Southern Suburbs Safari Tours
Reasons to Explore the Southern Suburbs
Have you ever desired to visit a renowned location while avoiding the throngs and choose to reside outside the vibrant urban center? If you are traveling to Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs is the ideal choice. This verdant suburb hosts the oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, and Newlands Brewery, alongside other prestigious wine estates and dining establishments. It is also home to one of the most remarkable botanical gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will proceed along a serpentine route into the city. Ultimately, you arrive at a junction at the base of Devils Peak, one of the extremities of Table Mountain. Upon turning right, you will officially enter Cape Town, characterized by towering structures and notable attractions such as the Table Mountain cable car station and the V&A Waterfront.
Turn left to enter a suburban metropolis characterized by high mountain peaks in place of skyscrapers and expansive greenery instead of concrete. The Southern Suburbs is a closely guarded secret among residents, or “Capetonians,” although travelers are gradually discovering its unspoiled beauty and tranquility.
Your entire experience of a location can hinge on a singular decision: veer right and conform to the masses, or veer left and construct your own narrative. You decide!
Southern Suburbs Tours and Safaris
Hotels and Lodges in Southern Suburbs
More Information About Southern Suburbs
What constitutes the Constantia Wine Route?
Due to its advantageous proximity, just 20 minutes from Cape Town, the wine-producing Constantia has emerged as the Mother City’s unofficial backyard vineyard. This verdant valley houses the nation’s most ancient wine farms and Cape Town’s oldest neighborhood.
The Constantia Valley, with a history exceeding 300 years, is the origin of the South African wine industry. The area is replete with numerous acclaimed properties providing daily wine excursions and tastings. However, the divine nectar is not the sole offering of Constantia’s vineyards and Cape Dutch mansions. At Silvermist Wine Estate, you can also enjoy exquisite dining at the renowned La Colombe restaurant. You may refine your swing at Steenberg’s 18-hole golf course. For a more subdued experience, pair a spa day with sauvignon blanc at Constantia Uitsig.
Visiting Constantia is, however, futile without sampling a beverage. The region is particularly distinguished for its white and dessert wines. Sample Klein Constantia’s Vin de Constance (formerly Muscat Capp Constantia), a dessert wine that attained global acclaim in the 18th and 19th centuries, favored by Jane Austen, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Charles Dickens.
Key Features
Situated within 20 minutes from Cape Town
- Contains South Africa’s oldest wine estate (Groot Constantia) and Cape Town’s oldest suburb.
The region’s sauvignon blanc and dessert wines are particularly indispensable.
La Colombe at Silvermist Wine Estate was recognized as one of the world’s 50 best restaurants by San Pellegrino.
Steenberg Wine Estate features a hotel and an 18-hole golf course.
- Integrate a spa day with a wine tasting at Constantia Uitsig.
What is the optimal time to visit the Southern Suburbs?
Each season imparts distinctiveness to this picturesque region of Cape Town; nevertheless, as you will probably be going beyond this area during your vacation, it is advisable to consider the optimal time to visit Cape Town overall.
Cape Town endures its highest temperatures during the summer months in South Africa, specifically from December to February. The extended days, characterized by early mornings and late sunsets, present an optimal opportunity for avid hikers eager to traverse the hiking routes in the Southern Suburbs, most of which commence and conclude at Newlands Forest or Kirstenbosch Gardens.
During the autumn months, orange and red leaves descend from the trees prior to winter’s onset between June and August. Spring metamorphoses this section of the city into a verdant paradise, rendering it an optimal period to appreciate the abundant and thriving gardens that pervade the neighborhood.
Winter offers distinct advantages; yet, the Southern Suburbs is notorious for its dreariness during this season, characterized by diminished daylight and the imposing mountains that cast shadows over this secluded area of the city. The optimal period to observe the splendid king protea (Protea cynaroides), South Africa’s National Flower, is during the colder winter months.
What is the route to the Southern Suburbs?
The region, situated on the opposite side of the mountain from the renowned city bowl, encompasses an abundance of trees and vegetation, rendering it an optimal location for nature enthusiasts.
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, your driver will greet you for your trip to the city, or you will retrieve your private vehicle for your duration of stay. Regardless, you will exit the airport and proceed towards Table Mountain, which will be visible from the airport.
As you near Devils Peak, the far-left end of Table Mountain (when viewing the mountain from the city centre), you come to a fork in the national road. Instead of turning right to head into the city centre, you will turn left towards the Southern Suburbs.
This neighborhood offers a selection of great hotels and housing options. What is the advantage? Numerous residences include expansive, verdant gardens, distanced from the city’s commotion.
What are the premier dining establishments in the Southern Suburbs?
We are glad you asked! The Southern Suburbs is known for its culinary delights – perhaps the top chefs are looking for more space, or maybe food is becoming more farm-to-table? Either way, a short drive out of the city, or if you choose to stay here then on your doorstep, here are a few restaurant options we would recommend to you:
- La Colombe – This internationally-acclaimed fine dining restaurant is a treat for the senses. From Asian and French influences to fresh seasonal produce, the experience is elegant in every way. Enjoy fine dining and exceptional presentation in this forest treehouse setting.
- Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia – Leisure dining meets small-plate sensationalism at this elite tapas-for-two restaurant. Chef Ivor Jones’ passion paired with incredible views over the Constantia valley makes for memorable meals.
- Skotnes Restaurant & Bar at Norval Foundation – Named after the artist Cecil Skotnes, this is a proudly South African restaurant and bar in every way. The contemporary bistro fare and a focus on the art of eating makes this a cultural and culinary delight.
- Greenhouse – The minimalist Greenhouse showcases local flavours on the plate in a creative way. Your tastebuds will thank you for their journey through several conceptual flavour combinations.
- Blockhouse Kitchen – This stylish and spacious 250-seater space gifts you with hearty comfort food. True to their tagline, it’s seasonal, social, and simple.
- Foxcroft – With a bakery and award-winning restaurant in one, Foxcroft serves delicious lunch and dinner. Despite the fine-dining aesthetic, it’s not pretentious and, seated in the shade of the oak trees, keeps the experience low-key.
- Bistro Sixteen82 – Named after the year in which Steenberg Wine Estate was established, Bistro Sixteen82 first opened its doors in 2009 and has been Cape Town’s tapas and bistro-style darling ever since. You can expect bistro fare that’s seasonal, flavourful and bursts with freshness.
- Jonkershuis – Nestled inside the historic centre of the Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Jonkershuis delivers classic Cape Malay cuisine surrounded by ancient oak trees and the legendary Groot Constantia vineyards. The views of the peninsula and majestic Constantia Valley are unrivalled.