Durbanville is a rural and residential suburb on the northern outskirts of the Cape Town and is surrounded wine and wheat farms. The rolling hills of the Tygerberg with farmlands patched together make a beautiful sight.
When to go
For beach and sightseeing holidays the summer months are best from October to April, however, in both April and October the weather is variable and unpredictable. Winters are mild with temperatures in a range of 8ºC to 17ºC but it’s the rainy season. Winter is also whale-watching season. December/January is the time most South Africans take their annual holiday and the summer break for school children, so booking is often essential.
Climate
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average summer temperatures are 24ºC, with January and February averaging 26ºC.
Cape Town’s climate is a collection of micro-climates of which the Northern Suburbs has more than one. Apart from air pressure, wind and temperatures, the cold current, mountains and built-environment are additional factors that influence the local weather. Check with the forecasts for the daily weather.
The front view of Table Mountain is famous for its tablecloth, the south-east wind blows cool air off the sea which is forced up over the mountain, this air condenses into clouds which ‘spill’ over the front. The tablecloth is a good indicator that the southeaster (the prevailing summer wind) is blowing and that the beaches along the Atlantic Seaboard are a better bet than those in False Bay.
Fauna
On land
The Northern Suburbs are built-up residential areas of Cape Town. Large mammals are no longer abundant in these regions but small interesting and often endemic animals such as tortoises, snakes, lizards, frogs and toads can be observed especially in the nature reserves.
Reptiles
Look out for the bright blue-headed Southern Rock Agama, the prehistoric looking Black Girdled Lizard and the Cape Skink.
There are some interesting endemic and endangered Amphibians, the Table Mountain Ghost Frog is a special find, but look out for the Cape Chirping Frog, Cape River Frog, the endangered Leopard toad and the tiny Arum Lily Frog.
Two species of Tortoises are common, the Angulate Tortoise and the Parrot-beaked Tortoise.
There are 22 snake species, ten of which are non-venomous, although they can still deliver a nasty bite if provoked. Some of the venomous species include the Cape Cobra, the Puff Adder, Boomslang, Rinkhals and Berg Adder. The good news is it they are mostly shy and will avoid human contact. The one most likely to encounter is the Puff Adder which enjoys nice warm spots, such as rocks and pathways (best to keep out of its way).
Insects
Insects play an integral role in the fynbos ecosystem either by directly pollinating plants or as a vital source of nutrient for birds and animals. Some are especially adapted to pollinate specific plants. Look out for butterflies such as the Mountain Pride Butterfly that is the exclusive pollinator of a variety of red plants such as the red disa, and the red crassula.
Birds
The many niches and habitats that exist (ocean, shoreline, cliff-face, rocky highland, fynbos, forest and suburbia) contributes to a large species count, as does the geographical positioning at a continent's corner, many vagrants and seasonal visitors can be spotted.
For a full bird list or birding checkllist see the SANparks website or for further information on birding in the Cape Peninsula, contact: The Cape Bird Club on 021 559 0726 or www.capebirdclub.org
Flora
On the Mountain and in the reserve the Western Cape’s famous fynbos is the predominant vegetation type. Table Mountain fynbos is such a diverse ecosystem, it changes from place to place. The endangered Renosterveld (rhinoceros field) a type of vegetation can be found on the slopes of Signal Hill.
Renosterveld is a small-leaved, evergreen shrubland dominated by the renosterbos. It is extremely rich in species and bulbs which produce magnificent flower displays in spring (September and October). Many of these are endemic. Typical Renosterveld include members of the daisy, lily, iris and oxalis families.
Fynbos
Fynbos comprises four major plant groups:
● Proteas: large shrubs with broad leaves
● Ericas: heath-like, low-growing shrubs
● Restios: reed-like plants; are the only group that are found in all fynbos habitats
● Geophytes: bulbs; these include watsonias and disas both of which occur mainly in wetland areas and are prominent after fires.
Fynbos is a fire-dependent vegetation that needs to burn around every 15 years to stimulate new growth and ensure that plant and animal communities remain healthy. If it doesn’t burn in about 20 – 30 years it stops producing seeds which could cause the extinction of some species. If fire is too frequent due to human intervention seed banks are depleted which can change the diversity of plant species in the area.
