Constantia, a wealthy Cape Town neighbourhood in South Africa, is located about 15 kilometres south of the city’s core. It is regarded as one of South Africa’s most elite neighbourhoods. East of and at the base of the Constantiaberg peak is the Constantia Valley. Low pass connecting Constantia Nek to Hout Bay in the west.
This beautiful region, which is located in one of Cape Town’s greenest areas, was previously dominated by agriculture and vineyards. Here, grand estates, protracted driveways, and streets lined with oak trees all scream “old money” and “style.”
Constantia is a suburb zealously guarded by its residents, who have a very active ratepayers organization. You can still find a few country lanes and horses there, as well as a few green belts for walking the dog or stretching your legs.
Numerous areas of Constantia are next to or border one of the Cape’s oldest wine roads, which is made up of ancient vines. Along with Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Uitsig, and Steenberg, it also includes the cellars of Simon van der Stell’s original farm, Groot Constantia, whose gardens are open for picnics on the weekends.
History Of Constantia, Cape Town
One of Cape Town’s oldest townships, Constantia is well-known for its wine. Simon van der Stel, the Dutch Colonial Governor of Cape Town, established the Groot Constantia (Great Constantia) estate in 1685. The oldest estate, Steenberg (Mountain of Stone), built in 1682, as well as Buitenverwachting (Beyond Expectations), Klein Constantia (Small Constantia), and Constantia Uitsig are other prominent wineries in the region (View of Constantia). The area was well known for exporting Vin de Constance, a sweet dessert wine, before the 20th century. The emergence of a parasite that attacked the vines in the Cape many years ago hindered the trade.
Sheik Abdurachman Matebe Shah and his companion Sheikh Mahmoud were deported to Constantia by the Dutch in 1661, following the Dutch conquest of Sumatra. One of the three individuals who introduced Islam to South Africa at its beginning is thought to be Sheik Abdurachman. On the spot where Sheik Abdurachman is believed to have passed away in 1681 or 1682, the kramat in Klein Constantia was constructed.
Constantia Map
Street-level detail map of Constantia with prominent landmarks like Klein and Groot Constantia and the shopping centre Constantia Village. Numerous areas of Constantia are next to or border one of the Cape’s oldest wine roads, which is made up of ancient vines.
What Is Constantia Know For?
Constantia is a well-known wine-producing area and one of the oldest in the southern hemisphere. It is home to at least ten wine farms, eight of which are included in an official wine route. Numerous operators offer tours of the Constantia wine route where visitors can take part in wine tastings at the farms. There are numerous walks and hikes that include the popular Alphen trail near the Alphen Hotel and the Sillery walk along the Spaanschemacht River. The Tokai forest is also popular with mountain bikers and the arboretum is a lovely spot for tea.
Top Places To Visit In Constantia, Cape Town
Westlake Gold Club
Only 25 minutes from the heart of Cape Town, Westlake’s 18-hole golf course is located at the base of the Silvermine mountains in a stunning environment teeming with birdlife.
Constantia Village
Constantia Town, located in the centre of the Constantia district, offers all the conveniences of a mall while yet having the feel of a village square thanks to its spacious layout. Numerous upscale cafes, restaurants, designer shops, and well-known retail businesses may be found here. At Constantia Village, you can find anything you need, from a romantic dinner for two to some retail therapy.
Steenberg Golf Estate
The 18-hole Steenberg Golf Estate course dubbed a “Green Haven,” is located on a thriving winery at the base of the Constantiaberg Mountains, close to five-star restaurants, a spa, and a two-tier driving range. The golfing elite appreciates Steenberg Golf Club’s excellent service and all-around remarkable experience. The course is generally in good shape and not very difficult.
Things To See and Do In Constantia, Cape Town
Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View from a Zipline Tour
When you can soar over Cape Town’s breathtaking surroundings, why enjoy them from the ground up? Constantia ziplining tours are available through SA Forest Adventures. Hurtle between 12 platforms dotted along the treetop canopy by holding onto a wire hung 508 feet (155 meters) above the ground. Keep an eye out for any stray creatures down below. It is not recommended for individuals who have vertigo, yet it is a must-see for adrenaline junkies.
Horse-Riding from Chart Farm Coffee Shop
Horseback riding and a steaming cup of speciality coffee may seem like an unusual pair, but Chart Farm offers both to its guests in addition to having the only Cape Peninsula rose garden where you may select and choose your own roses. You can enjoy the expansive gardens and rides to the nearby vineyards on horseback riding tours. Along with their trademark brew, the coffee shop also serves a variety of meals made with ingredients that are found locally and delicious cakes.
Hike The De Hel Nature Walk
Just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometres) from Constantia, De Hel sprawls across 21 ha (52 acres) on the beautiful lower eastern slope of Table Mountain. Three homes with orchards and well-kept gardens were constructed here in 1714 by the Dutch East India Company. Only a few fruit trees remain in this town now. There are many trails in Del Hel, but one of the most well-liked is the 1.7-mile (2.7-kilometre) nature loop. All skill levels can use it thanks to the wide, easy routes. Watch out for colourful neighbourhood birds like the Knysna Warbler and the critically endangered Western Leopard Toad.
