Constantia is one of the oldest yet most affluent suburbs in Cape Town. It's nestled flush against the foot of the Constantiaberg mountain (Part of the Table Mountain chain) from the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens down south to the beloved Tokai Forest market. On the map you will see that Hout Bay and Constantia sit opposite each other, on the West and East of the mountain respectively. Newlands sits directly north of Constantia, Wynberg down South to Bergvliet surround the east side of the suburb and you will find a neat rounding-off of Constantia's most southern tip by the mountain chain jutting out slightly.
Constantia is renowned for its 'Constantia Wine Valley Region' hosting 11 wine farms in the area. The oldest is the Groot Constantia estate (Great Constantia) which was established in 1684 by the Dutch Colonial Governor of Cape Town, Simon van der Stel. Other notable wine farms in the area include Steenberg (Mountain of Stone), established in 1682; Buitenverwachting (Beyond Expectations); Klein Constantia (Small Constantia) and Constantia Uitsig (View of Constantia).
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 and 17ºC but winter is the rainy season. There is something to be said for a warm fireside, sipping the Cape’s award-winning red wines, while the wind and rain rage outside. 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, but there is always more to do and see.
TRANSPORT
Travelling around the Southern Suburbs is relatively easy.
Download the 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). The app incorporates MyCiti, Golden Arrow (private bus company and Metrorail.
MyCiti (Cape Town’s bus system) does not yet operate in the Southern Suburbs, but Golden Arrow does.
Taxis
There are plenty of good, safe and reliable taxi firms in Cape Town, taxis cannot be hailed 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.
Train
Metrorail operates short distance commuter trains to Simon’s Town through the southern suburbs (southern line), to the Northern Suburbs and outlying towns of Paarl, Wellington, Malmesbury and Worcester. For the map of the lines see Metrorail. There is also a Metrorail App available.
CLIMATE
Cape Town has a Mediterranean-style climate with wet, cool winters, and dry warm summers. The average summer temperatures are 24ºC with January and February averaging 26ºC.
Cape Town lies on the 34th latitude south, however, 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.
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 and 17ºC but winter is the rainy season. There is something to be said for a warm fireside, sipping the Cape’s award-winning red wines, while the wind and rain rage outside. 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, but there is always more to do and see.
FLORA
The transition between mountain and flat the change in vegetation becomes clear, there are patches of Afromontane forest in the kloofs of Table Mountain, the higher and lower slopes the fynbos is characterised by large protea bushes, and as the land gets flatter so does the vegetation with Strandveld fynbos growing on the ‘Flats’. There are literally hundreds of flowering species.
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.
There are nearly always flowers to be seen. Ask the Fynbos Guy what is currently flowering on the Table Mountain Chain.
FAUNA
The Southern Suburbs are built-up residential areas of Cape Town. Large mammals are no longer abundant in these regions small interesting and often endemic animals such as mongoose, otters, 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 you are 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
THINGS TO DO:
1) Constantia Waldorf Night market and the Organic Market
Open for the summer, the Constantia Waldorf Night market has over 120 stalls, an open air stage with live music. In the grounds of the Constantia Waldorf School, the Night Market combines the finest organic produce, food and beautiful hand crafts, clothing and original art with live entertainment for all ages in a fire and candle-lit atmosphere.
Held every Friday, the Organic market offers a vast range of biodynamic and organic produce from fruit and veg, preserves, honeys, dairy products and eggs and much more.
Secure parking is available at a small fee. No alcohol is sold on the premises, but patrons are free to bring that special bottle of wine to share with friends in the outdoor entertainment area.
Constantia Waldorf School, Spaanschemat Road, Constantia
Night Market: Last Friday of every month during school term
Organic Market: Every Friday from 11am – 3 pm
John Carne +27 82 631 0421
2) Hiking
It is a good idea to get a map or a guide book or a guide. Paths change over time and due to weather. For trips on the mountain no matter how short, follow these guidelines:
● Don’t hike alone; four is the ideal number.
