Twelve Apostles Cape Town
Majestic mountain range meeting the Atlantic, offering luxury stays, spa, and dining with unparalleled ocean vistas.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sweet and savory delights await
Twelve Apostles Cape Town
Best Time
Sweet and savory delights await

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic mountain range meeting the Atlantic, offering luxury stays, spa, and dining with unparalleled ocean vistas.
"One of the best hotel experiences ever, with spectacular views and world-class hospitality."
🚗 Scenic Drive Essential
Drive along Tafelberg Road and over Kloof Nek for stunning views of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay.
🥂 Sunset Drinks Spot
Enjoy sundowners at Cafe Caprice or The Godfather for great views and atmosphere.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Twelve Apostles Mountain Range
Overlooking Camps Bay
Dramatic peaks forming a breathtaking backdrop to the coastline, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Camps Bay
Luxurious escape with ocean views, exceptional dining, a renowned spa, and impeccable service.

Afternoon Tea at Leopard Lounge
12 Apostles Hotel
Indulge in exquisite pastries, custom tea blends, and sparkling wine with unparalleled ocean vistas.

Coastal Drives & Viewpoints
Along the coast from Camps Bay
Scenic routes offering panoramic ocean vistas and dramatic mountain backdrops, perfect for sunset viewing.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Experiences
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Scenic Drive Essential
Drive along Tafelberg Road and over Kloof Nek for stunning views of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay.
🥂 Sunset Drinks Spot
Enjoy sundowners at Cafe Caprice or The Godfather for great views and atmosphere.
🧖♀️ Spa Gazebo Bliss
Book a spa treatment in a mountain gazebo for a unique and relaxing experience. Arrive early! [^review]
📸 Capture the Magic
Maiden's Cove offers incredible photo opportunities with the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Scenic Drive Essential
Drive along Tafelberg Road and over Kloof Nek for stunning views of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay.
🥂 Sunset Drinks Spot
Enjoy sundowners at Cafe Caprice or The Godfather for great views and atmosphere.
🧖♀️ Spa Gazebo Bliss
Book a spa treatment in a mountain gazebo for a unique and relaxing experience. Arrive early! [^review]
📸 Capture the Magic
Maiden's Cove offers incredible photo opportunities with the Twelve Apostles as a backdrop.
✈️ Book Activities in Advance
Popular hotel experiences like high tea and spa treatments require advance booking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests consistently praise the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa for its breathtaking location, exceptional service, and luxurious amenities. The stunning ocean and mountain views, coupled with thoughtful touches and delicious dining, create an unforgettable experience. While the hotel is a highlight, the natural beauty of the Twelve Apostles mountains themselves is a major draw for visitors.
"We had such a restful stay at this beautiful hotel. We have stayed in a few other Red Carnation properties throughout the world and each time appreciated the hospitality and unique personality of each. Our mountain view room was spacious, comfortable, and full of amenities. The thoughtful touch of sparkling wine and baked goods in our room upon arrival was such a nice surprise. Throughout our stay, we had dinner at Azure, afternoon tea in the Leopard Bar, and dinner at the Cafe Grill. All of our meals were delicious, and the afternoon tea was especially wonderful. The pastries were truly outstanding, and the tea selection included iced chais, custom tea blends, coffee, and a glass of sparkling wine. We also enjoyed a couples massage at the spa in on of their mountain gazebos. I would recommend arriving at the spa at leas 30 minutes early for check-in and a tour of the facilities prior to your treatment. The hiking trails behind the property offered some spectacular views, so give yourself a few hours to complete a loop if there is time."
Amanda George
"What can I say the staff was past excellent thank you guys for taking the time you are truly a assets to this establishment. We did not stay here but popped in for a drink and to see the place for a birthday party for the small fry . The ice-cream and waffles was just delicious 😋 she is a very difficult eater and she finished it by her self . The drinks and snacks was just what I needed to start my trip off the right way . The day i have the finances to stay here I'll probably will never stay anywhere else. Thank you for creating memories ❤️"
nancy stewart
"An Unforgettable Anniversary Stay — One of the Best Hotel Experiences Ever!!
We had the most amazing anniversary stay at the 12 Apostles Hotel for the night — quite possibly one of the best hotel experiences I’ve ever had. The weather played ball, was absolutely perfect, and our sea-facing room was sunny and warm in mid winter Cape Town and offered spectacular views of the bay on a pristine, sunny afternoon. From our balcony, we could share a glass of bubbles absorbing the 360 degree views of the shimmering ocean but also the tranquil swimming pool and the 12 Apostles mountains as backdrop — pure magic.
The room itself was stunning: beautifully appointed, and decorated, spacious, and incredibly comfortable. My partner, CariAnne, was completely blown away: full kudos , chapeau, credits (not sure that I will be able to lift the bar any higher in future). I’ve stayed in some really good , top hotels — in my previous business life: 12 Apostles easily matched / surpassed those experiences.
One of the highlights was the breakfast: a luxurious spread featuring fresh oysters, champagne, smoked salmon, super crispy bacon, and every imaginable accompaniment for a truly indulgent start to the day.
What really stood out, though, was the service. The staff were exceptionally attentive and warm, making us feel completely at home throughout our stay.
We will definitely be booking again for next year. The 12 Apostles is a rare gem — world-class hospitality in a breathtaking setting."
Warwick Langebrink
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Twelve Apostles are best accessed by car, offering scenic drives along the coast. You can drive from Sea Point towards Hout Bay, passing Camps Bay. Consider using ride-sharing services or taxis if you prefer not to drive.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times. The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa offers parking for guests, but public areas might have limited availability. Arriving early can help secure a spot.
While direct public transport to specific viewpoints might be limited, the MyCiTi bus service can get you to nearby areas like Camps Bay. From there, you might need a short taxi or ride-share to reach the most scenic spots.