Transport:
1) MyCiti busses
Cape Town’s bus system is called MyCiti. See their Website for Routes, Timetables, Fares and Retailers for cards and top-ups. There is a mobile app TCT (Transport Cape Town) which is available for the following smartphones: Windows Phone, iPhone, Android and Blackberry and under the name ‘TCT’ (look for the red logo).
Everyone over four years needs a myconnect card to travel. Get one from MyCiTi station kiosks or participating retailers. You have two options to load money onto your card. Load money as Standard and pay the Standard fare, or load money as points with a Mover package and save 30% on fares. Mover packages are only available from MyCiTi station kiosks.
2) Taxis
There are plenty of good, safe and reliable taxi firms in Cape Town, but you cannot hail a taxi in the street, a telephone call is required.
Mini-bus Taxis are shared taxis can be hailed in the street on busy routes. There is a lot of bad press about minibus taxis, to be safe stick to the busy routes during the day.
Uber operates in Cape Town.
Scooters, bicycles and Motorbikes can be hired.
3) Train
Metrorail operates short distance commuter trains to Simon’s Town through the southern suburbs, to the Northern Suburbs and outlying towns of Paarl, Wellington, Malmesbury and Worcester. For the map of the lines see Metrorail.
● The Northern Line covers the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town and extends to Stellenbosch, Wellington and Strand. This schedule includes the Monte Vista line.
4) Car Hire
Cape Town has all the major car hire companies operating from the Airport and the City Centre. There are also smaller local companies.
THINGS TO SEE & DO:
The Durbanville Hills are often referred to as the ‘rolling hills’, very evident when you go there. Large patches of green from the Wine farms, golf course, horse-racing course and nature reserves make this a very pretty part of Cape Town.
1) Durbanville Hills Wine Route
Nestled in the Tygerberg Hills, just 20 minutes drive from Cape Town, lies the Durbanville Wine Valley. This wine route is one of Cape Town’s finest. The Durbanville Wine Valley consists of twelve wineries, each offering the finest in wines, and complemented with some of the best fine dining restaurants reflecting the Durbanville terroir with intense, fruit-driven yet elegant wines, as different from each other as the slopes that create them and the individual personalities who craft them.
angela@durbanvillewine.co.za
+27 83 310 1228
-Altydgedacht Estate
Altydgedacht is one of the historic farms established (1698) on the fertile slopes of the Tygerberg. A family farm where long standing traditions and modern methods blend to create wines of quality and character.
Eat@Altydgedacht is a rustic daytime eatery open for breakfast and lunch. Experience the farm, sitting under the trees or inside the 300-year old building in the barrel room. Celebrate a romantic anniversary between the wine barrels at candle light. A seasonal menu is available with hearty meals to pair with Altydgedacht's range of great wine.
Open for tasting on Mon to Sat. Closed on Sundays.
info@altydgedacht.co.za
+27 21 976 1295
-Bloemendal Wines
Bloemendal’s 1st cellar was completed in 1920. Bloemendal concentrates on the noble cultivars and sacrifices quantity in favour of quality. The cool Atlantic Ocean air provides a cool blanket over these vines which produce phenomenal quality grapes.
Tasting Room
Mon – Sat 10am to 5pm, Sun 10am to 3pm
Closed on Religious Holidays
Bon Amis Restaurant
Timeless elegance and functionality meet to offer a feeling of space without losing intimacy. The Restaurant has glass stacking patio doors opening onto a wooden deck with superb views enhancing the wine estate experience.
info@bloemendalwines.co.za
+27 21 976 2682
-D’Aria Vineyards
D’Aria Vineyards comprises of two wine farms, Doordekraal and Springfield. Springfield dates back to 1698 when the governor of the Cape first granted this farmland, then known as ‘Hooge Bergs Vallei’
Our vineyards are situated at the back of the Tygerberg Hills, mainly in north-facing and east-facing rows. Situated 10km from the Atlantic Ocean, the sea breeze cools the grapes at night after the warm summer days.
Open for tastings Monday to Sunday
+27 21 801 6772
tasting@daria.co.za
-De Grendel
Few places on earth offer such a spectacular view. On top of the Tygerberg Hill, De Grendel showcases Table Mountain, the city of Cape Town and the seaboard all in one landscape. Twenty minutes from the city, this dramatic expanse of land offers perspective and accessibility. De Grendel means ‘the latch’ in Dutch – this farm was historically the gateway on the route to the inland settlements of Durbanville and Stellenbosch.
