5 min read

6 of South Africa’s Top-Ranked Retirement Villages and Estates | Retire in Africa

Andrew Macfarlane
6 of South Africa’s Top-Ranked Retirement Villages and Estates | Retire in Africa

Moving companies services

Vetted moving companies service trusted by thousands of customers. Door to Door Delivery. Any Item Type. Same Day Services. Fixed Prices.

What are you moving?

When it comes time for the twilight hours of one’s life, you want to enjoy everything to the fullest. After all, you’ve worked hard. Now all you want to do is spend some time with your family and friends. And honestly, just relax.

According to the 50 Best Places to Retire in the World List compiled by Enjoy Travel, South Africa is ranked 39th, so why not explore your options locally?

Here are some of the top retirement villages and estates for you to explore.

Auria Senior Living Facilities

Operating several senior living facilities across the country, Auria offers environments that offer ample lifestyle choices that revolve around happiness, security, peace of mind, and health.

All their estates offer continuing care operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Also, there are multiple hospitality options available, as well as wellness centres for exercise.

Their communities are based in:

    • Rondebosch (Woodside Village)
    • Bryanston (San Sereno)
    • Melrose (Melrose Manor)
    • Sandringham (Royal View)
    • Zululami (Coral Cove)

Each facility offers assisted living with fantastic amenities, like Royal View, where you can access the golf course.

And with the latest offering, the new Coral Cove which is a private coastal village located along the pristine north coast region of Durban.

The locations of all these establishments are central, and for younger families wanting to see their parents, all these venues are perfect. And there’s nothing to worry about as their every need is cared for.

Be aware these estates are for those above 70. *On a personal note. My grandmother stayed in Woodside village for over 13 years in frail care and was cared for wonderfully until her last day. So this one is definitely a personal recommendation.

Val de Vie Evergreen

The Val de Vie estate Val de Vie estate is better known for its luxurious and beautiful setting. Lying at the base of the Paarl mountains, the sprawling grounds of the estate allow inhabitants easy access to wine farms and attractions, with Babylonstoren a single dirt road away.

Also, with Franschhoek down the road, you will always have something to see and explore.

Within the grounds, you could get lost between the golf course, lush polo fields and equestrian facilities, but it's very unlikely you’ll get lost with all the estate residents walking through the manicured vineyards who will be willing to assist you.

There’s also :

    • a library
    • bowls facilities
    • private clubhouse
    • wine cellar
    • Camelot Spa
    • sports centre
    • 24-hour emergency healthcare services
    • cinema room

and more.

While Evergreen is situated within a larger estate that’s not a senior living facility, it's extremely unlikely you’ll be subjected to traffic or noise pollution.

Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate

Located within the grounds of Waterfall City, Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate offers everything you could possibly want to enjoy your time.

The nice part of the lifestyle estate is that you could be just minutes away from family members who live in another part of the city via a golf cart ride. Also, the city is connected to the Mall of Africa.

According to Waterfall City’s website, Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate was named the best mature lifestyle estate development in the world at the International Residential Property Awards in 2009 and Best International Mature Lifestyle Resort in the 2011 Globals.

And with 35km of hiking and biking trails and a 24-hour medical facility, there’s nothing you could need that’s not a quick trip away.

For the entire list of amenities, you get:

    • restaurant
    • cinema
    • deli
    • bakery
    • beauty salon
    • library
    • billiards room
    • cigar lounge
    • business centre
    • formal lounges
    • gym
    • indoor heated swimming pool
    • aerobics training room
    • tennis courts
    • putting green
    • competition bowls green
    • arts and crafts centre
    • horticultural centre

It’s hard to think of what you could need when living in Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate.

Cape St. Francis, Oyster Lifestyle Village

If you want to leave the city behind and retire in a home that offers “barefoot” luxury, then Oyster Lifestyle Village is for you.

Enjoy long walks on the beach, looking out for pods of whales and dolphins, flocks of unique birds, and so much more natural beauty.

As you’d expect, there’s a leisure centre, fine dining options, lounges, a library, a gym, an indoor heated pool (when the warm ocean is too cold), and a beauty salon.