● Choose your route carefully and stick to it. Allow yourself enough time – start early. Inform someone of your route and what time you’re expected back.
● Choose a hike leader and walk at the pace of the slowest member.
● If lost – don’t split up. Rather try to retrace your steps. Remember that climbing down is more difficult than climbing up.
● Always take waterproof clothing, even in mid-summer, and wear walking shoes or hiking boots. Wear a hat or cap and sunblock in summer. Weather changes rapidly.
● If lost or forced to stop because of bad weather, stay together and remain in one place. Find the closest shelter from wind and rain.
● In case of injury, take time to assess the situation. Then send two people for help and let the third remain with the injured person. If possible, mark the position on a map and send it with those going for help.
● Stick to well-used paths, which will be indicated on the Park's hiking map and read the warnings on this map. Don’t take shortcuts and especially don’t wander into ravines.
● Always take enough water, especially in summer, and food in case of a delay. Watch the weather and time, and turn back before you start running late or if bad weather threatens.
● Take a fully-charged cell phone. Some parts of the Park do not have cell phone reception, but you will always be able to reach a place where you can use a cell phone more quickly than you’ll get to a landline.
Maps are available from The Map Maker – Peter Slingsby +27 21 788 4545
2.1) Constantia Nek
There are a few paths from Constantia Nek on Table Mountain.
● Constantia Nek Path
● Constantia Nek Jeep Trail
● Walk around the Dams
● Contour Path
Get to Constantia Nek early to find a parking spot as it does get busy.
2.2) The Contour Path
The Complete Contour Path goes from Constantia Nek all the way around Table Mountain to Kloof Corner and down to Tafelberg Road and is marked on Google Maps. This path can be as long or short as you like as there are numerous access points. The contour Path passes through Cecilia Forest, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Newlands Forest, The Block House at Rhodes Memorial, Platteklip Gorge, and the Cable Station all places to come down.
2.3) Contour to Cecilia Forest
This 6km route for both hikers and joggers is almost all in the shade. Take the left route once the path splits and follow the path all the way to through Celia Forest. Look out for the avenue of trees on Old Rhodes Avenue planted by Cecil John Rhodes in 1895.
The route is easy
Start at Constantia Nek
Daylight hours.
2.4) Contour Path to Kirstenbosch
This 6 km route can be done either way, either park at Constantia Nek or Kirstenbosch Top Gate or better still, take 2 to 3 hours depending on stops. Some of the views along the way include the Kirstenbosch Gardens, out to the vibrant Cape Flats. Look out for spectacular view and Proteas. The walk is easy and therefore, ideal for families.
Starts: Constantia Nek
Ends: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Constantia, Cape Town.
Distance: 6km Time: +/- 2 hours.
2.5) The Dams
Follow the Jeep Track to the dams on the mountain, the first De Villiers Dam, then Alexander and Victoria Dams, then further along are the larger Woodhead and Hely Hutchinson Dams where you can walk along the dam walls. Cross back along the Woodhead Dam wall and return along the same path as you came up.
The Hely Hutchinson Dam was built using sandstone from the mountain above Camps Bay, which was transported across the top of the mountain on the lightweight train. Visit to the Waterworks Museum on the edge of the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir to find out more about the history of these dams.
.
American Society of Civil Engineers named this impressive piece of stone masonry an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark considering its position on the Mountain.
3 – 4 hours
Easy Walk but quite steep on the way up.
2.6) Hole in the Wall (and caveman's overhang) Trail
Start at Constantia Nek or Cecilia forest and finish at Constantia Nek
8 km, 6 hours
This is a moderate walk and plenty of shade,
Head up from Constantia Nek to the dams, At the end of the reservoir, turn off the main path to follow a smaller path that continues straight ahead. It takes you along the ridge above Orange Kloof. This path leads to both Bushman's Overhang and the Hole in the Wall. Permits are required to do the Caveman's Overhang as it passes through part of Orange Kloof.
