Table of contents for Issue 1 2020 in Cape Etc

What a woman Catharina ‘Tryn’ Ustings, the first owner of Steenberg Farm in Tokai, must have been… Originally from Lübeck in northern Germany, she arrived at the Cape in 1662 as a 22-year-old widow and quickly acquired her second husband, a fellow German named Hans Ras. He was stabbed in dramatic fashion on their wedding night, but lived to father four children with her before allegedly being killed by a lion sometime before 17 April 1672, the day on which his widow married her third husband, Francois Champelaer van Ghent. Failing to return from an unauthorised hunting expedition in June 1673, Champelaer was presumed to have been slain by Khoi tribesmen. So on 29 October 1673, Tryn married her fourth husband Laurens Cornelissen van Goteborg, with whom she had two…

BAKOVEN If you’re in the Camps Bay area and looking for a more private day on the beach, sans waves of bronzing bodies, head a bit further along the road (away from the city centre) to Bakoven. It may be tiny in comparison, but it’s a lovely boulder-strewn beach and is usually quiet enough to sunbathe with a book. BLOUBERGSTRAND Blouberg offers the iconic postcard view of Table Mountain, so have your camera at the ready. Kids will love exploring the rock pools, but this is also the place for water sports–when the wind is blowing, while away the afternoon watching the aerobatic skills of wind- and kitesurfers. BOULDERS Just outside of Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is home to a 2 100-strong colony of African or ‘jackass’ penguins (named for…

AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE R46, TOUWS RIVER 021 430 7260, aquilasafari.com This southern Karoo conservancy has been described as ‘a blend of dirty-boot adventure, wildlife education and luxury accommodation’. The cherry on top is the horseback safari, which can be combined with a game drive for a full day spent out in the bush. CAPE POINT 021 780 9010, capepoint.co.za Situated within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is a firm fixture on any Mother City itinerary. Sheer cliffs towering more than 200 m above sea level provide a breathtaking perspective of the park’s biodiversity. Relish a meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant after you’ve enjoyed a day of exploration. GARDEN ROUTE GAME LODGE N2, ALBERTINIA 028 735 1200, grgamelodge.co.za This award-winning lodge conveniently situated on…

34 FINE ART BUCHANAN SQUARE, 160 SIR LOWRY ROAD, WOODSTOCK 082 354 1500, 34fineart.com This gallery was started with the owner’s personal collection of work, but now rotates solo exhibitions by prestigious local and international contemporary artists. Open by appointment only ABE OPPERMAN GALLERY 2ND FLOOR, 5 HUDSON STREET, DE WATERKANT 11 HUGUENOT STREET, FRANSCHHOEK 082 551 9708, abeopperman.co.za The pieces at the Abe Opperman Gallery are an invitation to reconsider modern life’s preoccupation with consumerism, violence, power and other societal ills. De Waterkant: Open weekdays 10 am–6 pm, Saturdays 10 am–3 pm, by appointment only Franschhoek: Open weekdays 9 am–5 pm, weekends 10 am–5 pm THE AVA GALLERY 35 CHURCH STREET, CBD 021 424 7436, ava.co.za The non-profit Association for Visual Arts Gallery focuses on emerging artists. It deals…

ASHANTI DESIGN 77 KLOOF STREET, GARDENS 021 461 0367, ashantidesign.com Add a pop of vibrant colour to your home with the handmade crafts produced from upcycled materials at Ashanti. Furniture, baskets, bags, lampshades and cushions are just some of the items you can buy, with the peace of mind you’ve supported job creation and ethical sourcing of materials. The brand’s signature fabric is handwoven from the fibres of good-quality material that would otherwise end up in landfills. This also means that no two products are the same, making your pick unique. CANAL WALK CENTURY BOULEVARD, CENTURY CITY 021 529 9699, canalwalk.co.za Many retailers’ flagship stores can be found in this sprawling mall, so you can expect an incredible selection of everything from mainstream fashion and homeware shops to African curios…

THE ART OF DU PLICITY It’s the roaring’20s all over again, and we can’t think of a better spot to experience the high fever of that decade than at The Art of Duplicity. If you’re even remotely into a themed establishment, this will be right up your alley, as mixologist Brent Perremore has taken the Prohibition-era concept to exciting new heights. Just getting to the venue is something of a covert operation, with a secret address and password-protected unmarked door (we won’t spoil the fun, but you’ll find it in the East City precinct, home to some of Cape Town’s favourite underground watering holes). Once you’re there, floor-to-ceiling shelves of oddities and elixirs promise a cocktail journey you’ll remember, with concoctions such as the Sicilian Neck Tie (limoncello, lemon juice…