The grounds are also home to a 24-hour health care centre, outdoor gardens, and walkways through the gardens and along the canals.

Openings are rare, so booking a place as soon as possible is advisable.

Onrus Manor

Situated in the idyllic village of Onrus, on the outskirts of Hermanus, Onrus Manor offers indigenous gardens and ocean views situated on the slopes of the Kleinriver Mountain range.

Being situated amongst some of the most picturesque seaside villages, there’s loads to see and experience. Also close by is the Hemel and Aarde valley, a true treasure of the Western Cape region.

There are 24-hour-a-day security and health facilities on the grounds, as well as a restaurant, coffee shop, and library.

For those wanting to retire in a coastal village that offers it all, Onrus Manor is perfect for you. And during school holidays, families can visit and stay in popular tourist spots.

Helderberg Village

For over 30 years, the Helderberg Village has been the retirement village of dreams. Nestled on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains, it is surrounded by ocean views and vineyards.

While its location is picturesque, it is conveniently located for retirees who want to travel the world and have a home that’s a complete lock-up and go. It is an easy 20-minute drive to Cape Town International Airport.

Also, it is on the doorstep of the Stellenbosch wine region and is just around the corner of the Elgin Valley and seaside towns.

And if you want to visit the Mother City, it is just a 40-minute drive.

Other facilities on offer are:

    • nine-hole golf course
    • bowling greens
    • tennis courts
    • croquet lawns
    • four swimming pools
    • first-class healthcare is available 24 hours a day.

Wherever you want to start your retirement, you can be sure that Wise Move will be able to provide you with the best quotes.

Moving companies services

Vetted moving companies service trusted by thousands of customers. Door to Door Delivery. Any Item Type. Same Day Services. Fixed Prices.

What are you moving?

What do our customers say?

Read reviews of Wise Move to learn stories from our customers.
R 2,000
Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria
Willow Park Manor, Pretoria
10
Kirzanne
Reviewed 14 hours ago
They were able to help me on short notice. Very efficient.
R 33,200
Umhlanga Rocks, uMhlanga
Onrusrivier
10
Natalie
Reviewed 20 hours ago
We recently moved from Durban to the Cape — a major relocation involving two full homes — and I can say without hesitation that the team who helped us made this move not only possible but remarkable. From the very first visit by Naren, who provided a professional and honest quote with empathy and insight, to Ronnie and his absolutely incredible team who handled the packing, driving, and unpacking — every step of the way was handled with exceptional care and respect. These men worked tirelessly. They packed, wrapped, protected, carried, drove, unpacked, unwrapped — and all of it with patience, humility, and good humour. They treated our belongings (and our homes) like they were their own. Their level of customer service is something you never see anymore — not just “good” service, but a level of care and effort that borders on insane dedication. In a world of generic, tick-box service, this team reminded us what true professionalism and heart looks like. I cannot thank or recommend them enough. If you are moving — whether locally or long-distance — this is the team you want beside you. They went above and beyond in every possible way.
R 4,200
Storage move
Paarl
Vermont
10
Johann
Reviewed 21 hours ago
Brian, his team and quality of truck genuinely perfect. Would refer them anytime
R 7,797
Hilton, Bloemfontein
Durbanville, Cape Town
10
Eduard
Reviewed 1 day ago
Intercity were fantastic. Delivered our vehicle with care and on time.
R 1,000
Double Bed and base, Cabinet Black, Wooden bench
Riviera, Pretoria
Bryanston, Sandton
10
Tristan
Reviewed 1 day ago
Best moving service ever! Straww X is highly recommended. Nkosinathi and his team at Straww X were on the ball right from the start, and provided comfort, reliability and and VERY fair pricing. The communication was clear and precise, and most reassuring. The team arrived 15minutes earlier than scheduled, wrapped and handled everything perfectly - and was also delivered timely, despite the bad traffic. Literally zero complaints or issues. Have moved quite a few times with different companies, but Straww X movers blows all competitors out of the water. The 10/10 reviews say it all, these guys deserve an 11. Thanks guys, and will definitely use them in the future. Regards, Tristan