Things to do near
Lakeside
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Shopping Malls
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Tokai (2.2 km from Lakeside) Blue Route Mall, in Tokai, lies just 20 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre, conveniently located just off the M3. Blue Route Mall offers a range of over 120 stores that are sure to appeal to even the most diverse interests, making a day’s shopping a pleasure. There are many options for eating and drinking - from up-market restaurants right the way through to a quick bite. And if you’re in the mood to relax a little more, sink into the comfy seats at the 8-screen Ster Kinekor cinema complex with 3D capability.
Whether you’re looking to relax for an hour, an afternoon or all day, there’s no better place to unwind and indulge your love of shopping and entertainment than at Blue Route Mall.
Trading Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9am – 7pm
Sunday & public holidays: 9am – 5pm
Galleries and Museums
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Muizenberg (3 km from Lakeside) 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
Golf Courses
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Steenberg (3 km from Lakeside) 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.
Wine Estates
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Tokai (3.1 km from Lakeside) 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.
Fun Parks
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Muizenberg (3.1 km from Lakeside) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.3 km from Lakeside) Park your vehicle at Gate 2 in Silvermine East and take the path signposted to Higher Steenberg Peak. The circular trail meanders through interesting fynbos past the distinctive Wolfkop Pillar. The spectacular views extend across Silvermine West, Constantia, and the back of Table Mountain all the way to Devil's Peak.
The hike to Higher Steenberg Peak can also be done in an anticlockwise direction, taking the jeep track just past the waterfall. From the top of Steenberg Peak, the awesome panoramic views are well worth the steep climb.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.3 km from Lakeside) Explore the watercourse of the Silvermine River along a short trail up or down from Silvermine Dam. If you intend going up the river, turn left directly after paying at the entrance and park on the grassy parking section.
The trail passes through dense Palmiet reeds, natural pools, marshlands and a dense canopy of Keurboom trees before reaching the reservoir. Once here, don't miss doing the loop around Silvermine Dam. Here there are wonderful spots for a picnic, braai facilities and ablutions.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 km (one way)
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.3 km from Lakeside) Walking through Silvermine’s rocky landscape and stunning fynbos to the Kalk Bay Amphitheatre is gentler than the more direct uphill from Boyes Drive.
The trail traverses Maiden Peak, offering impressive views of Constantiaberg, and across False Bay to Cape Point. Part of the route is on an old fishermen’s path that linked Hout Bay to Kalk Bay before roads were built.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.5 km
Bars Nightclubs
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Muizenberg (3.4 km from Lakeside) 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
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.4 km from Lakeside) Popular with families and dog walkers, the Silvermine Waterfall Walk is very easy and accessible with a robust pushchair for an infant.
It’s a great place to spot sunbirds flitting amongst the profusion of fynbos – proteas, ericas, watsonias, pelargoniums, everlastings and a horde of other plants. The waterfall is at its most dramatic in winter and is usually dry in summer.
Duration: 1 hour return
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 km
Warning: Take care when close to the slippery edge of the 30m waterfall!
Galleries and Museums
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Muizenberg (3.5 km from Lakeside) Built in 1929 to reflect the spirit of 18th century Venice, Casa Labia is the former Muizenberg residence of Count and Countess Natale Labia.
Following a complete two-year restoration by the family, Casa Labia is home to a contemporary South African art gallery, an uber-stylish Africanova boutique as well as a celebrated Italian café.
Hiking Trail
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Muizenberg (3.5 km from Lakeside) This easy stroll is suitable for everyone, staying on the seaward side of the railway line. It starts at Muizenberg Station, hugging the coastline until St James and Danger Beach. The catwalk offers excellent opportunities for whale watching and spotting ocean birds. Kids love exploring in the rock pools at low tide.
Check the tide table before setting out. Muizenberg Catwalk is best done at low tide, unless you don't mind a dousing of sea spray.
On the other side of the line is an interesting urban walk, the Muizenberg Historical Mile. It’s worthwhile strolling back along this route to see many interesting old buildings rather than taking the train back.
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 km
Beaches
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Muizenberg (3.6 km from Lakeside) Surfer's Corners is one of the hottest spot for surfing in the world! It is also a perfect place to spots the whales in the water.
Hiking Trail
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Table Mountain National Park (3.7 km from Lakeside) The path starts on Boyes Drive above St James – look for the Ou Kraal sign. Take the left-hand path and relish the sweeping views Kalk Bay, Seal Island and across False Bay to the Hottentots Holland mountains and Cape Hangklip. You should be able to see surfers at Kalk Bay Reef and fishing boats coming back to the harbour.
Once on the jeep track, keep following the signs marked “Amphitheatre via Spes Bona Forest”. After an hour of walking, you’d enter this enchanting forest of old Yellowood, Cape Beech and Assegai trees.
Keep walking up until you reach a four-way intersection and turn left towards the Amphitheatre. Choose a shady alcove here for a tea break. Continue across and turn left into Echo Valley and another magical forest, Amazon Forest, also called Kroon se Bos. After leaving the forest, head down to the little weir, Wandering Willy’s Weary Wait. Turn left here to reach the starting point.
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 km
Beaches
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Muizenberg (3.7 km from Lakeside) 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.