This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme
La Petite Ferme

About La Petite Ferme

Situated a short way up the Franschhoek Pass on the Middagkrans Mountain, just 5 minutes by car from the ...

... centre of Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme has stunning views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s an elegant guesthouse on a working wine estate, offering a wide choice of rooms, which range from fairly rustic, self-catering cottages to deluxe suites.

La Petite Ferme is in a superb location with some of the best views of any lodge that we feature in the Winelands. It’s a very comfortable place to stay, with a good range of rooms to accommodate most budgets, and offers some great cuisine and wines.

Our view

La Petite Ferme is in a superb location with some of the best views of any lodge that we feature in the Winelands. It’s a very comfortable place to stay, with a good range of rooms to accommodate most budgets, and offers some great cuisine and wines.

Lucy Copson

Lucy Copson

South Africa expert

Accommodation

11 suites

Children

Lodge best for 12+; lakeside cottages for any age.

Open

All year

Traveller reviews of La Petite Ferme

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


99%
15 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
14
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
G&EfromHudson

Arrived 7 Nov 2024, 2 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"private wine tasting tour - loved it! …" Read G&E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs SfromArni CH

Arrived 3 Nov 2024, 2 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr TfromBangkok

Arrived 11 Apr 2023, 1 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"Everything about La Petite Ferme was great...Would love to stay longer. …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs CfromNottingham

Arrived 10 May 2022, 2 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"Beautiful setting and wonderful rooms …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

safari loversfromUK

Arrived 11 Feb 2022, 2 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"..such a unique place set.. in the vineyards with stunning views of Franschhoek. …" Read safari lovers’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms C.fromSão Paulo

Arrived 30 Aug 2021, 3 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"the hotel is really well located from the centre …" Read Ms C.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr&Mrs LSfromOxfordshire

Arrived 11 Jan 2020, 3 nights

"Relaxing few days at La Petite Ferme"

"incredible views of the valley...we could see for miles …" Read Mr&Mrs LS’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromPrestbury

Arrived 25 Mar 2019, 3 nights

"La Petite Ferme comments"

"Location - excellent …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs DfromStrathaven

Arrived 7 Apr 2018, 3 nights

"La Petite Ferme review"

"The accommodation was first class with fantastic views across Franschhoek. …" Read Mr & Mrs D’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs AHfromYork

Arrived 31 Jan 2016, 3 nights

"Best place we visited"

"A top quality hotel. Could not be faulted. …" Read Mr & Mrs AH’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all La Petite Ferme reviews

Trips visiting La Petite Ferme

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

La Petite Ferme: Our full report

Situated a short way up the Franschhoek Pass on the Middagkrans Mountain, just 5 minutes by car from the ...

... centre of Franschhoek, La Petite Ferme has stunning views over the valley and the surrounding mountains. It’s an elegant guesthouse on a working wine estate, offering a wide choice of rooms, which range from fairly rustic, self-catering cottages to deluxe suites.

Set amidst the vineyards, La Petite Ferme has several different styles of accommodation in varying locations: four suites in the Manor House, five vineyard suites, four lakeside lodges and two cottages. All have a different layout and are individually decorated and furnished.

  • Next to the restaurant and overlooking the Merlot vineyards is the Manor House, whose four suites – one standard, two superior and one deluxe – share a large swimming pool.


    • Smallest of the suites here is the aptly named La Petite (a standard suite). It has a couple of dark brown cosy armchairs in front of the double bed, and a shower rather than bath in the bathroom. Its private veranda, with partial views, makes it feel quite secluded.
    • The Veranda Suite (a superior suite), in the centre of the Manor House, opens out onto a large patio with an impressive open fireplace. From here there are sweeping views across the large pool and beyond to the Franschhoek valley. Inside you’ll find a double or twin beds with gold and brown soft furnishings, a TV and a spacious bathroom.


