At RETURN Africa, we believe every journey should blend comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion. In Cape Town, our two properties. Welgelegen House and An African Story, offer distinct experiences that capture the spirit of the Mother City. Welgelegen House charms with intimacy and Cape elegance, while An African Story embodies boldness where mountain and ocean meet.
Welgelegen House: Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this boutique retreat combines elegant comfort with a relaxed, homely atmosphere. Originally two Victorian homes, it now offers 14 en-suite rooms and a leafy courtyard where mornings unfold in quiet rhythm. Just a short stroll from Kloof Street’s restaurants, Table Mountain, and the V&A Waterfront, it balances tranquillity with the pulse of the city.
An African Story: A four-storey villa in Camps Bay, opening to sweeping ocean and mountain views. With multiple swimming pools, generous living spaces, and kitchens made for gathering, it offers unrivalled privacy, a place for both intimate escapes and celebratory gatherings, where the Atlantic light fills every room.
Together, these properties reflect RETURN Africa’s commitment to responsible, enriching travel — where heritage and modern elegance meet, and every stay is a return to meaning.
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Booking terms
- All quotations/provisional bookings are valid for 14 days.
- A 20% deposit is required to secure the booking (unless otherwise stated).
- The balance is payable 60 days prior to arrival.
- No-shows will not be refunded.
- Check-in is strictly from 14:00 unless by prior arrangement.
- Please advise arrival time of guests.
Payment
- Cash deposit payments must be pre-arranged with head office and carry a 3% surcharge on the total invoice.
- Forex (international money transfer): bank fees are the responsibility of the travelling guest — should this not occur, RETURN Africa reserves the right to bill a 3% surcharge on the total invoice.
- Should a refund need to be made on a forex or credit card payment to an international account, RETURN Africa will not be held liable for any exchange rate fluctuations.
- Regret no cheques accepted.
- When receiving an invoice from RETURN Africa, please ensure it comes from one of our official reservations email addresses: reservations@returnafrica.com.
Cancellations
- Cancellations must be received and acknowledged by RETURN Africa in writing.
- Cancellations of bookings for which no "commitment fee" has been paid will carry no cancellation fees.
- Cancellations of bookings (for any reason other than a WHO pandemic advisory that directly impacts the booking) for which a commitment fee or full payment has been received will incur the following cancellation fees:
- If cancelled between confirmation and 61 days prior to arrival, the 20% commitment fee is forfeited.
- If cancelled 60 days or less prior to arrival, the full reservation value is forfeited.
- All cancelled bookings that qualify for a refund will be refunded less a 5% handling fee.
South African Resident Rates#
- Proof of residency will be requested at check-in. If residency cannot be confirmed, international rates will apply.
Extras & Add-Ons
Enhance your stay. Selections are sent to our reservations team to arrange alongside your booking.
1-3 guests: 1000/person | 4+ guests: 1300/person | 5+ guests: 1400/person | 6+ guests: 1600/person | 7+ guests: 1900/person | 8+ guests: 2100/person
1-2 guests: 6200/person | 3+ guests: 7200/person | 4+ guests: 8200/person | 5+ guests: 10000/person | 6+ guests: 10800/person | 7+ guests: 11900/person | 8+ guests: 12800/person | 9+ guests: 13950/person | 10+ guests: 15000/person
1-2 guests: 7000/person | 3+ guests: 8100/person | 4+ guests: 9200/person | 5+ guests: 11000/person | 6+ guests: 12000/person | 7+ guests: 13300/person | 8+ guests: 14400/person | 9+ guests: 15750/person | 10+ guests: 17000/person
1-2 guests: 4800/person | 3+ guests: 5550/person | 4+ guests: 6400/person | 5+ guests: 7750/person | 6+ guests: 8700/person | 7+ guests: 9800/person | 8+ guests: 10800/person | 9+ guests: 11700/person | 10+ guests: 12500/person
1-2 guests: 7000/person | 3+ guests: 8100/person | 4+ guests: 9200/person | 5+ guests: 11000/person | 6+ guests: 12000/person | 7+ guests: 13300/person | 8+ guests: 14400/person | 9+ guests: 15750/person | 10+ guests: 17000/person
1-2 guests: 8200/person | 3+ guests: 9450/person | 4+ guests: 10800/person | 5+ guests: 12500/person | 6+ guests: 13800/person | 7+ guests: 15400/person | 8+ guests: 16800/person | 9+ guests: 18450/person | 10+ guests: 20000/person