2.7) Constantia Nek to Bridle Path
This route is moderate to difficult. Park at Constantia Nek, and head through the forest on the road that winds up towards the Jeep Track. From here you can reach the top of the mountain and choose whether to return along the same path or take a quicker, steeper hike down.
4 – 6 hours
2.8) Cecilia Forest
Cecilia Forest is a beautiful part of Constantia in which to walk. Named after Cecil John Rhodes, who owned the land at one time, it was also once inhabited by the Khoisan. There are numerous routes to hike which begin at the car park.
There first route is a lovely peaceful walk through the forest and up along Constantia Nek. Mostly in the Shade, this is an easy walk that travels along a gravel road and single tracks. There are a few streams along the way with fresh mountain water, but take a picnic along to enjoy in the forest.
Starts at Cecilia Forest car park where Hohenhort Drive meets Rhodes Drive
1.5 – 2 hours
Easy with mild uphill sections
No permits or costs involved
A second more difficult route leads to Cecilia Forest Waterfall. This walk is achieved either via the Cecilia Forest car park, head to the contour path to Cecilia Ravine and to the waterfall.
2.5 hours
Moderate single track and stairs.
No permits or costs involved
3) The Bike Park
Experience the sculpted and compacted pump track, jumps and drops at Constantia Uitsig wine estate a place where little, and big kids can defy gravity, kick up dust and speed along a series of tracks. Also available is a bike shop, bike hire, bike share.
Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate on Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
+27 84 777 7802
4) Acrobranch Tree Top Adventure Park
The adventure park comprises a series of aerial obstacle courses including zip lines, Tarzan swings, nets, bridges and other fun apparatus take participants from one majestic blue gum tree to the next.
Safety is well covered by trained guides to help if needed. You are first fitted into harnesses and are taken to through a training session where qualified guides demonstrate all the necessary safety procedures.
There are exciting obstacles for both kids and adults of three difficulty levels:
Acro-Twigs (Yellow)
This route is for the littlest of adventurers. It boasts two zip lines, swinging bridges and an assortment of unique obstacles that are close to the ground. It’s also the perfect warm-up course.
Length: 9 obstacles
Highest Platform: 1.8m
Longest Zip Line: 13m
Highlight: The Scooter
Restrictions: 3 years old +
4.2) Tree Hugger
The green course will see you leaping across planks, flying on the Tarzan swing, tackling the trapeze and soaring across zip lines. It’s a big step up from the yellow track and splits into both easy and hard routes. The yellow course is included in this one.
Length: 19 obstacles
Highest Platform: 7m
Longest Zip Line: 60m
Highlight: The Big Zip
Restrictions: 7-year-olds and older
4.3) Swinging Tarzan
The blue course is definitely the most challenging and fun. There is a mangle of obstacles designed to test both coordination and courage. The rope bridge and criss-cross tangle may look easy enough from the ground, but it’s a whole other matter when you’re caught in them! This course is also a great option for adults who want to get in on the action. It’s is also a popular option for team-building activities in Cape Town.
(Includes the yellow and the green course).
Length: 32 obstacles
Highest platform: 8m
Longest Zip Line: 60m
Highlight: The Criss Cross
Restrictions: height of 1.4m +
Bookings can be made via the website
Opening Tuesday – Sunday (including public holidays): 9am to 5pm
1 Hout Bay Road, Constantia Nek
+27 86 999 0369
5) Constantia Valley Wine Route
Simon Van der Stel founded Constantia's first wine farm, Groot Constantia in 1685. The Constantia Valley is its own within Cape Town, with wine farms, restaurants & many other attractions.
5.1) Beau Constantia is a boutique wine farm situated at the top of Constantia Nek overlooking False Bay. Vines are planted to an elevation of 350 metres above sea-level on some of the steepest agricultural slopes in the Cape. Open for Wine Tasting Tuesday to Sunday from 11am
Wine Bar and Sushi open Tuesday to Sunday from 12am – 8pm
reservations@beauconstantia.com
winesales@beauconstantia.com
+27 21 794 8632
5.2) Constantia Glen
High on the upper reaches of the Constantiaberg is this magnificent boutique wine estate, Constantia Glen. Acclaimed for bespoke wines and sweeping panoramic views, Constantia Glen is one of the gems of the Constantia Valley. South African wine with a proud history of winemaking dating back to 1685.
