Top Things To Do In Constantia
Just 30-minutes from the centre of Cape Town, Constantia Valley truly is Cape Town’s Vineyard. Nestled beneath Table Mountain National Park among the vistas of the Constantiaberg and Table Mountain ranges, lies Constantia, the oldest wine-making region in the southern hemisphere. Filled with heritage and landscapes of unsurpassed beauty, Constantia is renowned for its vineyards, pristine Wine Estates, exceptional wine, and unrivalled natural beauty. As Cape Town’s oldest suburb, it exudes an air of elegance and prosperity.
The Constantia Valley has an appeal that offers something of interest to everyone. While Constantia is beloved for its stunning scenery, Cape history, and award-winning wine estates & restaurants – this breathtaking part of Cape Town is filled with adrenaline-pumping adventures, remarkable natural gems, and countless exciting experiences – you just need to know where to look!
From invigorating hikes along scenic trails, mountain ranges & greenbelts, horseback excursions, picnics, festivals, markets, and thrilling adrenaline adventure sports & activities to wine tastings at historic vineyards (to mention merely a few) – the possibilities are truly endless! Whether relishing in nature’s beauty or savouring fine wines, Constantia promises a fulfilling escape for all.
To ensure your visit to Constantia is filled with as much excitement, beauty & adventure as Constantia itself – We’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Constantia.
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#Go on a Constantia Wine Walk: A captivating journey through the valley’s history
Described as “a sip-and-stroll storytelling journey through Cape Town’s most iconic vineyards”, The Constantia Wine Walk has to be one of the most carefully curated things to do in Constantia.
This immersive walking tour visits three iconic wine farms – Groot Constantia, Klein Constantia, and Buitenverwachting – on private trails in the Constantia Valley. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, guests will have to opportunity to taste 10 wines, enjoy a delicious harvest platter lunch & hear the fascinating untold stories of Constantia.
The Constantia Wine Walk offers Classic Tours, Group Tours & Private Tours – thereby catering to absolutely everyone. **Click HERE to find out more information about the famous Constantia Wine Walk & to make a booking!
- When: Selected days, see here for availability. Tour starts at 8.30am, ends at 1.30pm
- Where: Meet at Groot Constantia Red Bus parking area in Constantia
- Website: www.constantiawinewalk.co.za
- Contact details: For more information contact [email protected] | [email protected] | 079 728 6457
- Booking: Click HERE to book your spot right away – trust us, this is one unforgettable experience you definitely don’t want to miss out on!
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#Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View from a Zipline Tour
Why experience Cape Town’s beautiful surroundings at ground level when you can fly over it? SA Forest Adventures offers an exhilarating ziplining tour in Constantia that is undoubtedly a bucket list worthy experience in every way!
Clip onto a wire, suspended 508ft (155m) above the ground, and hurtle between 12 platforms, dotted along the treetop canopy. Keep your eyes peeled for roving wildlife below. It’s not for vertigo sufferers, but unmissable for those with a taste for adrenaline.
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#Explore the Alphen Trail
The Alphen Trail, in the heart of Constantia Valley, is a beloved green belt walk. You can start at either end of the trail, but most choose the bend on Alphen Drive near Constantia Main Road by the charming Alphen Hotel – a national monument.
The trail follows the scenic Diep River to Constantiaberg Mountain, offering paths on both sides with numerous bridges. Lush grass plains, shadowing trees, along the incredible skyline, and Le Sueur Meadow await at the Hohenort end. It’s a haven for families and dog lovers on clear weekend mornings and afternoons. This trail is a soul-calming journey with breathtaking views and fresh air.
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#Go Horse-Riding from Chart Farm Coffee Shop
A hot cup of artisan coffee and a horse-riding session might sound like an odd combination, but Chart Farm offers both to its visitors – as well as having the only rose garden on the Cape Peninsula where you can pick and choose your own roses. The horse-riding tours allow you to take in the extensive gardens in style, as well as ride to the neighbouring vineyards. The coffee shop, meanwhile, offers a range of locally sourced meals and tantalising cakes, alongside their signature brew.
