| Cape Town and its surrounds
have countless places of interest with some attractions
being more well-known and some are slightly off the
beaten track. Whatever your hobby or field of interest
there will be something to interest you in Cape Town.
We have compiled a small list of the top Cape Town attractions
and some of the most interesting places surrounding
Afton Grove.
1. Robben Island
2.
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
3. Table Mountain
4. Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Gardens
5. Constantia
Wine Tour
6. Cape
Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
7. Cultural
Cape Town
8. Simon’s
Town
9. Noordhoek Farm
Village
10. 101 things
to do in Cape Town
ROBBEN ISLAND:
Booking and information: 021 413 4220 www.robben-island.org
A World Heritage site and now a living museum, Robben
Island is the most famous apartheid prison and was “home”
to Nelson Mandela and many other political dissidents
for a great portion of their lives. Nelson Mandela officially
opened the Nelson Mandela Gateway to Robben Island on
December 1, 2001 at the V&A Waterfront. Robben Island
was declared a World Heritage site in 1997 and has become
a symbol of the triumph of the human spirit.
A tour of the Robben Island Museum is a multifaceted
journey which begins at the Gateway, where multi-media
exhibitions, a restaurant, an auditorium, and a museum
shop are housed.
Tours of the island start with a spectacular ferry
trip and tours are guided and conducted by former prisoners.
The tour includes visiting the maximum security prison,
the limestone quarry, the churches and a kramat on the
Island. Daily boat trips depart from Nelson Mandela
Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. Tours run daily and
last for about 3.5 hours in total. Booking is essential.
Call 021 413 4220/1 or visit www.robben-island.org
VICTORIA AND ALFRED WATERFRONT
Information Centre: 021 408 7600 www.waterfront.co.za
30 minutes drive from Afton Grove
Developed around the older wharves of the scenic Cape
Town harbour, the buildings here date back to 1860,
when Prince Alfred (Queen Victoria's son) tipped the
rock for construction of the breakwater. Original buildings
have been renovated and new buildings have been built
in the same Victorian style. This waterfront complex
is located in the dynamic setting of a working harbour
with seagulls and fur seals waiting for scraps from
fishing boats and tugs tied next to luxury yachts. The
V&A waterfront offers visitors a cosmopolitan choice
of restaurants, two shopping centres, two craft markets,
cinemas, bars and entertainment.
The V&A is also home to a range of cultural landmarks
including museums, historic buildings and exclusive
access to one of the country’s essential heritage
sites, Robben Island. One can also embark on a helicopter
flip over the Cape Peninsula to see Afton Grove from
the air, or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium offering 300
species of underwater creatures and scuba divers have
the opportunity to dive with sharks.
Useful Contact Numbers:
Two Oceans Aquarium: Tel: 021 418 3823
Robben Island Museum: Tel: 021 419 1300
Civair Helicopters Tel: 021 419 5182
Tigress, Sunset / Champagne Cruises Tel: 021 419 1510
TABLE MOUNTAIN
Cableway Station: 021 424 8181 www.tablemountain.net
30 minutes drive from Afton Grove
Standing at 1086 m above sea level, and approximately
3 km wide, this spectacular mountain which forms part
of the Table Mountain National Park, dominates Cape
Town and is a must when visiting Afton Grove. You can
walk, climb, bike, abseil or paraglide the mountain.
You can, of course, take the elegant Swiss-designed
revolving cable car if you simply want the view and
the surprise of a different world on top of the mountain.
Do ask us at Afton Grove for recommended routes if you
are planning to walk up the mountain.
Wooden walkways and designated paths allow you to wander
around at the top without damaging the unique plant
life. Dassies (rock hyrax) that look like overgrown
guinea pigs, laze around on the sun-warmed rocks. The
weather on the summit is unpredictable and it is always
advisable to call the weatherline on the day of your
visit to check the weather conditions and operating
status. Pre-booking is recommended in summer. Remember
to take a hat, sunscreen, camera as well as a windbreaker
as it can sometimes be quite chilly at the top. There
are restaurants and shops at the top of the table (you
can even post a postcard from the top of the mountain),
so don't forget your wallet!