    • La Petite Ferme’s Bridal Suite (superior suite) has a walk-in dressing room with a full-length mirror, and a larger bathroom than the other suites in the Manor House. The double-bedded bedroom is very spacious, too, and has a refreshing touch of bright blue and turquoise. From here, double doors lead out onto a partly shaded private veranda.
    • The Library Suite (deluxe suite) is the most spacious and luxurious room in the Manor House. It comes with a separate lounge area and there is a warming fireplace both in here and in the bedroom. Its interior design features a remarkable, rustic reed ceiling, and the bathroom has both a bath and separate shower. The private veranda has a covered sitting area with lovely views – a great spot to relax after a day’s wine tasting.
  • The five vineyard suites at La Petite Ferme (two standard, two superior and one deluxe) are only a couple of minutes’ walk from the reception and restaurant, and overlook the Sauvignon Blanc vineyard and the valley beyond. All are decorated in a modern French country style, featuring white wooden furniture and some antique pieces too. On summer days, you can enjoy the private veranda with plunge pool and sunloungers. Each of the suites is separated from the others by trees and low walls, creating more privacy than in the Manor House suites.
    • The Africa Suite (standard suite) is suitably decorated in browns and creams, and features dark wood and leather furniture. Depending on your preference the room can be set up as either a double or a twin, with bedside tables, a small desk, wardrobe and a sofa facing an open gas fire. The en-suite bathroom has a walk-in shower, single washbasin and a toilet.
    • With rustic, light wooden furniture and an antique touch, decorated in hues of white and dusty green, the Provencal Suite (standard suite) feels slightly lighter and airier than the Africa Suite. The sofa and coffee table here face onto a fireplace – great for chilly winter evenings. The bathroom has a very large, glass walk-in shower and a washstand with twin basins and gold-framed mirrors above.
    • Set on an outcrop in the Sauvignon Blanc vineyard, the spacious Vista Suite (superior suite) has lovely views over the Franschhoek valley from the private veranda and plunge pool. It is elegantly decorated in beige and warm browns, and features extra long beds, a large wardrobe, a lounge with fireplace, a TV with DVD player, a dark wooden desk and a wicker armchair. It also has air conditioning and a minibar. The white tiled bathroom has under-floor heating and is equipped with a freestanding bathtub.
    • The design of the Champagne Suite (superior suite) is very similar to the Vista Suite, with wooden furniture, but cream décor with hints of light blue. It’s comfortably furnished with a sofa, wardrobe, writing desk (with a little TV above), fireplace and a double bed. Outside is a large private veranda, with a plunge pool, loungers, umbrella, and table and chairs.
    • La Petite Ferme’s biggest room is the Geneva Suite (deluxe suite). It is tastefully designed, with warm hues of cream and white making it feel quite smart yet homely. The lounge features a fireplace and a spacious, comfortable sitting area. Special touches are the ornate French four-poster bed, and the Victorian bathtub in the en-suite bathroom. Even the private plunge pool outside this suite is larger, again with great views of the vineyards and mountains. If you can stretch your budget its worth the extra!
  • The four lakeside lodges at La Petite Ferme are a great option for families travelling with children. A short walk from the main property (and over the road), they are set in a garden on the northern slopes of the mountains, overlooking a lake and the village of Franschhoek. Each can accommodate up to four people, with either two double rooms, or one double and one twin.

    Inside, these rooms are slightly less luxurious than those in the main suites, and significantly smaller. Decorated with hints of yellow and ochre, each has a ceramic fireplace and an en-suite bathroom.


  • The two rustic self-catering cottages are situated amongst the vineyards, close to the restaurant. Each has a private plunge pool, a wooden fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen.


    • Pear Tree Cottage is the smaller cottage, accommodating just two travellers.
    • Maison Cottage sleeps up to six people so it’s great for families, There’s room for a maximum of four adult guests in two double bedrooms, plus two children (on request), who usually sleep in the loft area, which has twin beds.
    The main restaurant at La Petite Ferme is a large linear room, split between the main dining room and a light and bright conservatory. It has a chic farmhouse feel, with tastefully ‘distressed’ furniture and stone-tiled floor.
    As with the rest of the property, the views are superb! The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, but do note that dinner is available only Thursday to Sunday. With Franschhoek and its selection of restaurants just a short drive away, this doesn’t usually pose any problems.

