Things to Do in Diep River

World famous for its wines, Groot Constantia Estate is one of the earliest proclaimed wine farms in the Cape and also a National Monument and prospective UNESCO World Heritage Site. Still producing award-winning wines today, it is a magnificent example of South Africa's heritage. Groot Constantia Manor House is a museum that epitomises Cape Dutch architecture and a wealthy nineteenth-century homestead. Also worth a visit is the attractive Cloete Wine Cellar which has also been converted into a museum, this time with an emphasis on wine and brandy making in the Cape. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the magnificent grounds or enjoy a meal, picnic or deli food from the two restaurants, Simon's Restaurant and Jonkershuis Restaurant. Need to know? Situated in the heart of the Constantia Wine Route, Groot Constantia is open seven days a week, including public holidays. Closed only on Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The wines of the Estate may be tasted and bought every day from 09:00 – 18:00.

Originally part of Simon van der Stel’s original grant of Groot Constantia, the award winning Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate is one of Constantia’s ‘Big Five’. Not only does it produce superb wines but it is also the home of three world-renowned restaurants, a private cricket oval, spa and a small luxury hotel. Need to know? Situated at the entrance to the Estate, the Wine Shop offers informal tastings of the Constantia Uitsig Wines throughout the day, Monday to Sunday, free of charge. Opening times are Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 – 17:00.

Appropriately named Buitenverwachting, which means "beyond expectations", this stunning farm is steeped in history and forms part of the original Constantia Estate which was founded by Governor Simon van der Stel. Buitenverwachting captivates with an alluring blend of the Cape, outstanding cuisine and handcrafted wines. Buitenverwachting’s internationally acclaimed wines boast great complexity with unique aromatic profiles. Overlooking the vineyards and Constantiaberg Mountains, Buitenverwachting Restaurant matches the winemaking excellence and is consistently rated amongst the top ten restaurants in South Africa. The menu changes daily and only the finest, fresh produce is procured. During the summer months visitors can indulge in a pre-booked picnic basket served under the old oak trees in the beautiful gardens. Wine tasting and sales: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 13:00.

Retrieving a six may involve something of a grapple with a grape in this little corner of Constantia Uitsig where they play cricket. Situated on the Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate, several hectares of lush vineyards and the Constantiaberg define the boundaries of Constantia Uitsig Cricket Oval and Pavilion.

Kenilworth Center is a conveniently located shopping mall off the M5 freeway. Nestled centrally in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town it attracts shoppers from the cosmopolitan surrounding area. You can shop away with over 120 stores to visit.

One of Constantia's 'Big Five' wine estates, this grand daddy of the Cape Winelands lays claim to a fascinating history. At the gate of Klein Constantia Estate is the Kramat (shrine) of Sheik Abdurachman Matebe Shah, linked in oral traditional to the last Sultanate of Malacca. Banished to the Cape after capture by the Dutch in Sumatra in 1661, he and his companion Sheikh Mahmoud, were confined to the forests of Constantia. Situated on the eastern slopes and foothills of Constantiaberg, Klein Constantia Estate has idyllic conditions for producing grapes with ample fruit flavours. Klein Constantia produces an array of varietally labelled premium wines – Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and small quantities of Semillon, Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Blends include flagship red Marlbrook and flagship white Mme Marlbrook. Try their most famous and admired wine – the Vin de Constance, a re-creation of the legendary sweet Constantia.

The Steenberg Golf Club is an exclusive, private golf club set in the idyllic surroundings of the Constantia Valley. The course attracts golfers seeking a total golfing experience. Known for its hybrid plan, it offers traditionalists the opportunity to “bump and run” (a rare shot in South Africa) in the rough around the greens, and to meet the challenges of strategically placed sand pits and waterways. The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole, features the largest green in Africa at 76 meters in length; indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind. Steenberg has always been named as one of the best conditioned courses in South Africa Golf Digest’s annual Top 100, consistent in its improvement each year. The 18 hole course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character. The well-designed and refurbished clubhouse has seen many golfers enjoying the 19th hole. Need to know? The Steenberg Golf Club is open to the public, but priority and special green fee rates are given to Steenberg Hotel guests and members.