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Posted on Tripadvisor
Annik6 days agoVerified
Wunderbarer Aufenthalt We had a truly wonderful time in Cape Town, and our stay at this hotel was made even more special by our wonderful host, Memory. Memory was such a warm and caring host. She gave us so many helpful tips and recommendations and took the time to ask us every day how we were doing and whether everything was going well. We really appreciated how genuinely attentive and welcoming she was. During our stay, we also booked a Township tour through the hotel. It was an incredibly interesting and, at times, deeply thought-provoking experience. It stayed with us throughout the rest of our trip and gave us a lot to reflect on. We found it incredibly valuable and meaningful, and it is certainly something we will never forget. It is quite powerful to realise that apartheid only ended relatively recently and that its effects can still be felt so strongly in South Africa today. The experience gave us a much deeper understanding of the country and its history, and we are very grateful that Memory recommended and helped us arrange this tour. We would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cape Town. The warm hospitality, personal attention and wonderful recommendations made our stay truly memorable. Thank you so much for everything, Memory. We wish you all the very best and hope to see you again one day!Posted on Tripadvisor
TCNathalie78 days agoGreat stay at Welgelegen We had a brilliant time at Welgelegen! The staff is professional, friendly and incredibly helpful. They organised excursions for us and, since they have their own in-house guides, they knew exactly where to take us based on our preferences. I’d highly recommend Welgelegen. I’ll certainly recommend that my clients to stay there.Posted on Tripadvisor
Heinrich B106 days agoThe perfect end to a romantic day in Cape Town We chose Welgelegen House for a special romantic evening, and it exceeded every expectation. The staff went above and beyond — upgrading our room unprompted and, at my request, beautifully arranging flowers, candles and wine that set the most wonderful atmosphere for the evening. What really sets this place apart, though, is how genuinely warm and welcoming the team is. Hearing the staff laughing and chatting in the kitchen during breakfast was so lovely — it made the whole place feel less like a hotel and more like staying with friends. Cozy, homely and welcoming are the three words I'd use to sum it up. If you're looking for somewhere special in Cape Town — whether for a romantic occasion or simply a stay that feels personal and memorable — look no further.Posted on Tripadvisor
Daniel P110 days agoThe best hotel I have ever stayed in For our trip to Cape Town, we could not have wished for a better place to stay. This hotel was far more than just accommodation — it was a place filled with warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality. From the very first moment, the people working there made us feel like we were not simply guests, but part of a family. Every single staff member treated us with such friendliness, care, and sincerity that our stay became truly unforgettable. When we think about Cape Town today, we automatically think about this hotel and the wonderful people who made our experience so special. They were a big part of what made this journey unforgettable for us. Thank you for everything — we will definitely come back.Posted on Tripadvisor
finca59117 days agoHome away from home We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Welgelegen Guesthouse. The warm welcome, the excellent service, the superb breakfast: everything was handled with great thoughtfulness and sensitivity. We felt completely at home. The guesthouse couldn't be in a better location. Safe, quiet and very central. If you're looking for a temporary home in Cape Town, head to Welgelegen. And above all else is Memory – she is a warm and thoughtful host.Posted on Tripadvisor