Dine On Local Cuisine At La Colombe
Undoubtedly, La Colombe is the best dining establishment in Constantia. It won the World Culinary Awards medal for Best Restaurant in Africa, the 3 Plates Award from the JHP Gourmet Guide, and Trip Advisor’s #1 ranking for Top Fine Dining in the World and #1 in Africa in 2020 alone. The menus vary seasonal, so returning ensures a unique experience. The courses use local ingredients in a kind of alchemy that excites and mystifies.
Explore the Chris Nixon Bike Park on Two Wheels
While Uitsig Vineyard draws a sizable number of tourists, there is a nearby site with a totally different draw. The over 2.1 mi (3.5 km) of bike routes at the Chris Nixon Bike Park range from easy circular paths to more difficult trails with jumps, wooden berms, and even a sky bridge. This is the place for you if you’ve ever wanted to learn cyclocross, BMX, or downhill mountain biking, while experienced riders have plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves.
Shop at the Earth Fair Market
The Earth Fair Market is a gem in the crown of the South Palms Centre, which is home to several high-quality businesses. The market, which sells fresh produce, handcrafted clothing, and jewellery, is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On Wednesday and Friday evenings, there is also delectable hot cuisine, beverages, and even live music. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in the atmosphere while enjoying a craft beer and some hearty biltong because of the soft lighting and long benches.
Follow the Wine Route
Constantia, the oldest wine region in South Africa, was established in 1685 and is home to 10 award-winning wine estates and boutique wineries. The region is known for its sweet wines, which date back to the 17th century, and its environment favours the development of white wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc. Visit Groot Constantia, the first wine farm in South Africa, to indulge in wine tasting and fine dining outdoors.
Best Accommodation In Constantia, Cape Town
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Steenberg Hotel
The five-star hotel offers opulent lodging options, such as elegant heritage suites, modern premier rooms, family rooms, and charming sunny barn rooms in addition to those in the old Manor House. Your home away from home may be created by combining two top-notch restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, and an award-winning vineyard.
Constantia Cottages
Constantia Cottages has received a recommendation from the AA Quality Assured Accommodation Program and is conveniently located near the area’s eateries and major attractions.
Dongala House
The stunning Constantia Green Belt is bordered by this opulent guest house. Eight vineyards, bars, top-notch restaurants that can accommodate any taste or budget, golf courses, and the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are all located close by. What more is there to ask for? How about luxurious lodging and business amenities? Done.
Paradiso
A family-run guesthouse and self-catering home, Paradiso is located in a peaceful area with trees and offers warm and attentive care to its visitors. It also offers sweeping views of the Constantia valley and its wine vineyards as well as the distant Constantiaberg Mountains.
The Alphen Boutique Hotel
Escape to a world of modern glitz and sensual delights where the character and charm of a classical heritage seamlessly meld with contemporary finishes and unexpected design elements.
Silvermist Mountain Lodge
With 22 self-catering cottages, this rustic magnificent 60-acre resort is minutes from Cape Town’s great beaches, Constantia wine fields, and restaurants. It is located on the forested Southern slopes of Table Mountain and within the Table Mountain National Park.
Top Restaurants And Bars In Constantia, Cape Town
Peddlars And Co
The nearby Oak Terrace offers a sunny, outside location for relaxed dining with family and friends. Expect ample amounts of starters, salads, seafood, and burgers in a comfortable setting. Peddlers may have changed much, but they are still regarded as a valley tradition.
Primi Buzz
The Constantia branch of the well-known Primi Piatti chain is a mainstay in the Old Village Square at Constantia Village. The restaurant welcomes families and serves a variety of meals including pasta, pizzas, burgers, and more. The food is healthful and reasonably priced.
Foxcroft
Foxcroft, which was named EatOut’s Best New Restaurant for 2016, has quickly gained popularity among Cape Town’s foodies. It’s simple to understand why Cape Town has fallen in love with this establishment given that it features a bakery that creates some of the most delicious sweets (#MacaronMondays is making Mondays great again), tapas served among oak trees and a fine dining menu.
Harbour House & La Parada
The Harbour House Group undertook extensive renovations at Constantia Nek, the oldest restaurant in Cape Town, and it currently includes both a Harbour House Restaurant and a La Parada. The former offers delectable, light meals that are fresh and tempting, together with stunning views of the lovely Constantia valley, while the latter offers some of the greatest tapas in the area that is inspired by Spain. The best of both worlds combined with an unbeatable view!
La Colombe & The Green Vine Eatery
The Green Vine Eatery, which offers breakfast, platters, and wine tastings, and the famed fine dining establishment La Colombe are both located on the grounds of the Silvermist Wine Estate. The restaurant’s views are very amazing, and at La Colombe, they are even more so. While La Colombe offers fine dining at its finest with gourmet cuisine and some of the greatest wines available, The Eatery is cosy and radiates natural warmth making it a fantastic alternative for cosy winter lunches.
The Bay Sports Bar
The Bay Sports Bar resides in the False Bay Rugby Club and is something of a hidden gem. The restaurant offers a straightforward menu with generous servings at competitive costs. It is ideal for families because it has a wonderful outdoor play area for children and a marquee that is frequently set up for test matches. It is also a terrific spot to watch rugby because it has several inside flat screens.