A Guide to Western Cape's Natural Hot Springs
South Africa has some 87 documented thermal springs, although only about one-third of these have been developed into resorts of various sizes. The South African Spa Association (SA Spa Association) was also recently established, as a result of tremendous growth in the spa industry. There are 11 thermal springs in the Western Cape, seven of which have been developed into eight resorts.
Nestled between rugged mountains and the glittering coastline, the Western Cape of South Africa offers a treasure trove of natural wonders. Getting there is an easy flight, with plenty of places to stay.
Among these treasures lie steaming sanctuaries known as "warmwaterbronne" – natural hot springs offering the perfect blend of relaxation, rejuvenation, and cultural immersion. Let's embark on a journey through 8 popular Western Cape hot springs, uncovering their secrets, safety considerations, and the best time to embark on your geothermal escape.
These resorts are all year-round destinations, and are generally fully-booked during school holidays and long weekends. Most of them offer lower rates for mid-week and multi-day stays during off-peak periods, and are thus popular among retired people.
Of the undeveloped springs, Toorwater, near Uniondale, currently has no facilities or services, not even a swimming pool, but campers are slowly starting to return.
The Cape Winelands region has four thermal springs, two of which have been developed into large family leisure resorts (Goudini Spa and Avalon Springs), but which do offer a limited range of wellness and beauty treatments. The third (Baden Klub) operates as a private club, and the fourth (Brandvlei Hot Spring) is currently not developed. For more info and activities take a look at us as Featured on CTInsider.
1. Caledon Casino, Hotel & Spa: Luxury meets History
Caledon Spa, sometimes referred to as the Caledon Casino, Hotel and Spa is located on the outskirts of the town of Caledon.
A water-based wellness centre, known as the Caledon Aqua Spa has been built, and has as its focal point the restored Victorian Bath House, at 38C the hottest of the swimming pools, and all that is left of the magnificent sanatorium built in 1902. The Aqua Spa also has a lap pool, a fridgidarium pool and a floatation pool. A range of warm pools, for recreation and relaxation, have been built on the hillside, with water cascading down the hill from pool to pool, the hottest being the highest. Fresh water is continuously circulated through the pools. No filtration takes place, and no chemicals are added.
The adjoining “Health and Beauty Centre” offers a range of treatments, including massage, body treatments, facial treatments, manicures and pedicures. There is also a steam room, a sauna, a Swiss shower with water jets, an outdoor jacuzzi, a gym, and a tranquil and serene Zen garden. Signature treatments include the Bath Ceremony (body cleansing and massage), the Mud Ceremony (full body exfoliation, a mineral bath soak and mud wrap), the Nourishing Ceremony (body cleansing and application of healing oils and butters), the African Wood Ceremony (massage and light stretching, using a range of wooden implements), and the Herbal Ceremony (full body exfoliation and massage using aroma-infused Shea butter).
The hotel offers a range of accommodation and restaurant choices, and for those with an inclination to gamble, the Caledon Casino is attached to the hotel. Nearby is the Caledon Wild Flower Garden, where most species of Cape fynbos can be seen. A 10 km hiking trail in the reserve offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas. The Caledon Museum depicts Caledon as it was in the Victorian era, during the heyday of the Spa. Walking tours of the town arepopular, since there are many houses and other buildings dating back to the last century and earlier.
Caledon is situated in the Overberg, a region with an enormous variety of tourist attractions, including sandy beaches, spectacular coastal and mountain scenery, and quaint villages with interesting architecture. Destinations that can be reached within one hour‟s drive from Caledon include: Hermanus, one of best land-based whale watching sites in the world (May to October), which also has good beaches and restaurants; the Hemel and Aarde Valley, with the most southerly Wine Route in Africa; Genadendal, the first Moravian mission station in South Africa, with fine old buildings dating back to 1797 and a fascinating museum; Greyton, with well preserved old buildings, art studios, nature walks and hiking trails, as well as a number of restaurants; and Cape Agulhas, the most southerly point in Africa.
History & Ambiance: Immerse yourself in the Victorian charm of this historic hot spring resort, originally built in 1898. Indulge in the rejuvenating waters while surrounded by lush gardens and elegant architecture.
