About Dune Beach House
Dune Beach House (formerly known as Dune Guest Lodge) is a small comfortable guesthouse, which overlooks ...
... one of South Africa’s best beaches at Wilderness, on the Garden Route. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has uninterrupted views, and direct access via a private boardwalk, straight onto the beach where one can walk for miles.
The Dune Beach House is a very comfortable, relaxed place to stay. Modern, stylish and quite arty – it’s a quiet place to relax and unwind with stunning sea views and yet just a few minutes drive to nearby Wilderness. The larger Garden Route town of Knysna is 30 minutes drive away and Plettenberg Bay is 50 minutes away – making this a lovely beach base on the Garden Route.
Our view
The Dune Beach House is a very comfortable, relaxed place to stay. Modern, stylish and quite arty – it’s a quiet place to relax and unwind with stunning sea views and yet just a few minutes drive to nearby Wilderness. The larger Garden Route town of Knysna is 30 minutes drive away and Plettenberg Bay is 50 minutes away – making this a lovely beach base on the Garden Route.
Accommodation
8 rooms
Children
Best for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Dune Beach House
3 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 10 Feb 2016, 2 nights
"Lovely with great views"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 10 Feb 2016, 2 nights
"Dune by the Indian Ocean.."
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Oct 2014, 2 nights
"Fantastic stay at Dune Guest Lodge"
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 27 pictures of Dune Beach House to get the candid view.
View galleryDune Beach House: Our full report
Dune Beach House (formerly known as Dune Guest Lodge) is a small comfortable guesthouse, which overlooks ...
... one of South Africa’s best beaches at Wilderness, on the Garden Route. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has uninterrupted views, and direct access via a private boardwalk, straight onto the beach where one can walk for miles.
The lodge sits on top of a ridge of dunes, in the residential part of Wilderness. From the road Dune Beach House is hidden behind a high wall. On entering the gate one is lead via a pretty courtyard garden into a spacious open-plan lounge with red terracotta floor tiles, topped by occasional rugs. Comfortable sofas and chairs with a cream, brown and terracotta colour scheme are arranged into separate seating areas, one of these being a shared TV area and another in front of a fireplace. There is interesting and original artwork on the walls, which can also be found dotted around the house. A wide passageway leads from the lounge to glass doors at the end with tantalizing views of the sea.
Stone stairs lead from the lounge to a spacious and light dining room, also with terracotta floors and large windows leading onto a balcony overlooking the ocean. Individual wooden tables and chairs are placed around the room and also out on the balcony. Here you will also find bright artwork on the walls. Breakfast is included at Dune Beach House and there are a handful of good restaurants a short drive away for lunch and dinner.
Dune Beach House has eight spacious, bedrooms each with its own colour scheme. Five of these are located downstairs and three are upstairs. Each room has been tastefully furnished and decorated, and all have the following: TV, mini-bar, coffee and tea facilities as well as a Nespresso coffee machine, hair dryer, under-floor heating, dressing gowns, luggage racks and a small safe. All the rooms are en-suite with separate baths and showers and some with double basins. Complimentary toiletries are provided. Most of the king sized beds can be converted into two three-quarter beds on request.
Each room has a sea related name and are described as follows:
- The Sea Star Room is the smallest room in the house. It is a garden-facing room designed for children and is located on the first floor, next door to the Sea Breeze Room. Here there are two three-quarter beds decorated in white and pale blues, and a bathroom with a shower is situated next door to the bedroom. Although the Sea Star and Sea Breeze rooms can be let separately, a communal door can be closed to make these two rooms into an interleading family unit.
- The Sea Breeze Room is on the first floor, next to the Sea Star Room, and is decorated in soft sandy colours with light wood furniture and bright pink cushions on the beds. A large window with sliding doors leads onto a balcony and has a wonderful view of the beach and the sea. It has a king-size bed and colourful pictures and accessories add to the warm and cozy feel of the room.
- The Sea Sand Room is also on the first floor and is decorated with similar shades of the beach with splashes of turquoise. It has the same facilities, but it also has a sleeper couch if children are sharing with their parents. Although it also has stunning sea views this room does not have an outside balcony.