    In November 2015, the new owners at La Petite Ferme opened a brand new outdoor Tapas Bistro. As the name suggests, it offers a selection of tapas but from all over the world, not just Spain.

    Activities at La Petite Ferme, are generally focused on wine! Guided tours of their vineyard and cellar, finishing with a wine tasting, take place daily at 11.00am and should be booked in advance.

    There are also plenty of other vineyards in the area to sample. Within walking distance, Franschhoek Pass Winery Haute Cabrière, which specialises in Méthode Cap Classique (a sparkling wine), offers cellar tours and tastings by appointment as well.

    A ‘Chocolate Experience’ is possible at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, which offers a half-hour visit covering the story of chocolate and a demonstration of how chocolates are made, and a small chocolate tasting.

    More active travellers might like to book a guided walk or mountain-bike tour on the surrounding mountain slopes, or even paragliding from the Franschhoek Pass. Possible sports include bowls on the Franschhoek Bowling Green, tennis at the Village Tennis Club, and golf at Boschenmeer or Pearl Valley near Paarl.

    To learn more about the history and culture of the town, go on the Franschhoek Heritage Walk or the ‘Art and About’ route. During summer it’s fun to visit the Farmers’ Market next to the church on the main road. It usually takes place every Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

    Some wine estates in the area offer additional attractions and activities, such as the classic car museum at L’Ormarans, an archaeological site at Solms Delta or a Venetian-style glass-blowing studio at Seidelberg Wine Estate.

Geographics

Location
Winelands, South Africa
Ideal length of stay
2 - 3 nights
Directions
From Cape Town, take the N2 until exit 22A to R300/Bellville, where you change onto the R300. After 14km, follow the signs onto the N1 towards Paarl/Worcester and continue on this road for 29km. Then, take exit 55 for the R45/R101 towards Franschhoek/Paarl and turn right into Main Street shortly after. The third road to the left (R45) merges into Huguenot Road after about 25km in Franschhoek. At the end of the road, turn left again to get onto Lambrechts Road/the R45 where you’ll find La Petite Ferme after a further 2km.
Accessible by
Self-drive

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Bed & Breakfast
Food quality
Breakfast is buffet-style and offers a good selection of cereals, breads, cheese and meats, fruit, yoghurts and fresh juices.

The restaurant at La Petite Ferme is open daily for lunch, 12.00–3.30pm, but dinner is available only Thursday to Sunday, 7.00–10.00pm.

The good à la carte menu, including a few children’s options, has a strong reputation and uses local fresh ingredients to produce ‘contemporary-rustic’ cuisine. Unfortunately none of us at Expert Africa have eaten here yet, though when we visited last the food looked great. The menu included starters of free-range chicken paté with sherry roast prunes and crostini, soup, baked prosciutto-wrapped baby camembert; main dishes of braised leg of rabbit, curry lentil and apple filled samosa, and teriyaki pork belly; and some tasty-looking puddings and a cheese platter.

The Bistro has a small selection of tapas from India, Italy, Switzerland and South Africa.

La Petite Ferme makes its own wines and has a selection of these available for sale.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
No drinks are included.

Special interests

Family holidays
For family holidays in the Winelands with younger children, consider La Petite Ferme’s lakeside lodges or the self-catering Maison Cottage. Older children can be accommodated well in the main suites.
See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
Honeymoons
With a picturesque setting in the valley of Franschhoek, a range of menus, indoor and outdoor dining and a wedding planner, La Petite Ferme is a good choice for a wedding or honeymoon in South Africa’s Winelands. It offers different seasonal wedding packages.
See ideas for Honeymoons in South Africa

Children

Attitude towards children
La Petite Ferme is now more child-friendly than in the past. They have relaxed their age restrictions and seem to warmly welcome children although some rooms are better suited to children than others.
Property’s age restrictions
There are generally no age restrictions and children can be accommodated in selected suites, by prior arrangement.

