In the heart of the South African Wine Valley
Hospitality and comfort lie at the heart of the Akademie Street experience with wood fired hot tubs and fragrant landscaped gardens.
Location
Set in the quiet heart of Franschhoek, just a short stroll from the historic village centre, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel offers a blissful base from which to explore South Africa’s culinary capital. The hotel is perfectly placed for discovering world-class vineyards, chef-led kitchens, and the natural beauty of the surrounding Cape Winelands.
Rooms
Each of the eight suites and three private cottages is designed with comfort, charm and character in mind. Guests will love the airy interiors, antique furniture and luxurious beddings. Every detail - from framed artworks to bespoke toiletries - create a space that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Whether you’re staying in one of the restored cottages or in the historic Oortuiging building, there’s a lovely 'home-away-from-home' feeling that flows through every corner of the hotel.
Amenities
When you’re not out exploring the vineyards and valleys of Franschhoek, Akademie Street invites you to slow down. Each cottage has a private swimming pool, and the solar-heated main pool is perfect for a midday dip. Three wood-burning hot tubs offer a soothing soak under the stars.
Mornings begin with a legendary breakfast on the patio: seasonal fruits, fresh smoothies, and hot dishes made to order will ease you gently into the day. Though there’s no formal restaurant, you’ll find an extensive range of restaurants, including several of South Africa’s Top 100, within walking distance.
Activities
Whether you board the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a scenic tour of local vineyards, embark on hiking or cycling adventures through the valley, or visit nearby art galleries and the Huguenot Memorial Museum, the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley offers a rich mix of culture, nature, and indulgence.
The team is always ready with insider tips, restaurant bookings, and perfectly tailored suggestions to help you make the most of your stay.
Sustainability
At Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, luxury goes hand in hand with thoughtful sustainability. The main pool is solar-heated, allowing for year-round swimming while minimizing energy use. In the kitchen, the hotel's celebrated breakfasts make use of ingredients sourced from local food artisans, supporting nearby farms.
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When to go to South Africa
Find out the best time to visit South Africa with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit the Cape — hot, dry and buzzing. Lounge on beaches or explore the Winelands and Garden Route in peak summer sun. Inland, it’s the wet season in Kruger, with bursts of heavy rain and vivid green landscapes. It's also the end of the birthing season, attracting predators and creating dramatic wildlife scenes.
February
The hottest month in Cape Town, February is ideal for alfresco lunches in the Winelands or scenic drives along the Garden Route. There are fewer tourists, perfect weather and excellent vineyard experiences. Safari regions remain hot, humid and wet, so it’s better to stick to the coast and cultural highlights at this time of year.
March
March brings settled, sunny days to Cape Town, the Winelands and Garden Route — ideal for laid-back trips and less crowded experiences. In Kruger, the lush landscape and newborn wildlife create brilliant photographic opportunities, with clear skies and dramatic colours. Rainfall eases across the country, making it a great time to combine regions.
April
April’s mild weather and lower visitor numbers make it one of the best months to explore. Cape Town is perfect for hiking Table Mountain or visiting Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Garden Route and Drakensberg are quiet and cool. In Kruger, rutting season begins — male antelope at their most impressive, sparking fierce, fascinating fights.
May
With summer crowds gone and crisp, dry days setting in, May is a peaceful time to travel. Safari viewing improves as vegetation thins in Kruger, and game becomes easier to spot. The Cape has a mix of sunny and rainy days, and the Winelands feel calm and welcoming after the peak season rush.
June
The start of winter brings cool, dry safari conditions — ideal for spotting wildlife clustered around shrinking water sources. Cape Town gets wetter, though days can still be bright. Whale watching begins along the Western Cape, while the Drakensberg is a dream for hikers enjoying fresh air and peaceful trails. Comrades Marathon adds sporting buzz to KwaZulu Natal.
July
July is peak whale watching around Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, with whales close to shore to calve. It’s also the best time for safaris — cool, dry and clear. Kruger’s wildlife gathers at waterholes, and sightings are exceptional. Cape Town remains cool and drizzly, but it’s a quiet, rewarding time for active or cultural trips.
August
Spring starts to show as wildflowers carpet the West Coast and Namaqualand in vibrant colour — a true spectacle. Game viewing is still strong in Kruger, and whales continue to visit the Cape’s coastline. Temperatures begin rising after winter’s chill, and clear skies return, making this a great time to combine coast, culture and safari.
September
September is superb for combining experiences — wildlife viewing is excellent in Kruger and Madikwe, while whales are frequently seen along the southern coast. Spring flowers are still blooming, and warmer temperatures make outdoor exploration more inviting. In the Drakensberg, snow-capped peaks linger as trails begin to warm up for hiking.
October
October is one of the best all-round months to visit. Cape Town and the Winelands are warming up, with long sunny days and few crowds. Safari conditions remain strong in Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, and the beaches are heating up. Whether you want wildlife, wine or coastline, it’s hard to go wrong this month.
November
Cape Town soaks up the early summer sun, with calm days ideal for exploring. It’s the last chance to see southern right whales before they head off. Inland, the rains return to Kruger and KwaZulu Natal, but afternoon storms are spectacular and short-lived. Visitor numbers increase as the festive season nears — book early.
December
December buzzes with summer energy. The first two weeks are a sweet spot — great weather and fewer crowds. Later in the month, it’s peak holiday season across the country. In Kruger, landscapes burst into colour with flame lilies and baby animals. Book early for Christmas trips — this is one of the most popular times to visit.
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