Open for tasting from Mon to Sun
+27 21 558 6280
info@degrendel.co.za
-Diemersdal
Six generations of winemakers with one passion have made fine wines at the Estate since the 1800s. Today. The diverse soils and slopes provide the optimum conditions for making premium-quality wines with prominent varietal character. The dry land vineyards develop concentrated flavours, uniformly ripened by the cooling sea-breezes from the Atlantic Ocean.
Tasting Room opening hours
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 10am – 3pm
info@diemersdal.co.za
+27 21 976 3361
2) The Eatery
Enjoy the flavours of the countryside and the relaxing farm ambiance in an old stable. Herbs and vegetables are from the kitchen garden, the preserves and pickles are home-made and the bread freshly baked.
Closed On Mondays
Lunch: Tuesday – Saturday 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: Thursday – Saturday 6pm – 9pm
Sunday lunch: 12:00 – 15:00 (Reservations Only)
restaurant@diemersdal.co.za
+27 21 976 1810
3) Durbanville Hills winery
Standing proud against the Tygerberg Hills, the state-of-the-art Durbanville Hills winery looks out over Robben Island and Table Mountain. These breathtaking views are the inspiration behind the wines. Cool airs and rolling mists off the Atlantic Ocean extend the ripening period capturing the area’s unique character and rich aromas ideal for creating intensely flavoured fruity wines.
Open for tasting: Monday to Sunday
+27 21 558 1300
info@durbanvillehills.co.za
The restaurant offers the perfect environment from which to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, offering panoramic views of Table Mountain, Table Bay, the rolling hills and vineyards. The wooden deck is the perfect setting for sipping on a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc whilst the kids are entertained in the play area. The menu prepared by head chef Louisa Greeff is simple, unpretentious yet sophisticated, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner on selected evenings.
Summer opening times
Breakfast: Tuesday – Sunday 08:30am – 11am
Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: Wednesday – Saturday 6pm – 10pm
+27 21 558 1300
info@durbanvillehills.co.za
4) Hillcrest Estate
Hillcrest Estate is a boutique winery with olive orchards nestled in the Tygerberg Hills. The vineyards are cooled by afternoon sea breezes from the Atlantic Ocean which makes it one of the prime growing grape regions. The vineyards are strewn with baked shale or ‘Hornfels’, the result of a geological event millions of years ago, which impart a distinct minerality to the wines.
Hillcrest Estate’s olive orchards were established in 1993 and have yielded award-winning olives and olive oils.
Hillcrest restaurant is small and tucked away, making it cosy and comfortable with spectacular views.
Hillcrest is relaxed and informal with an upmarket flare. The lawn is popular for families with children. Our general food style is Tuscan and Mediterranean, yet we like to adhere to our South African roots.
Open for Breakfast 9am – 11am
Lunch 12pm – 3pm
Confectionary 3pm – 4pm
CLOSED for lunch on the 24th and 31st December (will be open for breakfast)
CLOSED on the 25th, 26th December and 1st January.
+27 21 975 2346
The Farm Stall at the entrance gate is open Monday to Saturday (9am – 5pm) and sells Olives, Olive Products, Wine and Craft Beer.
Activities at the farm include fishing, mountain biking and wine tasting. Definitely look out for the various events held at the farm.
Hillcrest Cellardoor
Wine tasting is open Monday to Sunday 9am – 5pm
functions@hillcrestfarm.co.za
+27 21 970 5800
5) The Quarry
Based in a historic quarry with sweeping views across the Atlantic to Table Mountain, Hillcrest Estate offers a fairytale venue for any special event. Kept in mint condition, the green lawns roll down to the quarry dam, providing a beautiful backdrop for a wedding ceremony, film shoot, concerts and corporate events.
6) Klein Roosboom
Klein Roosboom (directly translated as ‘little rosebush’) is a family owned farm that stands guard at the coastal entrance of the valley in the famous Durbanville wine valley. Hilly slopes overlooking Table Bay, Robben Island and Table Mountain forms the breathtaking backdrop that frames the farm.
Klein Roosboom celebrates the vine for bringing the elements together in balance.
