25 properties found · Showing 1–20
December is the busiest time of year in Oudtshoorn. South African school holidays run from mid-December to mid-January, and the Klein Karoo sees a significant spike in visitors heading to the Cango Caves, ostrich farms, and Swartberg Pass. There are currently 10 holiday properties available across Oudtshoorn, Outside, and Wesbank, with nightly rates ranging from R1,100 to R2,980 — averaging R1,557 per night. At this price point and volume, options move fast. Locking in your dates in October or November is the difference between getting your first choice and settling.
What to Expect in Oudtshoorn During December
December in Oudtshoorn is hot and dry. Temperatures regularly push 35°C and above in the Klein Karoo, which is a different experience from the coastal Garden Route towns. If you're after heat and open landscapes, this is exactly what you'll get. If you need sea breezes, Mossel Bay is roughly 90 minutes away — many visitors base themselves in Oudtshoorn and make day trips to the coast.
The peak season crowd here is mostly South African families on the annual December holiday. International tourists tend to move through on Route 62 day trips. This means accommodation fills from mid-December and the last-minute options that appear are usually either overpriced or already booked solid.
Best Areas to Stay
Most of the 10 available properties sit across three areas: Oudtshoorn town itself, Outside (the farming district on the outskirts), and Wesbank. Staying in Oudtshoorn town gives you walking access to the main restaurants and shops on Baron van Reede Street. The Outside area puts you on working farms with more space, quieter nights, and often better value — suitable if you have a car and don't mind a short drive. Wesbank is more residential and typically cheaper, though it has less charm for holiday letting purposes.
What December Properties Typically Include
At the R1,557 average nightly rate, most self-catering units and guesthouses in this market include a pool — which is not optional in 35°C heat — braai facilities, and air conditioning in bedrooms. Higher-end properties in the R2,500–R2,980 range often include full kitchen setups, outdoor entertainment areas, and multiple bedrooms suited to extended family groups. At the R1,100 entry point, expect a smaller self-catering unit, likely one or two bedrooms, still functional but fewer extras.
Tips for Choosing the Right Property
Check whether the property has shade and a pool. In December, a house with no shade and no pool is genuinely uncomfortable regardless of how good the photos look. Also confirm whether linen and towels are included — some self-catering properties charge extra. If you're planning day trips to Cango Caves, note that it gets extremely busy in December; book cave tours before you arrive, not on the day. For the Swartberg Pass, no booking required — it's a gravel mountain road drive, just check road conditions before heading up.
With only 10 listed properties currently available across the greater Oudtshoorn area for December, availability is limited relative to demand. Securing something before the school holidays begin (around 6–10 December depending on the province) is the practical approach.