KIRSTENBOSCH NATIONAL BOTANICAL
GARDENS
Kirstenbosch Information: 021 799 8783 www.sanbi.org
20 minutes drive from Afton Grove
The beautiful Kirstenbosch gardens, nestled against
the eastern slopes of Table Mountain is world-renowned
for its display of Cape Flora. Founded in 1913 the Garden
only grows indigenous South African plants and has also
been voted as one of the seven magnificent gardens of
the world. Approximately 6 000 species of Southern Africa's
flora are represented, particularly that of the Cape
floral kingdom, known as fynbos. A well-know birding
"hotspot", the well maintained gardens, adjacent
fynbos and indigenous forest support an attractive diversity
of species. Numerous hiking trails commence at this
point, offering spectacular views of the city from the
vantage points along the slopes of the mountain.
You will come across some unusual features as you stroll
through the gardens. There is a cycad bush in a cage,
the last of its kind left in the world. It has no mate
for propagation and needs protection from souvenir hunters.
Amongst the shrubs you will see impressive stone sculptures
large and small, which are part of a permanent exhibition
of Shona art from Zimbabwe. Colonel Bird's Bath in The
Dell is shaped like a bird and has a crystal clear spring
bubbling into it and through a stream filled with stepping
stones that delight children. There is also a Braille
Trail and scented garden where you'll find sweet and
strange smelling plants, with a guide to their medicinal
uses.
Apart from the year round splendour of the gardens
and the frequent art exhibitions, in summer, there is
a series of Sunday "sunset" musical concerts,
which are very popular. Order a picnic hamper from The
Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch (well in advance)
to enjoy under the trees while the music serenades your
soul. Remember to take a blanket / chairs / cushions
to sit on and something warm for when the sun has set.
The gardens offer a good restaurant and delightful curio
shop, as well as guided theme tours twice a week.
CONSTANTIA WINE ROUTE
Constantia Valley Vineyards: 021 794 5128 www.constantiavalley.com
15 minutes drive from Afton Grove
Resting in the cool shadow of majestic Table Mountain,
you will find some of the oldest wine estates in the
country. Embark on a gastronomic discovery through the
Constantia Vineyards which span the south eastern slopes
of the Table Mountain National Park. Cool coastal breezes,
combined with the ancient soil in the valley and the
unique influences of the fynbos result in the production
of remarkable wines. The Constantia Wine Route is made
up of Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting,
Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg – all are big
in quality, rich in history and boast a unique terroir
and boast a winemaking history dating back to 1685.
Groot Constantia, the Cape's oldest vineyard and fine
Cape Dutch homestead is located here and is well worth
a visit. In the late 1980's a bottle of 1791 Constantia
wine was discovered in the Duke of Northumberland's
cellar in the UK, and returned to South Africa for a
ceremonial tasting. Napoleon is said to have favoured
the sweet wines of Constantia above all others and this
two hundred year old deep amber liquid had withstood
the passing years amazingly well. Its sweet fruity flavour
scored incredible 18.7 points out of 20, by the wine
experts on the tasting panel. Contact the estates for
details on wine tastings, cellar tours, restaurants
etc.
CAPE POINT & THE CAPE
OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE
Visitor Centre Management and information: 021 789
9010 www.capepoint.co.za
30 minutes drive from Afton Grove
One of the major attractions in the area is Cape Point
itself, with the legendary Cape of Good Hope. Situated
within the Table Mountain National Park, the combination
of sea, mountains and indigenous animals is hard to
beat. Take the Flying Dutchman funicular to the old
lighthouse (and find out why it is called the Flying
Dutchman) or climb the stairs to the top if you feel
like exerting some energy. At the Cape Point promontory
you may not literally see two oceans meeting but you
will most definitely share in the “end of a continent”
feel.
Don’t make the mistake of dashing up, taking
a photograph and leaving the reserve. There is a glorious
walk along the cliffs to the new lighthouse, which has
the most powerful beam of any lighthouse in South Africa.
When you come down, invariably with a true impression
of the power of the wind, indulge at the Two Oceans
Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, tea or cocktails or
pop into the souvenir and curio shop for a momento.