Wine Tasting is open from 10am until 5pm seven days a week (except 25Dec, 1Jan & Good Friday).
+27 21 795 5639
5.3) Buitenverwachting meaning “Beyond Expectations” formed part of the original Constantia Estate, which was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. Since then Buitenverwachting changed hands a few times and was finally purchased by the Mueller family in 1980.
The historic Cape Dutch farmstead and winery frame the beautiful gardens studded with ancient trees where guests can indulge in a pre-booked summer picnic. Tables and chairs are provided with blankets for children. Meals are served in the restaurant from 12 noon. Closed on Sunday's and over Christmas and New Year.
Maack and Martin Jewellery is on display and for sale in the Tasting Room on the farm.
Open from November – April
Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
info@buitenverwachting.com
Winery: +27 21 794 5190
Restaurant: +27 21 794 3522
5.4) Constantia Uitsig, known until 1940 as Constantia View, was the home of the Lategan family for five generations. Constantia Uitsig had been a portion of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia.
Constantia Uitsig is also the home of the Bike Park.
The Wine Shop is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm
info@uitsig.co.za
+27 21 794 6500
The Bike Park +27 84 777 7802
The Open Door Restaurant
info@opendoorrestaurant.co.za
+27 21 794 3010
5.5) Eagles Nest
Eagles’ Nest is cradled in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the Constantia mountains. The farm’s origins can be traced back to 1836 when it was used as a refreshment station between the area now known as Wynberg in the east, and the harbour of Hout Bay in the west. In order to make this journey, travellers had to cross the mountain pass, now known as Constantia Nek.
In 1984, the 38 ha farm was almost totally destroyed in the devastating fires in 2000. The historic buildings were left standing. The vineyards have since been replanted with varieties that best suited the unique area of Eagles’ Nest. Eagle’s Nest offers picnics and platters that are purchased with a bottle of wine. Booking is essential.
The tasting room is open Mondays to Sundays from 10am – 4:30pm.
Old Constantia Main Road, Constantia
info@eaglesnestwines.com
+27 21 794 4095
5.6) The Groot Constantia
At Groot Constantia you can walk around the vineyards at your leisure, visit the historical manor house, do a wine tasting or eat lunch in one the two restaurants. Explore the vast estate on foot – there are numerous walking paths, and joggers and dog walkers are also welcome to enjoy the surrounds. The estate offers Cellar tours and wine tasting and exclusive wine club.
History
Since 1685, when Simon van der Stel arrived in Table Bay and land was granted to him, 330 years of history has taken place. The farm passed hands numerous times and was subdivided a few times. The original intent of producing wine and the land around the homestead has remained ever since.
The original manor house was built in the late Dutch Renaissance style but in 1925 the homestead and the bulk of its contents were destroyed by a fire. Two years later it was rebuilt and reopened as a museum.
The homestead, with areas surrounding it and all objects thereon, were proclaimed a National Monument in 1936 and in 1993 the Groot Constantia Trust becomes the sole owner of the farm.
Interesting Facts
● Constantia wine is mentioned for “its healing powers on a disappointed heart.” In Jane Austen’s novel Sense and Sensibility.
● During Napoleon's banishment to St Helena after his defeat of Waterloo, he was supplied with wine from Groot Constantia until his death in 1821
Wine Tasting and cellar tours
Wine tasting is open daily. Chocolate and wine pairing, and cellar tours must be booked.
Open daily from 9am to 6pm
CLOSED: GOOD FRIDAY & CHRISTMAS DAY
Groot Constantia
+27 21 794 5128
enquiries@grootconstantia.co.za
--Iziko Museum (The Homestead)
+27 21 795 5149
Jonkershuis Restaurant
+27 21 794 6255
Simon's Restaurant
+27 21 794 1143
--ART @ CONSTANTIA is a permanent exhibition in the tasting and sales hall on the Groot Constantia Wine Estate and is also featured at the modern day cellar and tasting room.
