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If you've visited Cape Town lately, or even just read about it, you might have noticed something curious. The city doesn’t just have a high season anymore. It has many of them. That’s right, instead of one long, blazing summer rush followed by a lull, we’re now seeing “micro seasons”—smaller, more frequent peaks in demand throughout the year.
Our founder, Richard Marshall, recently joined Moneyweb SA to talk about how Cape Town’s tourism landscape is changing and what that means for the short-term rental market, particularly in high-end areas like Camps Bay and Clifton. You can check out the interview here:
Cape Town’s Micro Seasons: A Welcome Evolution
When asked about this growing trend, Richard described how the old notion of a single “peak season” is giving way to something more nuanced. He even gave a name to one of the newer surges: the “Saudi Season”—a busy travel period in June and July that sees an influx of tourists from the Middle East.
“We’ve been involved in Cape Town tourism for 20 years,” he said, “and what was once a summer-focused industry now sees peaks tied to events like the Cape Town Jazz Festival or regional holiday travel.”
For a business like Nox, this is more than a welcome trend—it’s transformative. Smoother demand throughout the year helps balance out operations, creates consistent income for property owners, and gives travellers more flexibility in choosing when to visit.
High-End, High-Potential
Nox Cape Town focuses on high-end properties in sought-after areas such as the Atlantic Seaboard, Camps Bay, and Clifton. And while high-value homes typically come with lower rental yields, Richard pointed out that short-term letting changes the equation.
“There’s a strong market for high-end short-term rentals. With the right property, the returns in short-term letting far exceed those in long-term rentals,” he noted.
That shift is making Cape Town’s top-end real estate more than just desirable—it’s becoming highly functional as a dual-purpose investment: lifestyle and income.
Remote Work is Changing Travel
Another reason behind the surge in demand? The rise of remote work. Richard explained how many of Nox’s guests are now blending work and leisure. Families are staying longer, sometimes for weeks, while adults remain partially online. It’s not quite a holiday, and not quite a work trip—it’s both.
These longer, flexible stays are perfect for villas and apartments with ample space and privacy. And Cape Town, with its natural beauty, culture, and growing global reputation, offers a compelling package. As Richard put it: “We’ve been voted the best city in the world. And once people get here, they understand why.”
Image by Unsplash
Final Thoughts
What’s clear from Richard’s interview is that the tourism game in Cape Town has changed—and is continuing to change. Whether it's international families on working holidays, investors seeking stronger returns, or the evolution of travel itself, Cape Town is at the forefront. And with Nox Cape Town shaping the high-end rental space, there's no question this vibrant city has found its rhythm in these “micro seasons.”
Next time you're planning a visit—or advising someone who is—it might be worth thinking beyond just December. Check out Nox Cape Town for all your Cape Town accommodation needs.