Things to do in Constantia

The beautiful neighbourhood of Constantia is a combination of suburban life, history, stunning topography and well-manicured winelands. With the back of the Table Mountain as the backdrop, Constantia is situated in a low lying area known as Constantia Valley, just 15 minutes south of the Cape Town city centre.

In 1685, Simon van der Stel, then governor of the Cape Colony, established a small settlement with an adjacent wine farm known as Groot Constantia, on 763 hectares of land he had received from Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede, Lord of Mijdrecht and visiting Commissioner of the Dutch East India Company earlier that year. Van der Stel named the farm after Van Rheede’s daughter. The homestead has grown in the last 300 years to become one of the best suburbs in South Africa.

Although the valley has undergone a modern facelift, it has retained its rural character. Staying at Paradiso Guesthouse allows to experience Constantia Valley greenbelt, world-class golf courses, well-cultivated botanical gardens, award-winning restaurants and vineyards.

Wine And Dine

With the oldest vineyard in Africa, Groot Constantia Wine Estate, located in it's confines, Constantia Winelands route is credited for giving the to the wine industry in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 1685 Groot Constantia, gives visitors a history of the area and an exciting wine tasting experience. The nearby Buitenverwachting Wine Farm, founded in 1796, is renowned for its award-winning wine. The Steenberg Wine Farm has a vineyard, golf course and restaurant, while the Eagle's Nest is renowned for it's excellent wine tours.

Indulge in great cuisine at the award-winning La Colombe Restaurant at Constantia Uitsig Wine Farm and Catharina's at Steenberg Wine Farm. For a laidback ambience, visit Bella Lucia in Chelsea Village and the Simon's restaurant at Groot Constantia.

Constantia’s Greenbelt: Walking and Hiking Trails

Constantia Valley's topography, vegetation and location near Table Mountain makes it an ideal walking and hiking spot. The area offers a number of trails, with each one offering a different experience.
For a scenic hike with the family, take the 8km Hole in the Wall Trail. Starting at the back of Table Mountain on Constantia Nek, takes you through the stunning De Villiers Reservoir, along the ridge above Orange Kloof, the Bushman's Overhang and Hole in the Wall( a hole in a rock from which the trail derives it's name).

With plenty of space and vegetation, the Brommersvlei Walk is the ideal spot for dog-lovers. Starting at Rathfelder Avenue, the walk ends at the Bel Ombre Meadow, offering spectacular views of the mountain along the way.

If you're looking for a longer walk, explore the scenic De Hel Nature Area. Bordered by Constantia Nek to the west, Rhodes Drive to the north and Southern Cross Drive to the southeast, the 55-minute walk through the grassland is nothing short of exhilarating.

Other popular walks in the area include the Doordrift Walk, The Alphen Trail and The Silverhurst Trail.

Golfing at Constantia Valley

With alluring views of the back of Table Mountain as the backdrop, Constantia Valley houses three top golf courses.

In the heart of the valley is the Royal Cape Golf Club, a treasure to the global golfing scene. Founded in 1895, the golf course is the oldest in Africa, and is famous for it's excellent greens and fairway- making it the best golfing spot under the shade of the glorious Table Mountain.

A few kilometres away from our guesthouse is the 18 hole Steenberg Golf Club. Situated in a wine estate, the Steenberg Vineyards, the course features well-manicured green, world class facilities and even has holes hidden in the vineyards!

Situated at the foot of the Silvermine Mountains, the Westlake Golf Club has soft greens, challenging water hazards and bunkers. After an exhilarating round of golfing, take some time to unwind at the club's hospitable 19th hole and pro shop.

Nature

Constantia is bordered by Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Silvermine Nature Reserve and the Tokai Arboretum, making it one of the greenest spots in the Cape Town.

Covering an area of 528 hectares, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens supports over 7 000 plant species.Within the botanical gardens is the Cape Peninsula Botanical Garden- home to over 2 500 indigenous plant species. A number of international concerts are also hosted at the gardens throughout the year. For an eye-opening look into local biodiversity and beauty, or even an exciting night out, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens are the ideal place.

The Silvermine Nature Reserve is situated on the Table Mountain National Park. The nature reserve is home to local Fynbos. The nature reserve has intimate picnic spots near the Silvermine Reservoir, excellent walking and hiking trails.

With over 274 tree species, The Tokai Arboretum has something for everyone. Cyclists and hikers can explore the challenging routes which run along the slopes of Constantiaberg mountains. Tree-lovers and picnic-seekers can unwind under the shade of the 1555 tree species at the nature conservation area. Tea is served at Lister’s Place, in the heart arboretum.