Monday – Friday 9am – 6pm
Saturday and Sunday 10am – 6pm
+27 21 794 2945
5.7) Klein Constantia
Dating Back to 1685 and described as one of the world’s most beautiful wine estates, Klein Constantia is set amidst ancient trees on the upper foothills of the Constantiaberg, with views across False Bay.
Originally part of the Constantia wine farm. In 1817 after the death of Hendrik Cloete. Constantia is further divided between his two sons, Johan Gerhard, the youngest son settles on the upper portion of the estate, already under vine, to be known as Klein (Little) Constantia. He built the manor house and cellar. Klein Constantia has changed hands a number of times since then and is now privately owned.
--Vine Art Project
The Vine Art Project started with the aim of teaching staff basic entrepreneurial skills and giving them a creative outlet when they’re not making wine. Handmade product made from by-products from the farm, include greeting cards to gift bags and bookmarks, Christmas wreaths made from cuttings and leaves from Klein Constantia’s historic vineyards.
info@kleinconstantia.com
Cellar opening hours
Summer Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sundays & public holidays 10am– 4pm
Summer months are September to May
Winter Saturdays 10am – 4.30pm
Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
+27 21 794 5188
5.8) Steenberg
Steenberg farm is the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, which is generally considered to be South Africa’s premier wine growing region. With its cool, sea-facing slopes and majestic granite ridges, this vineyard has developed a worldwide reputation for producing excellent Cape wines…
Originally part of the farm Constantia, Steenberg Farm is the Cape’s first farm established. The estate boasts the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel. Two award-winning restaurants, Catharina’s, and Bistro Sixteen82 serving bistro-style fare and tapas.
The 18-hole golf course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. The Steenberg Golf Club is open to the public, but priority and special green fee rates are given to hotel guests and members.
Wine can be purchased from the tasting room or online
High season (1/10 – 30/04): 06.30am – 5pm
Low season (1/05 – 30/09): 8am– 5pm
+27 21 713 2233
bookings@steenberggolfclub.co.za
The Steenberg Wine Estate, Housing Estate, Golf Club and Hotel are all part of Steenberg Estate, not to be confused with the residential suburb of Steenberg near Retreat, the Metrorail station is there.
CONSTANTIA GREENBELT:
In the Constantia valley in the Southern Suburbs there are several walking trails along waterways and between the residences. These are known collectively as the Greenbelt. Maps are available from The Map Maker +27 21 788 4545
Constantia Greenbelt Parkrun
Every Saturday morning at 8am a Parkrun takes place on the Alphen Trail. Register for free The run is organised by volunteers.
constantiagreenbelthelpers@parkrun.com
The Alphen Trail is one of the most popular of the green belt walks. The walk can start at either end. Starting on Alpen Drive (near the Alphen Hotel), the trail follows along the Diep River to the Constantiaberg Mountain with a number of bridge crossings. It’s a beautiful walk filled with lush grass, trees, and meadows. Or one can do the walk downhill starting in Brommersvlei Road.
Locals take their dogs and families for Sunday afternoon strolls, among the more serious walkers and joggers.
Starts: Alphen Drive Constantia
Ends: Brommersvlei Road
The Brommersvlei Trail
A great walk for the dogs, starting at Rathfedder Avenue walk until you get to the Bel Ombre Meadow, a lovely spot to admire the fantastic surrounding views of Constantia and the mountains. Bring your camera for great photo opportunities. Links to the Alphen Walk
Starts: Rathfedder Avenue, Constantia
Ends: Brommersvlei Road
The Silverhurst Trail
Start on Spaanschemat Road (opposite Peddlars &Co.). Walk up Brounger Road. The route runs behind the Silverhurst Estate and is a very popular walk amongst locals. The additional starting point is on Constantia Nek Road at the parking area. There are many beautiful trees, plants and birdlife along the route.
