Winter in the Western Cape falls from May to the end of August. The weather is often rainy and cold – sometimes even accompanied by snowfall – interspersed with sunny, wind-free days that locals will tell you are some of their favourite of the entire year!

There is so much to enjoy about the Cape winter if you embrace the beauty of the season, so we’ve highlighted just a few to look forward to during a stay at Melozhori.

Wood-fired hot tubs

Arguably our most enviable amenity at Melozhori, no winter stay is complete without a soak in one of our wood-fired hot tubs. The Pods, the Treehouse and the Cottage are all equipped with hot tubs and as of the completion of the renovation in early 2024, lodge guests also now enjoy access to a completely private wood-fired hot tub overlooking the landscape below.

In-room fireplaces

To stave off the winter chill when staying at the lodge, guests can cosy up in their suites by the light of their in-room fireplace. Renovated with wet Cape winters in mind, our in-room fireplaces add welcome warmth and ambience to frosty evenings, creating a cosy sanctuary to retreat to after an afternoon spent exploring the reserve. Guests in the Pods and in the Treehouse also enjoy rooms warmed by in-room fireplaces.

Good to know: although not in-room, the Cottage has an indoor fireplace in the living area.

Stories swapped around a firepit

One of our favourite aspects of the lodge renovation has been the addition of the sunken fire pit. Even more so in the winter months as it allows our guests to spend more time outdoors – especially on cold evenings when there is no rain. Order something to drink and cosy up with a fluffy blanket for some fireside chat or stargazing on clear nights.

Couples in the Treehouse can also cosy up in the alfresco seating area warmed by their own private fire pit. The Cottage also boasts a lovely outdoor seating area with a fire pit – perfect to toast marshmallows over with the little ones on a family weekend away.

Intimate Indoor Dining

Winter at Melozhori transforms dining into a cosy, intimate affair. If you choose to stay at the lodge, the atmospheric dining space is warmed by a large indoor fireplace, where you can share comforting meals with your loved ones to the soothing sounds of a crackling fire.

In the Eco Pods and The Treehouse, warm up beside the built-in pizza oven, crafting homemade pizzas that add a delicious, personal touch to your night in. The Cottage’s dining space also features a pizza oven, perfect for relaxed dinners that are as warm and inviting as the fire that cooks them.

Indoor dining at Melozhori ensures that every meal is an opportunity to create memories, wrapped in the warmth of good food and great company.

Pet-friendly stays

For animal lovers, there’s nothing worse than worrying about your four-legged family members on wet, wintery days in the Cape when you are away. When you stay in the Cottage at Melozhori, you don’t have to! Bring your pets along for a getaway which truly includes the whole family. When it comes to pet-friendly accommodation near Cape Town, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better views and more impressive facilities.

Pet policy: Dogs of all sizes are welcome in The Cottage.

Seasonal whale watching in Hermanus

Situated just 100km from Melozhori Private Game Reserve, Hermanus is known as the whale-watching capital of Southern Africa – with migrating whales visiting the coast between June and December each year. A whale-watching experience is the perfect day trip to complement a stay at Melozhori – usually heading out at a similar time to traditional safaris, first thing in the morning and in the late afternoon for sunset. Please don’t hesitate to chat to us about reliable recommendations for tour operators in Hermanus.

Other winter essentials included at Melozhori:

Electric blankets
Nespresso machines
Soft, velvety gowns & slippers
Blankets on game drives
Air-conditioning throughout

Stay with us this winter

Take a better look at our accommodation options for the perfect winter getaway in the Western Cape. If you’re interested in enquiring about a stay at Melozhori, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly reservations team directly at info@melozhori.co.za or use our online booking system.

We look forward to welcoming you.