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#Visit Groot Constantia Wine Estate for a tasting, tour & cultural history experience all-in-one
Of all things to do in Constantia, Groot Constantia is probably the most famous. The oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa is one of Cape Town’s ‘Big 6’, a group of iconic destinations across the wider city area. It offers various experiences including the Visitors Route, the Jonkershuis and Simon’s restaurants, voice map walking tours, a wine and gift shop, and more.
On the Visitors Route, guests can explore the original Cape Dutch Manor House visit the Cloete Cellar, enjoy the wine and cultural history museums, visit the tasting room for a wine tasting, and observe wine storage and drinking vessels from antiquity to the early 20th century. They also receive free access to three audio walking tours of the vineyards, the historical manor house, and the modern-day production cellar.
- Where: Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
- Website: www.grootconstantia.co.za
- Contact details: [email protected] | 021 7945 128
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#Dine at Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia
Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia is not only one of the most beautiful wine farms and restaurants in one – but it is, in every sense, one of the finest gastronomic experiences a foodie can enjoy in the Mother City.
Critics and food fans alike agree, Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia is a winner! Things are kept fun, fresh, and positively stunning – and the result is mesmerizing. The setting, food, and service are all world-class – So be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Where: Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia, Constantia Main Road, Glen Alpine, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Contact details: 021 794 8632
- Website: www.beauconstantia.com/eat
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#Discover & Explore Silvermine Nature Reserve
Discover the natural wonders of Silvermine Nature Reserve, a short 18-minute drive from Constantia. The Silvermine Nature Reserve spans mountains, valleys, and coastlines, and forms part of the Table Mountain National Park – an incredibly important conservation area for indigenous fynbos vegetation.
Entrance to the Reserve is at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg – boasting breathtaking city views extending to Tygerberg Hills – where a small fee is charged.
Wind through the abundance of fynbos, home to unique Cape Floral Kingdom plants. The reserve offers marked mountain biking trails, bird watching, and hikes, attracting avid adventurers, eager explorers, and nature-loving locals and tourists alike. A brief trek leads to a panoramic viewpoint stretching from False Bay to Cape Point – it is utterly breathtaking! There are several picnic areas scattered throughout the reserve, where you can take a moment to sit back, relax & enjoy a snack all while admiring the spectacular views.
Visit the historic Silvermine reservoir and explore Muizenberg’s rock climbing and sandstone caves. Cruise down to Sun Valley, Noordhoek, and nearby beaches. Explore Fishhoek, Simons Town, and Cape Point for naval history and vibrant experiences.
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#Visit the Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig
While Uitsig Vineyard attracts plenty of visitors, there’s another attraction nearby with a very different appeal. The Chris Nixon Bike Park has almost 2.1mi (3.5km) of bike routes, ranging from gentle circular routes to more advanced trails featuring jumps, wooden berms, and even a sky bridge.
The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig is the perfect place to improve those bike handling skills and have fun on the track. Visitors can shred through the park or enjoy a peaceful ride at their leisure. Those without their own bikes are also free to join in on the fun, as various bikes are available to rent.
The venue is suitable for all ages and is also a workshop for all bicycle repairs, including road bikes. Skills Coaching is available on site – so if you’ve ever wanted to learn downhill mountain biking, BMX or cyclocross, this is the place for you – as well as a coffee bar for when you might need a breather.
- Where: The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig, Spaanschemat River Rd, Porter Reform Estate, Cape Town
- Website: www.bikeparkatuitsig.co.za
- Contact details: [email protected] | 081 833 4488
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#Spend the day at the Earth Fair Food & Craft Market
The Earth Fair Market beams good vibes and family festive fun, featuring live music from local artists and a wide selection of amazing breads, cheeses, and all sorts of cuisine to savour. The Earth Fair’s artisanal food vendors serve a wide spectrum of foods from across the world.
Visitors can peruse the Earth Fair’s wide range of farm-fresh produce, pasture-reared meat, poultry, and vegetables. Don’t forget to bring the kids along too for some fabulous family fun! At the market you can grab some food, do some shopping, explore the craft traders, and enjoy incredible live music from some of the best local talent. The market’s long benches make it an ideal spot to hang out and soak up the vibrant market atmosphere – over a craft ale and some chunky biltong – why not?
There are also great outdoor seating areas and grass patches, so if you wish, you can bring your picnic blanket and basket along and enjoy the fresh air under the trees or soak up the glorious Cape Town sun.