Mineral Magic: Rich in sulfur, calcium, and sodium, the waters offer potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle relaxation. Caledon Spa contains boron, iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, rubidium, selenium and strontium.
Secret Tip: Visit the historic Victorian Bath, a beautifully restored bathing experience from the resort's early days.
Best Time to Go: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and comfortable soaking experiences.
2. Goudini Spa (near Worcester): Tranquility in the Vineyards:
Goudini Spa is situated in the Breede River Valley, near Worcester, in a spectacular setting against the mountainside, overlooking orchards and vineyards. Goudini gets its name from a San word meaning “place of bitter honey”.
Traditionally farmers from the area would spend time there after the annual harvest, for rest and recuperation. Goudini Spa is the largest thermal spring resort in the Western Cape, with 183 accommodation units, each sleeping 4 to 6 people, as well as 54 caravan/camping sites. There is also a restaurant offering both sit-down and take-away meals, and a small supermarket.
Thermal water facilities include a large indoor thermal pool, as well as a warm outdoor pool, and five thermal jacuzzis. A privately run day spa at the resort offers a small range of beauty and wellness treatments, including African body wraps, massage, skin treatments, body exfoliation, manicures, pedicures and waxing.
Apart from the warm swimming pools, the largest of which has a water slide, there is a cold swimming pool, tennis courts, mini-golf, trampolines, table tennis, pool tables and electronic games. A daily family entertainment program, for both children and adults, is offered during school holidays, with a wide variety of activities, including tractor rides, treasure hunts, mini-golf competitions, video shows and talent shows.
Vineyard Retreat: Escape the bustle and unwind amidst rolling vineyards at this serene spa. Soak in natural pools surrounded by stunning scenery, followed by a wine tasting or a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant.
Mineral Symphony: The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and stress relief. Goudini Spa contains lithium, nickel, phosphorous, strontium and zinc.
Secret Tip: Hike to the top of the nearby Paarl Rock for breathtaking panoramic views before or after your soak.
Best Time to Go: Fall (March-May) offers vibrant autumn foliage and pleasant temperatures, while spring (September-November) provides blooming landscapes and comfortable soaking weather.
3. Avalon Springs (Montagu): Secluded Serenity
Avalon Springs is situated on the outskirts of the town of Montagu. While Montagu is considered to be part of the Winelands, and indeed is a well-known muscadel wine producing area, its climate is somewhat drier than other parts of the Winelands, similar to that of the Klein Karoo. The resort has a number of thermal swimming pools, ranging in temperature from 43C down to 35C, together with outdoor spa baths. A privately run health spa is situated on the premises, which offers a range of wellness and beauty treatments, including massage, facials, hand and foot treatments.
Accommodation ranges from luxury hotel rooms, to self-catering apartments and mountainside chalets, and there are a number of on-site shops and restaurants. There are cold pools, with a water slide, a putt-putt course, bicycle hire, tennis courts, an indoor games room, an aviary, as well as walks and hikes in the area.
Montagu is a picturesque town with a village atmosphere, with many well-preserved historic buildings. It is situated in a fertile valley known for its exquisite scenery, and is also well located for visiting the attractions of the neighbouring Breede River Valley. There are a number of wine cellars in and around Montagu, and both the Robertson and Worcester Wine Routes are within easy reach.
Back-to-Nature Getaway: Nestled amidst the Langeberg Mountains, Avalon Springs offers a secluded escape with natural rock pools and breathtaking views. Enjoy stargazing under the African sky after your soak.
Mineral Wealth: The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle relaxation. Avalon Springs contains arsenic, cobalt, lithium, nickel, phosphorous, rubidium, selenium strontium and zinc.
Secret Tip: Take a guided moonlight hike through the surrounding mountains for a truly unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Go: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and clear skies, ideal for stargazing. Summer (December-February) can be hot, while winter (June-August) can be chilly.
