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| The beautiful Constantia Valley, the jewel of
the Cape, is steeped in history and breathtaking scenery. Take a few moments to see what
Contantia and the surrounding areas have to offer the visitor to Cape Town. |
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Tourist Information & History
The beautiful Constantia Valley, the jewel of the Cape, is steeped in history and
breathtaking scenery. Simon van der Stel selected this scenic piece of land against the
hills of the present day Constantiaberg and named it Constantia. By 1705 he had already
established numerous vineyards and began producing excellent red wines. After his death,
seven years later, the farm was sub-divided into Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia and
Buitenverwachting and the farm known as Groot Constantia received world acclaim for wines
like Constantia Frontignac, Pontac and Steen. These were favourites amongst the noble
palates of Napoleon, Bismarck and King Louis Philippe of France.
Constantia with its history, wine farms, famous Old Cape Farm Stall, excellent
restaurants, Cape Dutch architecture, craft markets and oak-lined avenues is a charming
experience. |
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The Constantia Wine Route
Lovers of fine wine will enjoy spending a day on the wine route just five minutes from
home! Rich in heritage and beauty, the Constantia Wine Route comprises, Groot Constantia,
Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Klein Constantia. Constantia was one of the first
wine-producing areas of the Western Cape, and Groot Constantia is one of the first and
finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture.
The most famous of the wine farms, Groot Contantia, also has an interesting wine museum
and boasts a few fine restaurants and tourist shop, not to mention wine sales.
Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Constantia Uitsig and Steenberg farms are all within
a few minutes drive of each other, and all offer wine tasting, purchasing and restaurants.
For those who may not have the time to visit all the farms, the Wine Shop on Constantia
Uitsig sells all the wines from the Constantia Valley and a few selected wines from
wineries outside the area.
Groot Constantia: The homestead is exquisitely furnished with antiques. The Wine Museum
has a number of interesting exhibits, including stoneware dating from 500 BC to the
present day. Wine can be sampled and purchased on the estate. Open daily: 10:00 -
17:00. Wine tours are conducted daily every hour: 11:00 - 15:00. There are two restaurants
on the estate. Closed New Years Day, Good Friday and Christmas Day. To visit the Groot
Constantia website click here.
Buitenverwachting: Buitenverwachting is famed for its fine wines and an elegant
restaurant. Telephone: +27 (0)21 794-5190.
Klein Constantia: Klein Constantia has an old Cape Dutch homestead, open to the public for
wine tasting and sales. To visit the Klein Constantia website to view their beautiful
farm, click here.
Accommodation: Constantia Accommodation
| Constantia
Hotels |
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Hiking Trails of Constantia
The Constantia Valley has been blessed with a temperate climate, an abundance of plant
life and spectacular views. The historical importance of the area adds a further
attraction, and for these reasons an urban trail system has been established. The network
has over 15 km of scenic walks which allow hikers, casual walkers, joggers and horse
riders to enjoy the valley.
Most of the trails run along rivers and are interconnected. Each one is different and you
can choose a trail to suit your mood or your level of fitness. |
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Kirstenbosch National Botanical
Gardens
We are pleasantly situated about a five minute drive from the world famous Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Gardens. Here one can spend hours wandering and relaxing in so many
different areas such as the Fragrance Garden, the Dell, the Cycad Amphitheatre, Matthew's
rockery and the Fynbos Walk. If the more adventurous hikers climb up to the contour path
they are treated to the most magnificent views over the Constantia Valley towards the
False Bay coast line.
The restaurants at Kirstenbosch serve breakfast, tea and lunches and there is also a
coffee shop, nursery and information centre. Guided tours, flower shows, summer sunset
concerts are all on offer. To visit the Kirstenbosch website, click here. |
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Restaurants
Many restaurants of exceptional quality and service are affiliated to the wine estates.
There are plenty of Restaurants in Constantia, ranging from the very upmarket
Buitenverwachting Restaurant, Cellars Restaurant at the Hohenort and Steenberg Restaurant
on the Steenberg Wine Estate.