CAPE PENINSULA AMBELOUI 4075 VALLEY ROAD, HOUT BAY ambeloui.co.za The MCCs that start their journey in the Ambeloui vineyards are certainly worth a toast. The small family-run boutique cellar has been producing bubbly for more than two decades, with each vintage named after a family member. Ann Christodoulou, the family matriarch, shares her love of Greek delicacies, and sells spanakopita, bougatsa and baklava from the farm too. Tastings: Only on the estate’s two annual sale days DORRANCE WINES HERITAGE SQUARE, 95 HOUT STREET, CBD 021 422 0695, dorrancewines.com Winemaker Christophe Durand moved from Calvados, France, to Cape Town in 1995. He has since established a premium brand that expresses both South African terroir and French traditions. Visit this atmospheric urban wine cellar with its narrow doorways and exposed-granite walls, then…

GUIDED HIKES Book a walk with one of the following accredited guides. They will be able to advise on how much water to take, and which other mountain essentials you should bring along: HIKE TABLE MOUNTAIN RIAAN VORSTER, 060 539 9340 hiketablemountain.co.za From R850 pp (excluding transport, cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee) TABLE MOUNTAIN WALKS MARGARET CURRAN, 082 920 4679 tablemountainwalks.co.za From R750 pp (excluding cableway fare and Kirstenbosch entrance fee; including transport and picnic lunch) CABLEWAY 021 424 0015, tablemountain.net Looking to take a markedly less tiring route to the top? The rotating cable car promises a spectacular bird’s-eye view of Cape Town, and has attracted more than 27 million visitors since it first opened in 1929. Once you’re at the top, you can walk to various lookout points,…

THE AFRIKAANS LANGUAGE MUSEUM AND MONUMENT MUSEUM: 11 PASTORIE AVENUE, PAARL MONUMENT: GABBEMA DOORDRIFT STREET, PAARL MOUNTAIN, PAARL 021 863 0543, taalmuseum.co.za Erected in 1975, the Taalmonument was designed by architect Jan van Wijk to commemorate 50 years of Afrikaans as an official language separate from Dutch. The museum offers a look into the origins of the language. R40 (monument) and R20 (museum) for adults, R5 for children. Museum open weekdays 9 am–4 pm; monument open daily 8 am–8 pm BO-KAAP MUSEUM* 71 WALE STREET, BO-KAAP 021 481 3938 Restored to represent a 19th-century Muslim household, the museum displays photographic exhibitions documenting the history of the Bo-Kaap community. Take note of the moulded parapet roof, a typical feature of Cape Dutch architecture. R20 for adults, R10 for children. Open Monday…

BAY HARBOUR MARKET 31 HARBOUR ROAD, HOUT BAY 078 613 4532, bayharbour.co.za Housed in an old factory at the working harbour in Hout Bay, this vibey market is a winner. More than 100 stalls offer arts and crafts, and fashion, plus pastries, fruit, ice cream and a host of other gourmet goods. It has a serious green ethos too, aiming to become 100% waste-free. Open Fridays 5–9 pm, weekends 9:30 am–4 pm BLUE BIRD GARAGE FOOD & GOODS MARKET 39 ALBERTYN ROAD, MUIZENBERG 084 405 3544, bluebirdgarage.co.za 39 ALBERTYN ROAD, MUIZENBERG 084 405 3544, bluebirdgarage.co.za Open Fridays 4–10 pm, first Sunday of every month 11 am–4 pm CENTURY CITY NATURAL GOODS MARKET PARK LANE, CENTRAL PARK, CENTURY CITY 021 552 6889, events.centurycity.co.za Support local creative-arts-, crafts- and clothing designers at…

ARABELLA HOTEL & SPA ARABELLA COUNTRY ESTATE, R44 TO KLEINMOND, HERMANUS 028 284 0000, arabellacountryestate.co.za Sometimes, all you need is a weekend filled with rest, relaxation … and a spot of golf. At Arabella Hotel & Spa, the luxurious facilities and world-class service ensure your every whim is catered to–whether indulging in a treatment or teeing off. BANKSIA SPA BANKSIA BOUTIQUE, 14 BANKSIA ROAD, ROSEBANK 021 685 9878, banksia.co.za Tucked away in the landscaped gardens of the elegant Banksia Boutique hotel, this suburban spa ticks all the boxes a top-drawer beauty treatment ought to. Opt to invigorate your skin with a salt-mousse exfoliation or enjoy a mud ritual in the rasul chamber. CAMELOT SPA VAL DE VIE ESTATE, PAARL 021 867 8001, camelotspa.co.za Six luxury treatment rooms and three specialised…

1. BAY HARBOUR MARKET Somehow thriving in an old fish factory on the grounds of a working harbour, this melting pot of South African culture is a year-round favourite for locals and tourists alike. That’s because the title of ‘treasure trove’ was surely conceived with this market in mind. With all to be seen here, from the original artwork and collectable LPs on sale, the hand-tailored sartorial imaginings of local artists on offer, and the curated collections of vintage fashion, to the moreish eats and drink, and the live music, it truly makes for a bounteous Saturday morning. Why not head to the beachfront afterwards? It’s only two minutes away. 31 HARBOUR ROAD, HOUT BAY bayharbour.co.za 2. V&A WATERFRONT The peak of Capetonian hospitality, this 123 ha mishmash of fine…