Children under the age of two stay free of charge and a baby bed can be supplied. For children aged 2–12 years, 20% of the room rate is charged for an extra bed when sharing a room with parents. However, please note that they can accommodate only one extra bed per room, and only in selected rooms. The Library Suite works well for this.

The lakeside cottages take children of all ages, as does the Maison (self-catering) Cottage.

Special activities & services
There is a small but decent menu for children in the restaurant.
Equipment
A cot is available
Generally recommended for children
Although La Petite Ferme does accept children, we feel the main lodge still caters better for adults and teenagers. The lakeside cottages are recommended for families.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator
Communications
No WiFi in rooms – only in main area. There is cell phone reception in all areas.
TV & radio
All of the Petite Ferme’s rooms have a TV, which has normal channels but not DSTV.
Water supply
Mains

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
No
Medical care
The are doctors in Franschhoek
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
There is a security guard on from 7pm at night.
There is no reception after 7pm but there is a duty phone.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are located in each room.



Log burning stoves / fireplaces: Whilst log burning stoves / fire places are located in some rooms, we would advise guests to not use these as there are no carbon monoxide detectors present.

Activities

    Extras

    Disabled access
    Not Possible
    Laundry facilities
    The Petite Ferme offers a laundry service at an extra charge.
    Money
    There are digital or key safes in each room.
    Accepted payment on location
    La Petite Ferme accepts all major credit cards and well as cash payments in South African rand.

    Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa

    All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you.
    Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.


    Talk to an Expert

    Call or email us now!
    We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.

    Set up your itinerary

    Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.

    Prepare for your trip

    The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.

    Travel with peace of mind

    After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.

    When you return

    We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.

    La Petite Ferme's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of La Petite Ferme.


    Excursions from La Petite Ferme

    Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at La Petite Ferme. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


    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)

    Other lodges in Winelands

    Alternative places to stay in this same area.


    The Last Word Franschhoek

    The Franschhoek

    The Last Word Franschhoek is a very small, smart boutique hotel in tranquil surroundings in the heart of Franschhoek. With only six rooms it promises personal attention.


    96% (27 reviews)
    Le Quartier Francais

    Le Quartier Francais

    Le Quartier Français is a boutique hotel with beautiful rooms and a great restaurant conveniently located on Franschhoek’s main street.


    96% (14 reviews)
    Babylonstoren

    Babylonstoren

    Babylonstoren is beautiful property located on a stunning working wine farm between Franschhoek and Paarl, and is surrounded by vineyards and the Drakenstein Mountains.


    94% (10 reviews)
    Oude Werf

    Oude Werf

    Located in the historic heart of Stellenbosch, the Oude Werf is a lovely hotel and a good base for exploring the South Africa’s Winelands.


    86% (7 reviews)
    Angala Boutique Hotel

    Angala Boutique Hotel

    Angala Boutique Hotel is a luxurious, contemporary guesthouse in the heart of the Cape Winelands – between Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch.


    100% (2 reviews)
    Lanzerac Hotel

    Lanzerac Hotel

    The Lanzerac Hotel is a historic Cape Dutch manor house and winery that has been turned into an opulent hotel offering some of the regions finest accommodation and first-rate cuisine.


    80% (1 review)

    When to go to Winelands

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit La Petite Ferme in Winelands


    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

    Inspire me

    Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

    Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

    Inspire me

    Login to Expert Africa

    Login or create an account below.

    Forgotten your details?

    Enter your email address and we'll send you a link to re-set your password.

    Create wish-lists, send enquiries, make and manage your safari bookings, and more...

    It's free & quick to set up

    Benefits from creating an account.

    • Save your wish-list
    • Send us an enquiry
    • Pay online and manage your trip
    • Subscribe to our newsletter
    • Give us feedback on your trip
    • Enhanced features

    Need some help? Talk to our team
    Africa