4. Baden Klub (Montagu): Historic Charm & Family Fun
Baden Klub is situated 10 km outside Montagu. It operates as a private club for members only. However, non-members can make reservations during the off-season, which includes the June/July school holidays. The resort has a range of self-catering accommodation, as well as caravan and camping sites. There is an outdoor warm pool, as well as a number of private indoor baths where one can sit and relax in the warm water. There are no health/wellness facilities or services. Outdoor activities include swimming, hiking, fishing and bird watching, and for children there is a cable slide over a dam. Indoor activities include pool tables, table tennis and darts.
Family Haven: This historic Victorian bathhouse offers a unique blend of relaxation and fun for the whole family. Enjoy separate adult and children's pools, water slides, and a playground while soaking in the historical ambiance.
Mineral Bounty: The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle relaxation. Baden Klub contains cobalt, lithium, nickel, phosphorous, rubidium, selenium, strontium and zinc.
Secret Tip: Visit the nearby Montagu Museum to learn about the town's fascinating history and cultural heritage.
Best Time to Go: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for exploring the outdoors.
5. Warmwaterberg Spa (near Barrydale): Rustic Rejuvenation
Warmwaterberg Spa is located four kilometres off the R62, between Barrydale and Ladysmith. The resort has three swimming pools, all filled with mineral water, a hot pool (40C), a not-so-hot pool (about 30C), and a cooler pool. All water used at Warmwaterberg, whether for swimming, showering, bathing, drinking or watering the lawns, is naturally heated mineral water. There are currently no health/ wellness facilities or services, although limited privately administered beauty treatments have been offered periodically in the past, depending on demand and availability of a therapist.
The Old Sanatorium, built in 1908, has been converted into six 4-person self-catering accommodation units, including the original walk-in Roman Baths. The Old Bath House, situated nearest to the spring, has been converted into two 2-bedroom units, each unit also having its own Roman bath. In addition there is a range of other self-catering accommodation units, as well as caravan and camping sites. An attractive feature of the public ablution facilities at the caravan/camping area is that they also have Roman baths that can be filled with hot mineral water.
Two hiking trails, one of three kilometres and the other six kilometres, start and end at the resort. There are also good opportunities for mountain biking along farm roads surrounding the resort. For day drives, Barrydale has a number of quaint coffee shops and restaurants, and Swellendam and the Bontebok National Park can be reached in under an hour, over the picturesque Tradouw Pass. Other areas accessible for day drives from Warmwaterberg include Seweweekspoort, the majestic gorge that connects the Klein Karoo with the Great Karoo, as well as the Cango Caves and ostrich farms near Oudtshoorn (about 150 km).
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Embrace the rustic charm of this remote spa surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Enjoy basic facilities and natural rock pools for a truly authentic hot spring experience.
Mineral Riches: The waters are rich in sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle relaxation. Warmwaterberg Spa contains iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, rubidium and strontium.
Secret Tip: Embark on a guided hike through the Seweweekspoort mountains for stunning views and hidden waterfalls.
Best Time to Go: Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures and manageable crowds. Summer can be hot, while winter can be chilly but provides a unique atmosphere.
6. Calitzdorp Spa: Picturesque Escape
Calitzdorp Spa is situated 18 kilometres from Calitzdorp, along the “old” road to Outdshoorn. There is a hot outdoor pool (38C), an indoor Roman Bath (38C) and four private baths (soap & shampoo type). There are no health/wellness facilities or services.
Calitzdorp Spa has 42 chalets and 20 camping/caravan sites, most with sweeping views of the Swartberg Mountains. Apart from the hot mineral pools, there are also two cold outdoor pools, tennis courts and a squash court. The two-kilometre Springbok Walking Trail, with a resident herd of springbok, has good views of the surrounding areas, and there are many other mountain walks in the vicinity of the resort. Calitzdorp Spa is an excellent base from which to visit the Cango Caves, ostrich farms and other attractions of Oudtshoorn. Mossel Bay, George, Wilderness, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are also all near enough for day visits. Some of the most spectacular mountain passes in South Africa, including the Swartberg Pass, with access to Gamkaskloof (Die Hel), Seweweekspoort and the Rooiberg Pass, can all be done in day drives from Calitzdorp Spa.