Cavendish Square Shopping Centre offers the perfect excuse to go shopping! This award-winning shopping mall is considered the premier fashion destination in the Southern Suburbs. Encompassing more than two hundred and fifty of the most elite stores in the country. Shoppers can find a wide selection of restaurants, 16 cinemas, including foreign feature films and 5 Forex Banks all conveniently situated in a safe and secure indoor shopping environment.The most recent development to the centre is Cavendish Connect. This exciting redevelopment has stores spilling out across Dreyer Street, transforming The Link into Cavendish Connect and adding many more stores. The new development now brings you international concept stores, fashion boutiques, trend-setting lifestyle emporiums and a range of mouth-watering restaurants and cafes.When its time to take a break, shoppers can now also sit beneath the maples in Dreyer Street, the green hub of Cavendish cafe culture or walk across to Connect by sky bridges linking the first floors of Cavendish Square and Cavendish Connect.Cavendish also recently launched a fully re-loadable gift card that takes the hassle out of choosing what gift to buy; shopping has just been made so much easier!Trading hours: Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 19:00, Sundays 10:00 – 17:00, Public Holidays 09:00 – 19:00.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is world renowned for the beauty and diversity of the Cape flora it displays and for the magnificence of its setting against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It comes as no surprise that Kirstenbosch has been voted one of the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic Magazine. The rolling lawns, over 7 000 plant species and indigenous plants and the rugged slopes of majestic Table Mountain all add up to an experience like no other. Picnicking on the lawns has become a national pastime, particularly when the summer sunset concert series packs the concert lawn to capacity. But even in the winter months, on a sunny day, the blankets and baskets roll out as families enjoy the heritage and beauty that makes the Garden so special. “We rank up there with the world’s top seven botanical gardens and being recognized by one of the world’s top magazines is a proud moment”. said Curator Philip le Roux. See travel.nationalgeographic.com. The estate covers 528 hectares and supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden (36 hectares) displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country. The Visitors' Centre includes an information desk and various retail outlets and a nursery. The Centre for Home Gardening has outlets for plants and other services to support the home garden. There are also several restaurants and coffee shops at Kirstenbosch. On Sundays during the summer months from December to March, musical sunset concerts are held on the lawns. Craft markets are also held at the Stone Cottages (opposite Kirstenbosch) on the last Sunday of every month (except June, July and August). Physically challenged visitors should contact the information office in advance to book a wheelchair or one of the golf cart/shuttle tours. A number of trails lead through natural forest and fynbos surrounding the developed garden. A map is obtainable from the Information Office for a small fee. Open 365 days a year 08:00 – 19:00 (September to March) and 08:00 – 18:00 (April to August).

Situated on the foothills of Steenberg Mountains after which it is named, this historic estate is the oldest wine farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, one of South Africa's premier wine growing regions. Steenberg is the southern-most wine farm in the Constantia Valley, the vines benefiting greatly from the cooling influence of summer sea breezes from nearby False Bay. Vineyards have been planted with a number of cultivars chosen to suit the soils, microclimate and altitude of the slopes of Steenberg. These include their flagship cultivar Sauvignon Blanc as well as Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Nebbiolo. Their most renowned wines, Sauvignon Blanc Reserve and Catharina’s, a red Bordeaux blend named after the founder of Steenberg, have won many awards under the expertise of winemaker John Loubser. The state-of-the-art cellar has the capacity to produce around 70 000 cases. A major feature of the cellar is the vinotheque, where bottled wines are kept under ideal conditions until ready to be enjoyed. Need to know? The wine tasting room is open seven days a week from 10:00 – 16:15.

Fondly called Newlands Cricket Ground by locals, Sahara Park Newlands in the Southern Suburbs is something of an institution in the Mother City. Considered one of the most stunning cricket venues on the globe, Sahara Park is home to the Cape Cobras and is a regular Test Match venue, carrying a seating capacity of 25 000. The beautiful grounds neighbour Newlands Stadium and are backed by gorgeous views of Table Mountain and Devil's Peak.

Headquarters of the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province Rugby squad, the grand old Newlands Rugby Stadium is one of the three oldest rugby stadiums in the world. Set in the ultra-green suburb of Newlands, Newlands Rugby Stadium has a capacity of 51 000 with steeply elevated stands affording maximum visibility and electrifying viewpoints. Cape Town's three Premier Soccer League clubs also utilize the facilities for their inter-club matches.

Planet Kids is a large indoor and outdoor play and activity centre featuring exciting custom-made play equipment. Situated just behind False Bay railway station, Planet Kids is easily accessible either by foot, car or train. The venue also hosts great kids’ birthday parties and workshop programs during school holidays. Planet Kids is eco-friendly and the first inclusive indoor play and activity centre in South Africa to cater and care for children with disabilities as well. Check out www.planetkids.co.za for more info.