- Where: Cnr St Joans Rd & Timour Hall Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
- Website: www.earthfairmarket.co.za
- Email: [email protected]
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#Go Golfing in The 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 its excellent greens and fairway- making it the best golfing spot under the shade of the glorious Table Mountain.
The 18-hole Steenberg Golf Club is 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.
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#Go Wine Tasting at Buitenverwachting Wine Farm
Beautiful Buitenverwachting has plenty to offer visitors, with its classy restaurant, amazing wines and incredible Constantia Wine Valley views, it is an experience from the moment you set foot on its grounds.
The wine tasting at this prestigious estate is held in the historic wine cellar, where the interiors are casual, calming, and comfortable. Sit inside and sip or enjoy a glass out on the lawns with your friends and loved ones – the choice is yours and either option is ideal.
- Where: Buitenverwachting Wine Farm, 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Contact details: 021 794 5190/1
- Website: www.buitenverwachting.com
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#Have some climbing fun at Acrobranch Constantia
Those craving some adventure for the whole family need look no further than the thrilling Acrobranch Constantia. Here, co-workers, friends & families can enjoy taking to the tree tops. And for kids, there’s an Acro-twigs adventure course, a 1.4-metre Swinging Tarzan and so much more to enjoy.
Each of Acrobranch’s three courses are carefully supervised by experienced guides and the safe harnesses keep your bodies secure – so everyone can enjoy a great time climbing through the tree tops, with quality peace of mind in tact.
- Where: Acrobranch Constantia, 1 Hout Bay Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town, Western Cape
- Website: www.acrobranch.co.za
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#Dine at La Colombe
La Colombe is arguably the best restaurant in Constantia. In 2020 alone, it was awarded Trip Advisor’s #13 for Top Fine Dining in the World – and #1 in Africa – along with The World Culinary Awards prize for Best Restaurant in Africa and the 3 Plates Award from the JHP Gourmet Guide. The courses utilize local ingredients in a kind of alchemy that intrigues and mystifies, plus the menus are seasonal, so repeat visits guarantee a different experience.
- Where: Silvermist Wine Estate, Main Road, Constantia Nek, Cape Town
- Website: www.lacolombe.restaurant
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#Hike the De Hel Nature Walk
De Hel spans 21ha (52 acres) across the lush lower eastern slope of Table Mountain, just 1.5mi (2.5km) from Constantia. It was here that the Dutch East India Company built three houses in 1714, complete with orchards and manicured gardens.
Today, nothing is left of this settlement aside from a few fruit trees. There are a number of trails through Del Hel, but the 1.7mi (2.7km) nature loop is one of the most popular. The wide, gentle paths make it suitable for all skill levels. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful local birds, like the Knysna warbler and the endangered Western Leopard Toad.
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#Visit the Constantia Shopping Village
The Constantia Shopping Village is the ideal hybrid of a shopping mall and market square, lined with boutique independent shops alongside recognisable chains. Common complaints about shopping districts being soulless don’t apply here, as all the greenery of Constantia is on display, making it a pleasant place to stroll around. Meanwhile pick up a good read at Exclusive Books, or tuck into a hearty curry at the Raj.
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#Follow the Wine Route
Dating back to 1685, Constantia is the oldest wine region in South Africa – boasting 10 award-winning wine estates and boutique wineries. The area’s climate favors the production of white wines – notably Sauvignon Blanc – and it’s renowned for sweet wines dating back to the 17th century. Be sure to visit Groot Constantia, the very first South African wine farm, and indulge in wine tasting and gourmet food al fresco.
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#Nature Plays: Forest School
Nature Plays is the first forest school in South Africa. Here children play, create, learn and explore outside in the beautiful forests of Constantia. Kids have the opportunity to connect to nature, learn about the natural environment, and the freedom to play out in the open with beautiful fresh air and ample space to be young and wild.
These empowering experiences allow children to develop confidence, creativity, resilience, collaboration and problem-solving skills that will help them on their journey through life. Nature Plays welcomes children from 2 to 10 years old. It has daily sessions during the week whilst the school term is running, and a nature holiday club every school holiday.
- Where: Greenbelt Forest, Alphen Dr, Constantia, Cape Town
- Website: www.natureplays.com
- Contact details: [email protected] | 060 947 5067
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