The tasting room is open daily except Mondays
Tuesday – Friday 10am – 4:30pm
Saturday & Sunday – 10am – 3:30pm
cellar@kleinroosboom.co.za
+27 82 784 5102
7) Café Ruby
Surrounded by the vineyards, Cafe Ruby offers a relaxed atmosphere where the aromas of farm bread and home cooked meals fill the air. All dishes are prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients. The outside area offers a safe playground for children with a large sandpit.
It's an enjoyable & delicious experience at Cafe Ruby!
Tuesday to Sunday 08:30am to 3:30pm
info@caferuby.co.za
+27 21 975 7965
8) Meerendal
Meerendal is a historic farm in peaceful surroundings offering a variety of tourism facilities including informal as well as fine dining. Meerendal produces a range of great Estate wines. Meerendal Wine Estate hosts a number of renowned events, ranging from the Grand Finale of the Cape Epic to the yearly Warrior Race.
The estate includes a luxury Boutique Hotel and two restaurants as well as the Meerendal Mountain Biking Trail. All the trails are graded from easy to medium, and have been designed for the whole family to enjoy. The Route is made up of three inter-leading trails of 4km (Yellow), 12km (Red) and 18km (Blue), and take 1-2 hours to complete depending on your pace.
Open for tasting 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm
info@meerendal.co.za
+27 21 975 1655
The Crown Restaurant is stylish, trendy and beautifully decorated and has spectacular views overlooking the Boland mountains and local vineyards. The restaurant is truly a countryside haven just minutes away from the buzz of the cosmopolitan city life of Cape Town.
9) Carlucci's Deli
This fantastic coffee hot-spot and Deli has a healthy delicatessen style menu, that focuses on freshly made sandwiches, salads, and breakfasts. The deli offers ready-made meals and salads and platters to go.
info@meerendal.co.za
+27 21 975 1655
10) Nitida
With only 16 hectares of vineyards, Nitida is the smallest farm in Durbanville Wine Valley. The owner farmed and managed farm is named after the Protea Nitida (the Waboom or wagon tree) which was historically used for the making of wagon axles, ink and traditional stomach ailment remedies. Nitida means ‘healthy, refined and cultured, which is how they describe their wines.
Open for tasting: Monday to Sunday
info@nitida.co.za
+27 21 976 1467
11) Tables at Nitida
The cafe is where locals, tourists and passers-by sit down together. The cafe is an eatery caters for people who adore food and care about their environment. The hospitality like the quality is excellent and the setting breathtaking.
Open Monday to Sunday: Breakfast & Lunch
tables.nitida@gmail.com
+27 21 975 9357
+27 63 071 8240
12) Cassia Restaurant
A contemporary restaurant with views over the farm dam with sweeping views across the Durbanville vineyards. Allow yourself to relax and feel inspired by the marvellous textures of this experience of food, wine and environment.
Monday to Saturday: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunday: Breakfast & Lunch
info@cassiarestaurant.co.za
+27 21 976 0640
13) Phizante Kraal
In 1698 Governor Simon van der Stel granted the farm Groot Phesantekraal to its first owner Captain Oloff Berg. By 1756, 40 000 vines had already been established. In 1897 the Brink family acquired the farm.
14) Phizante Kraal Restaurant
The latest addition to our historical farm is the restaurant, located in our 1767 cow shed. It offers a contemporary country style cuisine with a casual feel. Each week's menu can be different as produce is sourced off the farm first. The food is just another element to this diverse farm.
Tuesday – Friday
Breakfast: 8:30am – 10:30am
Lunch: 12pm – 2:30pm
Saturday
Brunch: 10am – 2.30 pm
Closed on Sunday & Monday
venue@phizantekraal.co.za
+27 21 825 0060
Open for Wine Tasting Tuesdays to Saturdays: 09:30am to 5pm
Sundays and Public Holidays: 9:30am to 4pm
wines@phizantekraal.co.za
+27 21 825 0060
15) Hillcrest Quarry Events
In the heart of the Durbanville Wine Valley is an old quarry. Managed by Hillcrest Wine Estate as a function and event venue. The Quarry, has been the home to many festivals and concerts over the past years. The rehabilitated quarry makes this one of Cape Town's most unique venues. There are 7000m2 of lawn and a lake surrounded by a cascade of rock cliffs.
