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Sightseeing through the Historic Heart of the Cape Peninsula October 15, 2008

Posted by dodo in : Africa, Beach Resorts, Cape Town, Rail Pass, Restaurant, South Africa, Tour, Travel Clinic, Trip , trackback

The Cape Peninsula has a rich history. Here is a short drive that allows time to savour it. Our route leads through avenues of ancient oaks, past vineyards nearly three centuries old, to several places that share a peaceful, old-world charm — from the cool of Groot Constantia’s cellars to the romance of small fishing boats in Hout Bay Harbour.

The low bridge of land between Table Mountain and Lion’s Head is known as Kloof Nek. Drive to here from the city centre by driving along Adderley Street towards the mountain, turning right at the end of Adderley Street into Wale Street, then taking the 6th left turn, into Buitengracht, which becomes Kloof Nek Road.

Driving clockwise around the Kloof Nek traffic islands, take the 4th exit (uphill). Follow this road along the ‘lion’s back‘ to Signal Hill, from where there are fine views in all directions.

Return to the city centre and turn right at the harbour end of Adderley Street, taking the N2 towards the airport. As the road dips, behind Groote Schuur Hospital, move into the secondfrom-right lane. The two right lanes veer right and become the M3 towards Muizenberg. Immediately after this, take the first exit left, to reach Mostert’s Mill.

Travel Guidebook

On leaving Mostert’s Mill, drive downhill along Rhodes Avenue and turn right at the traffic lights into Main Road. After 600 m turn right, uphill, into Woolsack Drive, then follow the signs back onto the M3 towards Muizenberg. As soon as you rejoin the M3 you will see the University of Cape Town on the mountainside to your right, and after 1,2 km you pass the Groote Schuur Estate on your left.

The road runs along the edge of Newlands Forest, then dips to the left. Select the right lane and turn right at the first traffic lights into another Rhodes Avenue. 1,7km later, turn right into Kirstenbosch (small entrance fee).

Kirstenbosch to Silvermine Reserve

Leaving Kirstenbosch, turn right into Rhodes Avenue, then right 700m later at the T- junction. The road winds up the mountainside to Constantia Nek. At the traffic circle, turn left into Constantia Main Road (first exit) and note your kms. After 3,3 km turn right, and follow this side road into the Groot Constantia estate. (Two restaurants here offer lunch.)

Leave Groot Constantia and turn right into Constantia Main Road — noting your kms. After 900 m turn right into Ladies Mile Road Extension. 1 km later, turn right at the traffic lights into Spaanschemat River Road, noting your kms. Follow this road for 6,9 km (it keeps changing name) then turn right onto the Ou Kaapse Weg (old Cape road), which leads up the Steenberg mountainside.

There is a straight stretch of road at the top of the pass. If you have already lunched, turn right at the end of this stretch into a large parking area. There is a splendid view from here over the Tokai and Constantia valleys, and the backs of Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak. If you plan a picnic, ignore this turn and take the first left turn, 600m further, into the eastern section of the Silvermine Nature Reserve (small entrance fee). In the reserve, follow the gravel road leading to the left of the small pine forest. It leads past several picnic spots with splendid views. (Braai places, water and toilets.)

Silvermine to Hout Bay

Retrace your route to Constantia Nek, then drive straight on past the traffic island, noting your kms. The road winds down into Hout Bay valley through cool green tunnels of oaks. After 5,6km you pass the old Kronendal homestead on your left. 1,1 km after this, turn right into Princess Street. (To continue straight will bring you after 5,7km to a magnificent viewsite at the highest point on Chapman’s Peak Drive) Turn left at the T-junction into Hout Bay Harbour Road. Park after 300m, to walk into the harbour area — usually full of picturesque fishing boats and yachts.

When you leave the harbour, drive back along Hout Bay Harbour Road, pass the T- junction, and follow the road you are on, now called Victoria Avenue, as it climbs up the side of Little Lion’s Head and over Hout Bay Nek. 800 m after driving over the Nek there is an attractive view from a parking area on your left.

Drive along the coast road beneath the Twelve Apostles. As you enter Bakoven (the first built-up area you reach) turn right into Houghton Road. When this ends in a T- junction, turn right into Camps Bay Drive, which leads you back to Kloof Nek. At the Kloof Nek traffic islands turn right (uphill) onto Table Mountain Road. Note your kms as you pass the cableway station. After 2,1 km, park on the left — for a fine view of the face of Table Mountain, Kloof Nek and Lion’s Head, and the city spread out below.

Drive back to Kloof Nek, and now take the second exit left (Kloof Road). After 2,1 km turn right at the T-junction and follow the road as it winds behind Clifton. 1,2 km later, just before turning the headland and leaving Clifton, park in the narrow area on your right. Cross the road for a splendid evening vista — before driving on through Sea Point into the city.

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Sightseeing through the Historic Heart of the Cape Peninsula

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