest House has 10 suites. Most have a private patio and their own entrance, and outside you'll find a peaceful garden with indigenous plants and also a small swimming pool.

Bushmans Kloof
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, a luxury 16-room lodge and spa, offering game drives, visits to the area's prolific rock art, botanical tours, nature trails and hiking.

Farmhouse Hotel
The Farmhouse Hotel is located in the seaside town of Langebaan with sweeping views of the Langebaan Lagoon. An ideal place to explore the remoter west coast.
When to go to Namaqualand
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Strandloper Hotel in Namaqualand
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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