David & Tricia117 days agoGreat guest house in a safe area. Located about 4 Km from the fantastic waterfront, a cab is 150 ran or $12 aud, we actually walked to take in the area, 400 mtr from great eateries. Checkers supermarket & liquor store 2 blocks away. The guest house is 2 buildings with a court yard & small pool in between. Our room is of average size, well appointed with Queen bed, study desk, small wardrobe TV , coffee & tea facility, we had cookies , fruit plate & decanter of port in our room when arrived. Lovely welcome as well as the friendly staff. Lovely bathroom with hot shower, 4 footed old style bath, double basin & toilet. Our room 6 looked over the court yard & had great views of the famous Table top Mountains. The breakfast, continental with a great cut fruit & berry bowl, fresh warm bread & cakes which are all made on site. They also provide a great choice of eggs many ways, bacon , omelet's cooked to your liking, delicious & HOT. Definitely a great delicious breakfast offer. One of the best we have experienced. Afternoon tea provided, cakes & cookies, help yourself. Finally but not the least the staff, extremely friendly & helpful, always smiling nothing an issue. You feel like you are part of the family. There is also two communal sitting rooms where you can chill but also a lovely fire to add to the ambience. Security is excellent with staff available 24/7. Wonderful Wonderful place to stay, we would certainly recommend to fellow Australians wishing to visit Cape town. Would we stay here again "You bet we would". It was a great experience and beginning to our visit to South Africa. A lovely quiet location.Posted on Tripadvisor
Bernd V124 days agoExceptional Place to stay in Cape Town I stayed at this lovely hotel early April for 6 days. The staff is exceptional. Because it has only a limited number of rooms staying there feels like being with family. Especially Memory in the front office was of great help. She helped me with picking private tours, places to see, restaurant reservations, and any questions I had. The rooms are beautiful decorated and very clean. The hotel is located in a very quiet area while still within walking distance to great restaurants. Taxi drive to waterfront is just 15 minutes. Highly recommend this place and it is definitely the place I will go back to at my next trip to Cape Town.Posted on Tripadvisor
D&C Travellers128 days agoVerified
3 star guest house not Boutique hotel! We have stayed at Welgelegan about 20 months ago, before the change of ownership. Before stayed room2 this time room5 both the same standard Kit stays were very different though Good points - the lounge is well fitted and comfy. Shower gel and shampoos were nice The less good - The welcome wasn't the same as last time, previously it felt like you were welcomed into a boutique hotel family type environment. This time it was just sort of get you to your room. The bar had disappeared so if you wanted a drink you'd have to find a member of staff which wasn't easy. The room was tired, taps not working properly or fitted very well, paintwork tired, the doors to the terrace didn't close properly so in the bad weather they rattled. The pillows were slightly tatty and discoloured. No USB points to charge phones etc. No power sockets near bed it felt 3 star guest house not any better To note many rooms overlook or are in close earshot to an active secondary type school playgrounds ( literally next door ) It was very very noisy on the Saturday we stayed with multiple activities for three hours . Room two doesn't look over the school, several do though No food facilities other than Breakfast. The buffet at 9am with any empty room it seemed, was very sparse and there's no menu for breakfast so you are put on spot when approached as to what you want. We were only offered diff types eggs and bacon tomatoes mushroom waffles to discover when leaving that also things like eggs Benedict etc . Just have a menu? Won't be staying again! We won't be staying againPosted on Tripadvisor
Donna E129 days agoabsolutely wonderful hotel! fantastic staff; warm kind people; lovely rooms; gorgeous surroundings; delicious food. Would surely come back .Posted on Tripadvisor
Zoran K152 days agoHammer Appartement mit Mega Blick auf Camps Bay und einem zentralen Blick auf den Sonnenuntergang Wir haben neun unvergessliche Tage als Familie in dieser Unterkunft verbracht, und es war einfach nur mega! Die Aussicht auf Camps Bay den Lion’s Head und Tafelberg im Hintergrund war atemberaubend, der Pool auf der Terrasse ein Traum, und die gesamte Ausstattung der Wohnung ließ keine Wünsche offen und war voll ausgestattet. Es befindet sich sogar ein Grill auf der Terrasse und die Sonnenuntergänge alleine schon lohnen sich diese Unterkunft zu buchen. Parken geht direkt am Haus. Das gesamte Personal war superfreundlich, allen voran Simon, der uns perfekt betreut hat und zu jeder Zeit ansprechbar war. Das Housekeeping hat täglich für strahlende Sauberkeit gesorgt, und das Frühstück wurde jeden Morgen frisch in unserer Unterkunft zubereitet. Die Gegend ist zu dem super sicher! Vom Wäscheservice bis zum Bügeln – es war alles dabei, einfach perfekt. Wir waren rundum zufrieden, geben volle fünf Sterne und planen schon unseren nächsten Urlaub in dieser Unterkunft.Showing only 3-5 star reviews