Starts: Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
Doordrift Trail
The Doordrift Walk begins with The Alphen Trail, then merges into the Diepriver Trail and takes you under the M3 and then past Norman Henshilwood School. It finally comes to an end at Doordrift Road. You can do this route in reverse too, as there is parking at both ends of the walk.
Starts: Alphen Drive, Constantia
Ends: Doordrift Road
Grootboschkloof Trail
With multiple starting points, you can join the Grootboschkloof Trail from the surrounding trails or begin at Strawberry Lane or Willow Road. This is a very short and easy walk that will only take about 25 minutes, Starts: Strawberry Lane or Willow Lane, Constantia
Klaasenbosch Trail
Start Cecilia Forest or at the top gate to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Bring a camera as the views are spectacular. This route winds through Spilhaus Road and joins up with The Alphen Trail. This is a longish route that is ideal for that much anticipated Sunday walk. There are some nice places to stop for a refreshment at each end of the trail.
Spaanschemat River Trail
Starting just opposite Peddlars & Co., head off in the direction of Tokai. The route runs parallel to the Spaanschemat River and Strawberry Lane.
The route is relatively easy and will take you approximately 30 minutes to complete. If you want to carry on for a bit longer, you can join up with the Grootboschkloof Trail.
Diep River Trail
Stroll along the river and over boardwalks and bridges. Stop for a picnic at Le Sueur Meadow.
25 – 35 min
Starts: Corner of Rhodes Drive & Southern Cross Drive
Links to the Alphen Walk on Brommersvlei Road.
The Sillery
Take a country stroll along a shady lush route. The route begins is Brounger Road, next to Peddlars & Co where there is parking. The route passes Sillery Farm which is a centuries-old homestead, the Sillery flower garden still grows vegetables and flowers. Cross over the Avenue onto the circular Silverhurst Trail.
Distance 3.8 km
1 ½ to 2 hours
De Hel Nature Area
De Hel Nature Area is a riverine valley adjoining Table Mountain below Rhodes Drive. The upper reaches of the Spaanschemat River runs through reserve. The ravine has steep slopes that are densely covered in trees. The Meadow at the bottom still has fruit trees planted in days gone by.
De Hel is linked to ancient cattle tracks originating from the Khoekhoe and The Dutch East India Company (VOC) also established a woodcutters’ posts in the area. The land is also associated with slave labour and slave runways, De Hel is a heritage site. The indigenous vegetation is Afrotemperate forest and fynbos. There are 250 species of plants including the endangered silver tree Leucadendron argenteum. Sixteen species of mammals have been seen, and a bird list of 72 species, with 17 reptiles and amphibians.
Entrance on Constantia Main Road, just before Constantia Nek.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS:
The Constantia Greenbelt trail is an ideal space for novice mountain bikers to learn the ropes as most of the legal trails elsewhere in the City are too difficult. Only some of the trails allow cyclists and are requested to respect the signs.
Diep River Trail
The Diep River Trail has not been adapted for cyclists and is favours the more experienced or competent cyclist. At the entrance to the Diep River Trail on Southern Cross Drive, cyclists have been redirected past the steps to a separate access point and re-join the existing trail down the slope.
Silverhurst Trail
Along the Silverhurst Trail, cyclists have been directed to the wider side of the trail and are not allowed to ride the narrow single track that passes the historic irrigation dam. “No Cycling” signs have been positioned accordingly. Please respect the signs and no-go areas.
Exclusions
It is important to point out which sections of the Greenbelts are not part of the legal trail:
Any smaller offshoots from the main trail are not accessible to cyclists, the Klaasenbosch trail and the Alphen trail are also excluded because of families with small children and horse riders frequent those trails.
7) Visit the Constantia Cheesery
The cheesery is on a smallholding in Constantia. It offers a selection of cheeses sourced from all over South Africa and includes an excellent organic range. Only open a few days a week, but the cheeses can be purchased at the Neighbour Goods Market at the Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock.