Hidden Jewel: Nestled in the heart of the Klein Karoo region, this quaint spa offers a variety of pools and treatment options amidst a charming setting. Enjoy stunning mountain views and delicious local cuisine after your soak.
Mineral Wealth: The waters are rich in iron, sulfur, sodium, and calcium, offering potential benefits for skin conditions, joint pain, and muscle relaxation. Calitzdorp Spa/Uhuru Guest Farm contains arsenic, iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, rubidium and strontium.
Secret Tip: Visit the nearby Gamkaskloof, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic rock formations
7. Brandvlei Hot Spring is located a few kilometers from Rawsonville, in the Breede River Valley, within the grounds of the Brandvlei Prison. Brandvlei is the strongest and hottest thermal spring in South Africa. There is no access for the public without special permission. Brandvlei Hot Spring contains lithium, nickel, phosphorous and strontium.
8. Toorwater
Toorwater is situated 73 km from De Rust. While the name translates as “enchanted water”, it is not certain where this name originates, but according to Bulpin (1986), methane gas would often rise to the surface with the water, and the gas would sometimes ignite spontaneously, leading to the name “enchanted water”. Toorwater is a place with a few rooms and a pleasant camping ground, with beneficial water and a restful setting. Today the original building remains, but it is not in good condition, and although the water still flows as strongly as ever from a pipe, there are no longer any facilities for swimming or bathing. It is still possible to camp at the site, with permission from the farm manager, but currently there are no plans to redevelop Toorwater. Toorwater contains iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, phosphorous, rubidium and strontium.
9. De Kelders
De Kelders is located a few kilometers from Gansbaai. Two tepid (21°C) bathing pools, which contain water with high salt (sodium chloride) content, have been constructed at the end of an underground river, deep inside a sea-cliff cave. The entrance can be reached by descending a steep flight of stairs to the beach. The source of the water is believed to be about 10 kilometres inland, from where it flows underground at a rate of about one million litres a day. Currently there are no facilities, not even lighting. Although the caves and pools are not officially open to the public, arrangements to visit can be made with the owner. De Kelders contains arsenic, boron, lithium, molybdenum, phosphorous and strontium.
10. The Baths
The Baths has been functioning as a resort since the 1700s, and is characterised by its Victorian-style buildings, which give it an old-world feel, set in a narrow valley surrounded by groves of orange trees. The historic Victorian buildings have been converted into a number of accommodation units of varying sizes, and in addition there are a number of free-standing chalets. There are also caravan/camping sites, a restaurant and a shop.
The resort has a large outdoor thermal pool (38C), and a small rock pool, with the water being continually circulated and no chemicals added. The Baths contains cobalt, lithium, manganese phosphorous, rubidium and strontium. In addition there are five private spa baths, the hottest being 43C, and two whirlpools. Currently there are no health/wellness facilities and services, but the area offers good opportunities for outdoor exercise. Two hiking trails start and end at the resort, one taking about an hour, and the other four hours. For jogging and mountain biking, a gravel farm road continues for 15 kilometres beyond The Baths, with water approximately every four kilometres. Longer, circular routes are also possible. The resort also has tennis courts.
A wide variety of tourist attractions are located within easy reach of The Baths. These include the Olifants River Wine Route, which has seven wine cellars offering cellar tours and wine sales, and the Cedarberg Wilderness Area, known for unique rock formations and San rock art. Much of the area accessible for day trips from The Baths falls within the Spring Wild Flower Region, and during August, September and October the region is carpeted with wild flowers. An annual Wild Flower Festival and exhibition takes place in Clanwilliam every year in August, and lasts ten days.
Clanwilliam (72 km) is also the centre of the rooibos tea industry. Rooibos is a herbal tea known for its medicinal properties. Watersport lovers and anglers flock to Clanwilliam Dam, regarded by some as the best surface for waterskiing in South Africa. A particularly scenic drive, especially during the wild flower season, is from Clanwillliam over the Pakhuis Pass to the Bidouw Valley and Wupperthal, an old Moravian Mission Station with a well-known shoe factory, where hand-made „Veldskoene‟ can be bought, and visitors can watch the craftsmen at work.