Consider booking a guided tour that includes scenic drives along the coast, or utilize ride-sharing apps. The hop-on-hop-off bus can also be a good option to access areas like Camps Bay for sunset views.
Yes, driving along Victoria Road from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay offers continuous, stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Twelve Apostles mountain range itself is a natural landmark and does not require an entrance ticket to view from public areas. Access to specific attractions like the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa or its spa facilities will have associated costs.
The Twelve Apostles are a natural landscape, so they are accessible at any time. However, the best times for viewing are during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset for dramatic lighting.
Most public viewpoints along the coastal road are free to access. Parking fees might apply in certain popular areas, and specific attractions like the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa will have their own pricing for services.
Yes, there are hiking trails behind the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa that offer spectacular views. It's recommended to allocate a few hours to complete a loop if time permits. [^review]
There is no entrance fee to visit the public areas of the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, such as the bars or restaurants. However, specific services like spa treatments, accommodation, and dining will incur charges.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy scenic drives, sunset viewing from Camps Bay, hiking trails behind the 12 Apostles Hotel, and indulge in high tea or spa treatments at the hotel.
[^review]The most iconic views are from Camps Bay, Maiden's Cove, and along Victoria Road. The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa also offers stunning vistas from its various vantage points.
The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa has excellent dining options like Azure restaurant and the Leopard Bar. Nearby Camps Bay also offers a variety of restaurants, including The Godfather for fish.
[^review]Cape Town can be windy, especially between November and December. Expect sunshine but also potential for wind. Mid-winter can offer sunny days with fewer crowds.
[^review]While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in less populated areas. Avoid displaying valuables openly and stick to well-trafficked spots.
📸 📸 Photography
Maiden's Cove provides stunning coastal shots with the Twelve Apostles in the background. Camps Bay and viewpoints along Victoria Road are also excellent for capturing the dramatic landscape.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photographing the Twelve Apostles and the surrounding coastline.
Drone usage in South Africa is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check current aviation laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive coastal and mountain scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating specific peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Yes, the hotel's sea-facing rooms, balconies, and the spa's mountain gazebos offer unique and picturesque photography opportunities. [^review]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active outing, consider exploring the beaches in nearby Camps Bay, which offer space for children to play. The scenic drives are also enjoyable for families, providing constant visual stimulation. If visiting the hotel, inquire about any family-oriented activities or amenities they might offer to enhance your stay.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Indulge in a couples massage at the hotel's spa, perhaps in one of the unique mountain gazebos, for a truly serene experience [^review]. The hotel's fine dining restaurants and the charming Leopard Lounge for afternoon tea provide perfect settings for intimate meals and conversations. Watching the sunset from the hotel or a nearby spot like Camps Bay is a quintessential romantic Cape Town experience [^review].
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours for the most dramatic lighting. A wide-angle lens is recommended to capture the expansive views, and a tripod will be useful for low-light photography. The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa itself offers picturesque settings, from its rooms to its spa gazebos, providing unique photographic perspectives [^review].
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of the Twelve Apostles Mountains
These mountains are not just visually striking; they are an integral part of the Cape Peninsula's unique geology and biodiversity. The dramatic cliffs and valleys create microclimates that support diverse flora and fauna. Whether viewed from the road, a restaurant, or a hiking trail, the Twelve Apostles are a constant, awe-inspiring presence in the Cape Town landscape, offering endless opportunities for photography and contemplation.
Many visitors are captivated by the sheer scale and beauty of the Twelve Apostles. The way they meet the ocean creates a sense of raw, untamed nature that is both powerful and serene. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the grandeur of the natural world and the unique charm of Cape Town's coastline.
Luxury and Relaxation at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa
Beyond the comfortable and beautifully appointed rooms, the hotel offers a range of exquisite experiences. The Leopard Lounge is famous for its delightful afternoon tea, featuring an array of delectable pastries and custom tea blends, all enjoyed with breathtaking sea views [^review]. For ultimate relaxation, the spa offers treatments in unique mountain gazebos, providing a tranquil escape amidst nature's grandeur [^review].
The hotel's dining options are equally impressive, with restaurants like Azure and Cafe Grill serving delicious cuisine. Even if you're not staying overnight, popping in for a drink or a meal is highly recommended, as the staff's friendliness and the overall ambiance contribute to an unforgettable experience [^review]. The hotel also provides access to hiking trails, further enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural beauty [^review].
Capturing the Iconic Cape Town Coastline
For the best photographic results, timing is key. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset bathe the landscape in warm, soft light, creating dramatic shadows and vibrant colors that enhance the natural beauty of the Twelve Apostles and the ocean. Even on a windy day, the dynamic atmosphere can lead to compelling and unique shots, capturing the wild spirit of the Cape coast.
When planning your photography expedition, consider a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions during sunrise and sunset. Remember to also capture the details – the textures of the rocks, the patterns of the waves, and the changing colors of the sky – to tell a complete visual story of this magnificent location.
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