There are several pub style restaurants such as Peddlars on The Bend, Keg & Coach and
the Tavern. There is variety enough to suit all tastes a short hop away! |
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Shopping
For an unforgettable shopping treat, the Constantia Village Shopping Centre is located at
the heart of the Valley. The Constantia Village shopping centre offers a variety of shops,
free parking, in a convenient, secure shopping environment. Telephone: +27 (0)21 794-5065. |
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Golf
The Cape boasts many fine Golf Courses. Closest to Constantia, are:
Royal Cape Golf Club
Westlake Golf Club
Rondebosch Golf Club
Mowbray Golf Club
Royal Cape Golf Club, Ottery Road, Wynberg, is the oldest club in South Africa and was
given its Royal title in 1910 after a visit by the Duke of Connaught. It has been
host to many SA Opens over the years and has a proud history and golfing tradition. The
championship course has 18 holes that feature 58 bunkers and six beautiful water features.
The course is parkland and one can see beautiful waterfowl as well as the magnificent
Table Mountain as a backdrop whilst playing this esteemed course.
Westlake Golf Club in Lakeside nestles up against the Silvermine Mountains, overlooking
the southern reaches of the Peninsula and False Bay. Westlake is recognised as being the
best winter course in the Cape as when Mother Nature hurls her worst, the gentle sloping
topography allows rainwater to run away. When the "Cape Doctor" - the
prevailing summer South-Easterly wind blows - this benign course is transformed into one
of the most challenging anyone could hope to encounter
Visit the Westlake Golf Club's website by clicking here.
Rondebosch Golf Club: Visitors are most welcome at this magnificent 18 Hole champion
course. Pro golf shop, restaurant and bar. Golf Course Road, off Klipfontein Road,
Rondebosch East. Open daily from 07h30 till late. Closed Easter Friday and Christmas Day.
Mowbray Golf Club, Raapenberg Road, Mowbray: This course has been blessed with awesome
views of Table Mountain. The course is well designed and provides a testing round of golf.
It has also very recently been expertly reshaped and contoured and a few additional water
features added. A golfer is spoilt as there are beautiful tree-lined fairways and the view
from the fifteenth tee has to be seen to be believed! The approach to the clubhouse on the
eighteenth hole also deserves special mention |
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Sports Facilities
Sports facilities in the area include Constantia Health and Racquet Club; Meadowridge
Bowling Club; False Bay Rugby Club; Cape Town Cricket Club; Steenberg Golf Club (a private
golf club). |
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Wynberg Park
Another one of the popular resting places in the area, where folk can wander along the
pretty paths, enjoy the comic actions of the local duck population, or take your family
for a picnic in quiet picturesque surroundings. The Park is adjacent to Chart's Farm where
visitors can hand pick fresh apples, grapes and nectarines, or wander around the beautiful
rose garden and pick your choice of magnificent roses. |
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World of Birds
From Constantia, travel towards Hout Bay for about 15 minutes to find the largest bird
park in Africa, the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a paradise for bird and
nature lovers and photographers. It is one of the really exciting attractions Cape Town
has to offer, just a wingspan down the road! At the world of birds you may see ostriches,
cranes, birds of prey, owls, sea birds of many varieties, plovers, shrikes, hornbills,
finches, lovebirds, and a host of other varieties. Also to be seen are squirrels,
meerkats, monkeys, marmosets and tamarins. |
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The V&A Waterfront
Travel into Cape (about a 20 minute drive) to visit the V&A Waterfront, one of Cape
Town’s biggest tourist attractions. The Waterfront evokes images of the early
activities of the harbour. Much of its charm lies in the fact that this busy commercial
harbour is set in the midst of a huge entertainment venue with pubs, restaurants,
speciality shops, craft markets, theatres and movies.
Seal-watching is an amusing diversion. Visitors to the Two Oceans Aquarium will enjoy a
fascinating underwater world. The Maritime Museum focuses on the history of shipping from
prehistoric times to the present day. Boat trips around the harbour and along the coast
are always popular. Helicopter flips provide a broader perspective. The Information Centre
provides maps and information on special events planned for the day.
To visit the V&A
Waterfront website, click
here.
Accommodation: Find accommodation at the Cape Town Waterfront. |
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24 Lewis Drive
Constantia, 7806
Cape Town
[view map]
Contact:
Des de la Mare
Telephone & Fax:
+27 (0)21 794-5829
Mobile:
+27 (0)83 359-4095
Electronic Mail:
charmien@mweb.co.za |
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Groot Constantia |
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Buitenverwachting |
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Klein Constantia |
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Kirstenbosch Gardens |
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Restaurant at Steenberg |
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Constantia Village |
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Royal Cape Golf Club |
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Westlake Golf Club |
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Mowbray Golf Club |
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World of Birds |
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V&A Waterfront |
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V&A Waterfront |
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V&A Waterfront |
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