Country living in the beautiful winelands
A wonderfully elegant property, this stunning manor fits perfectly in to any South Africa trip
Location:
Tucked away at the end of a winding dirt road on the picturesque Doolhof Wine Estate, just outside the quaint farming town of Wellington, Doolhof Country House (formerly known as Grand Dedale) offers a peaceful retreat away from the more frequented Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine regions. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and mountain vistas, this serene spot provides a genuine taste of Cape Dutch heritage in a less-travelled part of the winelands. We love how this quieter location lets you fully relax without the crowds.
Rooms:
With just six individually styled bedrooms in the main house and a charming, spacious cottage nearby, the property feels wonderfully intimate. Each room reflects the elegant character of the original Cape Dutch farmhouse, featuring antique furnishings and thoughtful décor. Stunning views over the estate’s vineyards and mountains add to the tranquil atmosphere, inviting guests to unwind in style. We love the unique design details that give each room its own personality and sense of place.
Amenities:
The full-length covered veranda at the front of the house is a favourite spot to relax with a glass of the estate’s finest wine, soaking in the peaceful surroundings from one of the comfortable wicker chairs. Nearby, a secluded swimming pool and sun deck offer a quiet haven for cooling off and enjoying refreshing drinks. The kitchen serves light meals throughout the day, with a delicious 4-course dinner option that showcases local flavours and ingredients. We love the laid-back charm of this setup — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Experience:
Doolhof Country House is an ideal base for those looking to escape the busier winelands during peak season between November and March. Its remote yet welcoming setting makes it perfect for slow, restful days exploring the region’s vineyards and natural beauty. We love how it feels like a true home away from home, where you can soak up the winelands’ timeless beauty in complete tranquility. This hidden gem is well worth a couple of nights.
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The Winelands Trip Inspiration
When to visit 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. The 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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Alistair
Tamara
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