Spend some time ticking off the list of animals, various
small mammals, antelope, zebras, baboons and birds.
Stop at the informative Buffelsfontein information centre
and visit some of the beaches that are a little off
the beaten track. A visit to the reserve could take
you the whole day!
CULTURAL CAPE TOWN
Diversity is the keynote to South African culture and
we have not been dubbed the Rainbow nation for nothing.
Cape Town has a cosmopolitan cultural mix which has
been influenced over the years mainly by the Dutch,
French and British, with a significant influence also
having come from Malaysia, to combine with the Khoi-san
and isi-Xhosa immigrants from the Eastern Cape.
Museums, theatres, galleries, crafts, political and
historical sites reflect South Africa's rich past and
recent history.
Natural History Museums:
 iziko South
African Museum. Established in 1825, this is
the oldest museum in south Africa. Collections reflect
the rich natural and cultural diversity of the subcontinent.
Exhibition highlights include the Whale Well, shark
World and Fossil Stories. Among the treasures on view
are the Lydenburg Heads and a fine collection of San
rock paintings and engravings. TEL: 021 481 3800
iziko Planetarium Introduction
to the wonders of the universe and the science of astronomy.
“theatre of the stars”. The southern hemisphere
night sky is revealed in a range of shows for children
and adults. TEL : 021 481 3900
iziko West Coast Fossil
Park110km from Cape Town, it is being developed into
a field museum. The fossil site tells of ancient ecology
and climatic changes that occurred in the cape 5 million
years ago. Guided tours include a visit to the ongoing
excavation site where you see preserved fossils of long
extinct animals such as the giraffe-like sivathefe.
TEL: 022 766 1606
Art History Museums:
iziko South
African National Gallery South Africa's premier
art museum houses outstanding collections of South African,
African, British, French, Dutch and Flemish art.TEL:
021 – 467 4660
iziko Michaelis
Collection This collection is housed in the
former City Hall (the Old Town House) and consists of
a world-renowned selection of Nederlandish art from
the seventeenth-century Golden Age. There are works
by Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Jacob Ruisdal, Anthony van
Dyck and numerous others.TEL: 021 – 481 3933
iziko Natale
Labia Count Natale Labia donated the furniture
and a collection of works for public display. The original
character of the reception rooms has been retained,
but the upper level was altered to house temporary exhibitions,
lecture rooms and working spaces. Visits are by appointment
only TEL: 021 – 788 4106
Irma Stern museum
Originally the artist’s home, now houses a collection
of her work and her African collections. It is a venue
for changing exhibitions and poetry readings. TEL: 021
685 5686
Sanlam Art gallery
(Tygerberg) Permanent collection of South African
works. TEL: 021 947 3165
Social History Museums:
Iziko Rust
en Vreugd built in 1778 as a townhouse; now
the finest surviving example of 18th century urban architecture
in the country. Houses some of the William Fehr collection
– watercolours, etchings and engravings of Africa
in 16th – 19th Century. TEL: 021 464 3280
Iziko Koopmans-De
Wet House Early 18th Century – this museum
is furnished as a lived-in house of the late 18th and
early 19th centuries. Collection of Cape furniture,
chineses ceramics, dutch delft etc TEL: 021 481 3935
Iziko Bertram
House Early 19th Century Georgian house in
the Company Gardens. Furnished dining room, drawing
room and study. TEL: 021 481 3940
Iziko Slave
Lodge built in 1679, this is the second oldest
colonial building in cape town. Was initially a lodge
for the slaves of the Dutch East India company, then
the first post office, library and supreme court. The
People’s Collection and displays on Cape history,
Khoisan herders, African money and slavery are on view.
TEL: 021 460 8242
Iziko South
African Maritime Museum Displays on maritime
themes such as whaling, shipwrecks, Union Castle Liners,
history of Table Bay Harbour and cadet training. Largest
ship model collection in Africa and a wooden hulled
yacht. TEL: 021 405 2880
Iziko SAS Somerset
part of the SA maritime collection this wartime vessel
is permantently moored for public viewing. TEL: 021
419 2442
Iziko Bo-kaap
Museum Situated in the Bo-kaap, an area that
became home to many Muslims after the abolition of slavery.