Corner of Collete Close & Frederick Selous Avenue, Constantia
Wednesdays from 10am to 1om
Fridays from 10am to 1pm
+27 21 794 2102
8) Garden Tour at Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
This award-winning garden is a hidden gem in Cape Town. The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel in Constantia open their gardens for a tour on a Tuesday morning. Enjoy the Camphor Tree Walk and the beautiful rose garden.
Complimentary tea and pastries are served in the Sun Lounge after the tour so make sure you have an hour or so spare.
The Cellars-Hohenort, 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia
Garden tours take place at 10h30 every Tuesday.
Booking is essential.
+27 21 794 2137
9) Self-Drive Cape Peninsula Loop
Cape Town is on a peninsula in the region where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. There are views and spectacular scenery at every turn, even on the flatter areas, the Table Mountain Chain and the Hottentots Holland Mountains make a pleasing backdrop.
Start by hiring a car in the Cape Town City Bowl and make your way towards Sea Point, drive along the coastal road to Hout Bay via Llandudno beach. Make sure that you stop for fish and chips in Hout Bay Harbour and then push on along Chapman's Peak, a spectacular drive (often seen in Movies), on to Kommetjie, Scarborough and Cape Point nature reserve (you will need a few hours to drive to the point and back)
Tea in Simon's Town is a must, followed by a swim at Fish Hoek, one of the best swimming beaches in Cape Town (but keep an eye on the shark flags and swim within the shark exclusion zone). Kalk Bay is great for late afternoon tea and browsing of antique and book shops. Dine in Muizenberg or book a first class restaurant in the Southern Suburbs on your way back to the City Centre.
This drive can be done in reverse and you can stop where the mood takes you.
10) Gourmet Motorcycle Tour
A unique tour motorcycling around the Western Cape Province and stopping to eat delicious meals on the way. Hop on a late model BMW motorcycle, strap on your helmet and hit the highway for a very tasty tour.
Enjoy fabulous accommodation, sumptuous dinners, and exquisite scenery. Riders will enjoy mussels and salmon at L’Agulhas, the finest seafood in Plettenberg Bay and tasty ostrich in Graaff Reinet all accompanied by the best South African Wines.
Enjoy a fabulous mix of South African culture, coupled with an extremely tasteful lifestyle. You can opt for a 1, 2, 7 or 12-day tour with or without the aid of a guide. The destinations are worked out beforehand but the route you take to get there is up to you.
SA Motorcycle Tours, 34 Airlie Place, off Willow Road, Constantia
Please enquire
+27 21 794 7887
- Do an exceptionally beautiful self-drive Cape Peninsula loop
- Take a unique and exciting trip on the latest BMW for a Gourmet Motorcycle Tour around the Western Cape
- Plenty hiking trails to choose from
- Very close to the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Garden Tour at Cellars-Hohenort Hotel
- Visit the Constantia Cheesery
- Mountain Bike trails along the Constantia Greenbelt
- Choose one or all of the wine estates to visit in the Constantia Wine Valley
- Acrobranch Tree Top Adventure Park offering adventurous aerial obstacles
- Constantia Waldorf Night market and the Organic Market
In 1661, Sheik Abdurachman Matebe Shah and his companion Sheikh Mahmoud were exiled to Constantia by the Dutch. Sheik Abdurachman is regarded as one of the people that first brought Islam to South Africa. The kramat at Klein Constantia is built on the site that Sheik Abdurachman is thought to have died in 1681 or 1682.
At the time of Van der Stel nearly 220 slaves worked on the vineyards, fruit and olive trees. Constantia remained a rural area of wine estates in which African and coloured residents constituted the majority. They were farmers, farm workers, domestics and fruit and flower sellers and lived in the areas of Strawberry Lane, Sillery Road, Spaanschemat River Road and Ladies Mile Road. In 1961 Constantia was zoned as a White Group Area under the Group Areas Act In the late 1960s inhabitants classified as coloured or African were forcibly removed to areas in the Cape Flats like Mitchells Plain, Manenberg and Lotus River.