- The White Room is located on the ground floor and is decorated in shades of white, grey and pale blue. It has two double beds and glass sliding doors leading out to a private sea-facing sundeck, with wooden sunloungers and chairs, with comfy cushions, and has direct access onto the beach.
- The Ocean Room is also sea facing with a white and dark blue theme. This room has a king size bed and also has a private deck, with wooden sunloungers and chairs, with comfy cushions and has direct access onto the beach.
- The Shell Room is another sea facing room decorated in whites, red and earthy tones. It also has a king size bed as well as an outside deck, with wooden sunloungers and chairs, with comfy cushions, and has direct access onto the beach
- The Beach Room is also sea facing and has a white and turquoise theme. It has a king size as well as an outside deck with direct access onto the beach.
- The Africa Room is a spacious garden facing room and has two double beds, and wooden furniture including woven cane chairs. The room is bright, with windows and sliding doors on two sides, and is decorated in soft sandy tones. This room is wheelchair-friendly and has two private areas – one in a pretty sunny courtyard garden as well as a private sea facing deck.
There’s plenty to do in the Wilderness area, with activities ranging from whale- and dolphin-watching (from July to November) to horse riding and even hang-gliding and para-gliding. For nature lovers, the area offers an extensive network of hiking trails and scenic drives. Visit the nearby Ebb and Flow Rest Camp where its possible to go kayaking on the Touws River or follow one of their hiking trails. Otherwise just relax at the lodge and enjoy long walks along this beautiful endless beach.
Geographics
- Location
- Wilderness | Garden Route National Park, South Africa
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 to 5 nights would be ideal to use Dune Beach House as a base to explore the Garden Route.
- Directions
- Travel along the N2 in the direction of Knysna (coming from Cape Town). After the Wilderness turn off, cross the Touw River. After 700m turn right at a sign “Die Duin". At the top of Die Duin turn right, and The Dune Beach House is the first house on the left – no 31.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- On our visit to Dune Beach House in May 2014 we did not stay long enough to experience breakfast, however the manager explained what guests might expect here. Breakfast is enjoyed in the large first floor dining room or outside on the balcony overlooking the beach. A buffet of cold meats and cheeses, a fruit platter, fruit juice, fresh bread and a selection of cereals are available, as well as pancakes and flapjacks. There is also a cooked breakfast cooked to guest’s requirements.
Lunch and dinner are not provided here, however there is a small selection of restaurants in nearby Wilderness. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. Approximate costs, in South African Rands, are R12 for a coke, R14 for local beer and a selection of wines from R90 – R150. (rate of exchange at time of writing was R17 to the pound)
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all age are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There is no age restriction
- Special activities & services
- There is not a child minder on site but Dune Beach House can arange one on request locally, however parents must be aware that they have not be trained to EU standards.
- Equipment
- A high chair and cot are both available.
- Generally recommended for children
- Dune Beach House is a relaxed place for families with children.
- Notes
- Parents must note that there is direct access to the beach and the sea. The pool is unfenced so they are responsible for keeping an eye on their children at all times.
Communications
- Communications
- Five of the eight rooms have direct dial phones. The guest house also has complimentary wifi and there is good mobile reception.
- TV & radio
- All rooms have TV with local channels.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There is a doctor in Wilderness and the nearest hospital is in George, 20 minutes drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- The lodge has a security gate, and all ground floor rooms have burglar bars on the windows.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the kitchen and in the upstairs dining room.
Activities
Boat trip
Canoeing
Fishing
Helicopter
Horse-riding
Mountain biking
Quad-biking
Scuba-diving
Self-guided walking
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available – at extra cost.
- Money
- Each room has a safe with a key.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex and Diners cards are accepted as well as cash in SA rands.
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Dune Beach House's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Dune Beach House.
Other lodges in Wilderness | Garden Route National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Ebb and Flow Rest Camp
Wilderness National Park's forests, lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as abseiling and waterskiing. Whale and dolphin watching is also possible.
When to go to Wilderness | Garden Route National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Dune Beach House in Wilderness | Garden Route National Park
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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