Considered a cultural gem in the heart of Muizenberg, the Masque Theatre is home to a handful of amateur dramatic societies in Cape Town. The Masque regularly delivers diverse and well-performed theatre and dance shows at affordable prices. This popular institution in the South Peninsula staged its hundredth production in 2008 with Agatha Christie's courtroom drama "Witness for the Prosecution". Booking office open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:00 and Saturday 08:30 – 11.30. +27 (0) 21 788 1898 www.masquetheatre.co.za

The Melting Pot is a cosy, colourful, vibrant live music venue and bar featuring the best of local South Peninsula original music. You can expect to listen to well-known local names from the Cape jazz, rock and folk scene - plus the odd visiting artist and stand-up comics. Jam sessions and open mics offer up-and-coming talent an outlet too. This is a real cultural and decidedly social experience not to be missed - in the heart of Muizenberg's "old village". A funky music studio built from recycled materials is right next door

The University of Cape Town, fondly called UCT, presides over the southern suburbs and Cape Flats from its lofty position on the slopes of Devil’s Peak on Table Mountain. UCT's setting and beautiful historic buildings make it one of the most attractive universities in South Africa.Famous students who have walked its halls include Prof Christian Barnard, the heart transplant surgeon and three Nobel Prize laureates – the writer JM Coetzee, Prof Alan MacLeod Cormack and Sir Aaron Klug.Visitors often walk from UCT to Rhodes Memorial. Another popular spot is the ‘Jammie steps’ leading up to Jameson Hall. These steps used to be the hub of many heated political protests and debates during the Apartheid regime.

The Baxter Theatre Centre provides an exciting forum for the celebration of life which is the essence of live theatre, music and dance. It is one of the major live theatre venues in Cape Town and has always been at the forefront of the performing arts both as a popular venue and as a leading producer.The Baxter Theatre Centre at the University of Cape Town endeavours to present and host the best of South African performing arts. The objective is to reflect the cultures of all the people of South Africa on our stages and in our galleries. The Baxter Theatre strives to present cutting-edge and major works from South Africa and masterpieces from the international repertoire. Since its opening in 1977 the complex has continued to provide a stage for all types of professional entertainment - music, drama, ballet, opera and intimate theatre. Even through the difficult years of racial segregation its doors remained open to everyone and it thrived, drawing on indigenous talent and creating a uniquely South African theatre tradition.

Situated in the corner where the rather wild northern shore meets the rocky but well populated eastern side of the peninsula, is a long family-friendly beach where almost every Cape Town surfer learned to catch a wave. Recently awarded Blue Flag Beach status, Muizenberg Beach is one of the most popular Cape Town beaches and is a hit with kids. Muizenberg Station is conveniently situated right on Muizenberg Corner. The whole beachfront is pretty crowded with loads of kids, families, dogs and noise. Muizenberg Beach has all the usual facilities, like showers, surf shos & schools, a couple of nice restaurants and coffee shops on the beachfront and close by. There is a useful walkway from Muizenberg to St James, just on the seaward side of the railway line.

Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and offers numerous trails for walking or hiking. A detailed map of the trails can be purchased from Noordhoek Village tourism office for a nominal fee. The Silvermine Hiking trail allows one to see some of the world’s most spectacular coastal and mountain scenery which is rich with a variety of flora as well as bird and small animal life. There are a large number of different Proteas and other fynbos species, flowering throughout the different seasons; making this an enjoyable and interesting walk at any time of the year. One of the easiest and most accessible walks leads from the car park at the top of the mountain to the Silvermine Reservoir. This is an easy 1 – 1 ½ hour walk and is suitable for all members of the family. From the parking area the trail is well marked and heads predominantly uphill although it is not particularly strenuous. The trail winds through remarkably different vegetation and you will enjoy a number of boardwalks over the streams. On hot summer days you will find the wooded banks verdant with tree ferns a pleasantly cool and peaceful spot to linger. Surprisingly the trail heads through some small forest glades. The path wends its way up well-maintained wooden walkways and the occasional rustic bridge until reaching the dam wall. Stop along the way to admire the spectacular views across False Bay where on a clear day you can see clear across to Gordon’s Bay. A number of quaint stone benches and tables are dotted along the path where one can picnic or braai. It is best to check at the ticket office beforehand – lighting of fires may be prohibited in dry and windy conditions. During hot summer days, people often take a cooling swim in the clear water. In early autumn there are an amazing variety of flowering plants including Proteas. On the opposite side of Ou Kaapse Weg, just after the apex, is another entrance manned by the Parks board where one can park and walk up Silvermine River Valley to a small waterfall, passing a number of old ruins. The waterfall offers the perfect spot to take in the sounds of nature. Like so many of the waterfalls on Table Mountain, this one is only seen in its full glory in winter, but it is also a great peaceful picnic spot. Need to know? There is a small entry fee or free for Wild card holders. There are toilet facilities at the parking area.

The multitude of Grecian-style columns and host of lion sculptures on the slope of Table Mountain is something of a curiosity. This rather grand, shrine-like structure goes way beyond being a memorial to the imperialist Cecil John Rhodes but it’s a great place to go for tea and take in the magnificent view of bustling Cape Town towards the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains. Built on the site where Rhodes liked to sit and ponder his future, it was a short ride on his horse from his home at Groote Schuur, where the famous hospital now lies. Rhodes Memorial Restaurant is open 9am to 5pm, 7 days a week.