Contact them for the events calendar.
mike@hillcrestquarry.co.za
+27 21 976 4959
On Summer Tuesday nights the Galileo Open Air Cinema sets up allowing visitors to enjoy a unique outdoor movie experience. Doors open at 6pm. Arrive early to reserve your seat under the stars and enjoy a magical market experience of delicious artisanal food and beverages, interactive games, music and fun.
Movie starts at sunset.
hello@thegalileo.co.za
+27 71 471 8728
16) Signal Gun
Hooggelegen has been in the family for over five generations and is one of the oldest family owned wine farms in the Durbanville area. The farm is 220 hectares of which 95 hectares are under vines. The Signal Gun wines started out as a hobby, which have developed into an award winning range.
The VOC installed more than 50 cannons on hills and mountains around the Cape to form a signal gun chain that could call the Burgher Militia to defend the Cape. This signal gun chain extended from Signal Hill, Cape Town via Durbanville to Citrusdal in the North West, Worcester in the north and via Tygerberg to Suurbraak beyond Swellendam in the east. The original Signal Gun is on the farm and is used to fire shots on joyous occasions.
17) Ke-Monate
A Sotho word meaning ‘dis lekker’ or ‘that’s nice’. Ke-Monate at Signal Gun is all about eating great food and enjoying the selection of superb wines from the Durbanville Wine Valley, which is sure to satisfy all tastes. Pizza and wine pairing is an all-time favourite at the Restaurant.
18) Game Drives on Hoogeberg Hill
In the game camp there are Eland, Black wildebeest, Springbuck, Zebra, Grey ribbok, Bontebok as well as dassies and tortoises and bird life, such as hawks, fish eagles. On a clear day the top of Hoogeberg Hill offers a 360 degree view of Stellenbosch, the Strand, Simon’s Town, Table Mountain, the harbour, Robben Island and even Dassen Island in the distance. Both the Indian and Atlantic oceans are visible as are the Taal Monument (Afrikaans Language Monument) in Paarl, Paarl Rock and in the distance, Riebeeck Kasteel and Riebeeck Wes.
19) Cannon Firing
The 300-year old cannon is fired at 12pm on the first Saturday of each month, including public holidays.
20) Picnics
Picnic boxes are available in summer. Enjoy lovely summer days on the lawn while your kids enjoy the play area.
21) Craft Brewery
The cellar master for Signal Gun Wines is now making craft beer. Brewed on the farm it is a first in the Durbanville Wine Valley. Available in drafts and bottles.
In addition to beer and wine tasting the Tasting room offers:
● beer and biltong pairing,
● wine and chocolate,
● wine and turkish delight,
● wine infused toffee,
● cheese platters.
22) Durbanville Craft Market
The Durbanville Craft market takes place on the first Saturday of the month as well as every Saturday during the December festive season.
23) The Barnyard Theatre
Rustic American-style wooden barn theatre with an old-world atmosphere, heavy wooden beams, a horseshoe gallery, big tables with welcoming lanterns and wood chips on the floor.
Contact for schedules.
willowbridge@barnyardtheatres.co.za
+27 21 914 8898
24) Durbanville Golf Course
On the gently rolling slopes of the Durbanville Hills, Durbanville Golf Club provides an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all abilities. Through holes such as Fire Agate, Maw Sit Sit and Snowflake Obsidian, The Jewel of the North provides plenty to conjure with and greens that rate among the finest in the Western Cape.
Sports Way, Durbanville
reception@durbanvillegc.co.za
+27 21 976 8120
25) Botterblom Nature Reserve
Botterblom Nature Reserve is 3,6 hectares and conserves Critically Endangered Swartland silcrete renosterveld. The vegetation is in an excellent condition. Numerous threatened plant species occur here.
Botterblom Road, Vierlanden, Durbanville
+27 21 979 0060
26) Durbanville Nature Reserve
Situated next to the Durbanville Racecourse is a six-hectare reserve where critically endangered Swartland shale renosterveld and Cape Flats sand fynbos meet. There are about 241 plant species, three endemic to Cape Town and six threatened with extinction. The site is home to several animal species, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The small grey mongoose and angulate tortoise also occur here, as well as the endemic and vulnerable Cape rain frog which can be heard when it rains.
