Straddling the route from the City Bowl to Lion’s Head and over to Camps Bay, Tamboerskloof has always been a magnet for travellers. Hostel manager Doniel Prezence gives us a local’s tour of the area.
General Manager of Cape Town Backpackers
‘After months of travelling, the owner Andrew Fenner – originally from London – fell in love with Cape Town and started his dream: to open up a hostel. That was back in 2007. I’ve been working at the backpackers a while now – I love meeting people from all walks of life, so it’s a good t for me. Cape Town has a lot to offer, whether you’re the type who enjoys scenic experiences or you’re just looking for a good time in the city. This area around Kloof Nek Road and Kloof Street has many restaurants and bars – great for pub crawls – and vintage-clothing shops and antique stores. It’s not far from the city centre and the Company’s Gardens. There are also some good art galleries, such as Salon Ninety One and Erdmann Contemporary in Kloof Street, and Christopher Moller in Kloof Nek.’ 81 New Church Street, 0214260200
Image from Cape Town Backpackers
Grab a coffee
‘The Power & The Glory has a wonderful atmosphere and great location. It makes a mean mocha.’ 13d Kloof Nek Road, 0214222108 ‘Knead is an artisanal bakery at Lifestyle on Kloof [it roasts its own beans to make Bakers Coffee]. I always order the scrambled-egg croissant.’ 50 Kloof Street, 0214241666
Image from Knead
Local cuisine
‘The food at El Burro Taqueria is really tasty. Its quesadillas are my favourite, not to mention the variety of tequilas!’ Corner of New Church Street and Kloof Nek Road, 0214223554 ‘Beleza is a Portuguese and Italian place that serves incredible pasta dishes [it also has a vintage-clothing store inside].’ Corner of Kloof Nek and Burnside Road, 0214260795
Image from El Burro Taqueria
Get social
‘There is a wonderful new hangout called Publik Wine Bar, with a variety of local wines and an international menu.’ 11D Kloof Nek Road. ‘Asoka is a bar-lounge with comfy sofas and a nightlife vibe.’ 68 Kloof Street, 0214220909. ‘Yours Truly has a spectacular top deck with great lighting. It’s a good spot for sharing a bottle of wine with friends.’ 73 Kloof Street, 0214262587
Image by Yours Truly
Unique finds
‘Ashanti Design sells handmade, traditional African crafts and furniture items with inspiring and vibrant colours.’ 77 Kloof Street, 021-461-0367 ‘You can taste Japanese whiskies at Kyoto Garden Sushi. It claims to have the biggest selection in SA.’ 11 Kloof Nek Road, 0214222001
Image from Kyoto Garden Sushi
Lion’s Head
Kosta Papageorgiou, guide
Take a hike up to the top of Lion’s Head on a clear afternoon for sunset views of Camps Bay.Image by Teagan Cunniffe
‘I love hiking Lion’s Head because of the variety it offers as a trail, with the view changing as you ascend – you get to see Table Mountain and a 360-degree view of the city and ocean.’ Famous for its monthly full-moon hikes, Kosta recommends going up Lion’s Head in time to see the sun rise. Depending on your fitness, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. ‘The hiking community in Cape Town is special – they understand the importance of nature, bonding with it and protecting it. I’ve also crossed paths with some inspiring endurance legends up there, such as Jamie Marais, AJ Calitz and Ryan Sandes. This year I’m climbing Lion’s Head 500 times for five causes, which means I have to climb it 10 times a week! All are invited to join me. The 500th hike will be huge, with 500 people dressed up as superheroes.’ Find The Lion 500 on Facebook.
Note: Lions Head will be closed for maintenance in January 2019
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