South Africa’s second-oldest town serves many roles, but for visitors it memorably encapsulates the Cape Dutch splendour found among the rolling vineyards of the Winelands. In this vibrant university town, students wander oak-lined streets and sit at plein-air cafes between lectures in one of Africa’s oldest universities, dating to 1866. Tourists and day trippers browse boutiques and galleries on and around Church Street, soothed by water burbling along irrigation channels, with stately Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings around every corner. Wine-tasting tour buses disgorge happy quaffers on to the pavement, en route to some of the 200-plus wine estates on the surrounding mountain slopes. So rich is the winemaking heritage in the birthplace of Pinotage, created in 1925 by merging Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsaut) grapes, that Stellenbosch Wine…

ACES ‘N’ SPADES 62 HOUT STREET, CBD 021 424 1620, thefirmct.co.za/aces-n-spades This ‘good bar where bad things happen’ is the place to go if you’re looking for a great party. Take the mic on Wednesday nights at karaoke; on Fridays, you can catch a live local act (with no cover charge); and the weekend sees the dance floor full of jollers. Oh, and it’s only rock ‘n’ roll, baby. ALEXANDER BAR 76 STRAND STREET, CBD 079 199 9078, alexanderbar.co.za Alexander Bar is your ticket to travel back in time to the high life of the 1940s. Place your order with the bar via a vintage rotary-dial telephone, leave a message on one of the typewriters, or sit back and sip on the vast selection of SA’s best whiskies, wines and…

WHY VISIT? Few gardens in the world can compare to the majestic setting of Kirstenbosch. Established in 1913, the 36 ha garden is part of a larger 528 ha estate bordering the Table Mountain National Park. It forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site known for its endemism. More than 7 000 species of Cape flora, alongside other plant life from the diverse regions of Southern Africa, are cultivated here. The garden is also home to a wide variety of birds and small animals. WHAT TO SEE AND DO Marvel at South Africa’s national flower in the Protea Garden, wander along the self-guided Braille Trail or take a stroll across the impressive 130 m Boomslang–a wheelchair-friendly canopy walkway with jaw-dropping views–that wends its way…

ARTSCAPE* DF MALAN STREET, FORESHORE 021 410 9800, artscape.co.za Established back in 1971, Artscape is a multifunctional creative centre dedicated to bringing the arts to a wider audience. The opera house seats close to 1 500 people and plays host to large-scale productions such as ballets and classic shows, while smaller performances are staged in the 500-seat Arena theatre. BARNYARD THEATRE TYGER VALLEY SHOPPING CENTRE 021 914 8898, barnyardtheatre.co.za Capetonians love a good party, and live performances and theatre productions rate equally high on the agenda. Since opening in 1996, the Barnyard Theatre has staged show after show to sold-out crowds. With a full menu and drinks list at your disposal, sit back and partake in the variety of productions on offer–from’80s rock retrospectives and children’s theatre to intimate concerts,…

AFROGEM 181 BUITENGRACHT STREET, CBD 021 424 0848, afrogem.co.za The production tour offers a glimpse of what goes into each stunning creation. BOUTIQUE HAUTE HORLOGERIE VICTORIA WHARF, V&A WATERFRONT 021 418 1889, architectsoftime.co.za Expect a luxury line-up of timepieces, with the likes of Richard Mille, Piguet, Parmigiani, Zenith, Hermès, Dior and Ebel timepieces. BROWNS CANAL WALK, CENTURY CITY 021 555 2196, brownsjewellers.com With outlets across South Africa, this family-owned diamond store epitomises exceptional quality, enduring designs and outstanding customer service. CAPE DIAMOND EXCHANGE 73 ST GEORGES MALL, CBD 021 422 2350, capediamondexchange.com Industry authority and current Cape Diamond Exchange owner Mr Poldy puts his expertise to work at this boutique. It offers a range of jewellery and handcrafted pieces, set and unset certified diamonds and tanzanite, and a soughtafter selection…

ACROBRANCH 1 HOUT BAY MAIN ROAD, CONSTANTIA NEK 086 999 0369, acrobranch.co.za Take to the trees with fun activities for the whole family. There are two courses for little ones, while adults and teens can tackle a slightly more thrilling elevated experience. All three courses combine the adventure of zip lines, moving planks, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and more. The park caters for kids’ birthday parties and corporate team building too. From R140–R280 ALPACA LOOM SUID-AGTER PAARL ROAD, SOUTHERN PAARL 084 793 3666, alpacas.co.za Kids are in for an interactive experience at the alpaca petting zoo, where they have the chance to get up close to these creatures. If they still have some energy left after, they can let loose on the jungle gym while parents park off for a…