The reserve offers a range of activities and facilities to the public: There are walking trails and wheelchair-friendly pathways, and picnic sites are located at the main entrance and the southern section of the reserve.
Racecourse Road, Durbanville
+27 21 979 0060
27) Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve
Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve is a 32-hectare wetland reserve in Durbanville. A wetland valley which lies within a region of Swartland Shale Renosterveld. It protects over 140 species of plants, many of which are very rare. Pink Watsonias and Arum Lilies cover the wetland in the spring, along with Restios, orchids, sundews and other colourful flowers.
Nature walks amid a small wetland; interesting plants, birds and frogs
Mosselbank Road, Durbanville Direction map
+27 21 979 0060
Uitkamp.Wetland@capetown.gov.za
28) Durbanville Rose Garden
The Durbanville Rose Garden is on part of the old wine farm, Evertsdal. The land was leased to the Western Cape Rose Society who created the garden. The gardens include the Schabort family graveyard which forms part of the existing garden.The best time for viewing the roses is from October to May when they’re in bloom.
Visitors and tourists are invited to enjoy tea served by various charity organisations on Sundays, from 14:30 to 17:30, in the garden’s tea room, from October to May.
Durban Road, Durbanville
Open from 6am to 6pm
29) Durbanville Racecourse
The Durbanville Racecourse is a horse racing track in Durbanville. This left-handed course is 2 200m round. The course has excellent drainage which makes it a winter venue.
Bowlers Ave, Durbanville
30) Villa Pascal and the Villa Pascal Theatre
Villa Pascal Theatre is an entertainment landmark in the Western Cape and oldest theatre venue in Durbanville. This intimate and upmarket venue offers top entertainment by local and international performers. It features a fully equipped multi purpose function venue known as The Cape's only Theatre in a House. Villa Pascal is the home and residence of acclaimed French chanteuse Dr Daniele Pascal.
Villa Pascal captures the vibrant spirit of La Belle Epoque where the music and theatre lover will find their visit truly unforgettable. Day visitors will find their English and French High Teas very relaxing and appealing.
Seating times:
9:30am – 12pm / 11:00 am – 1:30pm
3:00 – 5pm
Dress: smart casual
28 Van Der Westhuizen Ave, Valmary Park
+27 21 975 2566
+27 82 569 4147
- Durbanville Hills Wine Route
- The Eatery (Fresh produce and baked goods on offer)
- Durbanville Hills Winery
- Hillcrest Estate boutique winery
- The Quarry
- Klein Roosboom farm
- Cafe Ruby
- Carlucci's Deli
- Nitida farm with two restaurants 'Tables at Nitida and Cassia restaurant'
- The Groot Phesantekraal farm (Wine farm with a restaurant)
- Signal Gun Range and restaurant
- Game drives on Hoogberg Hill
- Cannon firing on the first Saturday of each month
- Signal Gun Wines is now making craft beer made at Durbanville Wine Valley
- Durbanville Craft Market
- The Barnyard Theatre
- Durbanville Golf Course
- Botterblom Nature Reserve
- Durbanville Nature Reserve
- Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve
- Durbanville Rose Garden
- Durbanville Racecourse
- Villa Pascal and the Villa Pascal Theatre
Close-by:
- Bellville Golf Club
- Cool Runnings (South Africa’s first tobogganing track on the hillside opposite the Bellville Velodrome)
- The Momentum Golf Village in Tygervalley
- The Cape Flats Nature Reserve
- Bugz Family Playpark
- A short drive from the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment Centre (Ice rink, cinema, gambling and restaurants)
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
- De Grendel Wine Estate
- Killarney Race Track
- Meerendal Wine Estate
- Stellenbosch farms
- Cape Town International Airport
- King David Country Club
- Tyger Valley Shopping Centre
Durbanville was founded in the early 19th century around a freshwater spring and was primarily a watering station for travellers between Cape Town and the interior. Durbanville was originally known as Pampoenkraal (from the Afrikaans ‘pampoen’ meaning pumpkin, and ‘kraal’ meaning corral.
In 1825 a group of local farmers requested permission from Lord Charles Somerset (governor of the Cape Colony at that time) to build their own church. The Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1825 and the small village grew between the church and the outspan (overnight stop).