Aspects of Muslim cultural heritage displayed. TEL:
021 481 3939
Iziko William
Fehr Collection Housed in the Castle of Good
Hope – Cape Town’s oldest building. Internationally
acclaimed paintings, furniture, ceramics of late 17th
Century to mid- 19th Century TEL: 021 464 1260
District Six
Museum Lots of township tours stop here to
explain the history of the pass laws. It is for the
people as much as about them. Map of district Six, ex
–residents have labeled where their homes were,
reconstructions of home interiors, faded photographs
and recordings. All staff are ex residents. TEL: 021
466 7200
South African
Jewish Museum History of South Africa’s
Jewish community. The museum includes the Cape Town
Holocaust centre and draws parallels of anti-semitism
with the South African struggle for freedom. it is also
possible to visit the Baroque Great SynagogueTEL : 021
– 465 1546
Gold of Africa
Museum Largest collection of African gold artifacts.
Working studios, gold boutique, wine cellar and art
garden. TEL: 021 405 1540
Hout Bay Museum
History of the suburb of Hout Bay, has a Veldkos Garden
and offers guided walks and environment classes for
school groups. TEL: 021 790 0116
South African
Naval Museum Archives both British and local
naval history and houses a submarine diorama. The museum
is the custodian of the Martello Tower (one of the worlds
oldest Corsican towers). TEL: 021 787 4635
Simon’s
Town Museum Built in 1777, archives the town’s
history and is housed in the Residency – former
home of the Dutch East India Company governors. TEL:
786 3046
Simon’s
Town Warrior Toy Museum This museum showcases
a unique collection of toy cars and trains, dolls and
lead soldiers. Great for kids young and old.TEL: 786
1395
Heritage Museum
Depicts the local Malay heritage and the influence of
their forced removal during the apartheid era. TEL:
021 786 2302
Fish Hoek Valley
Museum Houses interactive displays of the Peers
Cave excavations as well as collections of local interest.
TEL: 021 782 1752
SA Rugby Museum
depicts SA’s rugby history with memorabilia and
photographic displays. TEL: 021 686 2151
Airforce Museum
located at Ysterplaat Aerodromr off Piet Grobler Str,
Milnerton gives an insight into the history of Aviation.
TEL: 021 508 6576
SIMONS’ TOWN
Recently penguin mania has hit Hollywood with popular
movies - Madagascar, March of the Penguins and Happy
Feet. As a result penguins are a star attraction and
one of the highlights of any visit to Simons’
Town. But Simon’s town has loads more to offer
than our quirky feathered friends at Boulders Beach.
Named after Cape Governor Simon van der Stel in 1687,
Simons’ Town provided a valuable anchorage during
the Dutch Colonial era and after the British took over
in 1814, because it was the Royal Navy's main South
Atlantic base until the 1950's. Steeped in history with
acquired charm, this village now features its own waterfront
development, a yacht club, and fascinating architecture
from South Africa’s third oldest town.
There are 4 museums in town, an historical mile with
a multitude of historical tales and buildings to match
the distance. Boat trips head off in all directions
and one of our favourite activities is sea kayaking.
Don’t miss Scratch Patch and Mineral World –
the largest gem stone factory in the southern hemisphere,
where you can scratch for your own bag of semi precious
stones.
NOORDHOEK FARM VILLAGE
Information Office. Tel: 021 789 1317 www.noordhoekvillage.co.za
5 minutes drive from Afton Grove
This shopping and entertainment village in the heart
of Noordhoek has a charming character with white cottages
of Cape Dutch architecture set under mature, shady oaks.
Buy local fresh produce from the farmstall, which also
serves light meals, or wander around the interesting
range of quality shops selling African crafts, antiques,
handmade ceramics and ethnic clothing. Visit the local
artists who display their work at the “Cellars”
or simply enjoy a wine-tasting of local wines.
Enjoy leisurely breakfast, lunch or dinner at one of
the restaurants or pubs 7 days a week – The Food
Barn run by acclaimed chef Frank Dangeraux, the cozy
and welcoming Café Roux and the warmth of the
Nags Head.
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