City of Cape Town – Colour Dots

5 dams on Table Mountain

carynkaleido — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 13:55:01 +0000

The 5 dams on Table Mountain were built in the late 1800s. up until then, all the water for the use of residents of Cape Town was supplied by the Disa River, which is a perennial stream that runs off Table Mountain. As demand for water in Cape Town increased, a plan was devised. City engineers built a tunnel through the Twelve Apostles which allowed them to catch water from the Disa River and transport it via a huge duct, known today as the ‘pipe track’ to the Molteno Reservoir. This reservoir did not hold nearly enough water for the growing needs of the city and engineers hatched a bigger plan to dam the Disa river. Woodhead Reservoir was the first of the 5 dams on Table Mountain. Building the wall involved a series of porters carrying all the building materials up the Kasteelpoort Ravine. The Dam wall was to be 252m long and 44 m high. Sometime during this slog, a steam-driven cable car was introduced. You can still see a lot of the late Victorian infrastructure that was used, running through Newlands Forest. Hely-Hutchinson Dam was built soon after Woodhead Dam’s completion in 1897. However, it still did not meet the ever-increasing demand. Hely Hutchinson was the Governor of the Cape Colony from 1901 to 1910. Around the same time, a further three dams were being built for use by residents in the Southern suburbs. These were built close to the Overseer’s cottage. Victoria, Alexandra, and De Villiers were completed by 1907. A trolley track was constructed up the mountain to carry materials for the dams. A small black trolley was hauled up the slope by a steam engine. The slope is very steep, sometimes even 1:1 The De Villiers dam, though it appears to be small, has a capacity of 250 megalitres. The wall is 30 m high. It was built across a narrow valley,y trapping Disa Stream, which used to flow down into Orange Kloof The 5 dams on Table Mountain contribute about 5% of the city’s current water needs. Most of the water for Cape Town is piped from Steenbras, Berg River, and Theewaterskloof dams. The total capacity of the 5 dams on the mountain is 2376 Ml. Theewaterskloof has a total capacity of 480188 Ml. The top of Table Mountain is more regularly wet than most anywhere else in the metropole (including Newlands). This is why the dams are usually quite full, however, if all the water was piped from the dams to the Cape Town metropole, it would last just 4 days at the current demand. You can take the Table Mountain cable car up the mountain and then hike across to get to the dams. If you are keen to hike, visit here to find out more. If you are hiking to the Woodhead and Hely-Hutchinson dams, you could pop in at the Waterworks Museum. Here you can learn more about how the Table Mountain dams developed and see some of the original equipment and materials that were used in the construction of the dams. See the story of Cape Town’s water Read about the dams of the Western Cape and find a comprehensive list of the principal Western Cape dams Unfortunately for hikers needing to cool off, swimming is not allowed in the dams. Tips for visiting Table Mountain

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Adderley Street Cape Town

carynkaleido — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:26:36 +0000

In 1850, Adderley Street was so named in honour of Charles Bowyer Adderley, who supported the campaign against British plans to use the Cape as a penal colony for convicts. Residents renamed the street as a gesture of appreciation for his efforts. Adderley Street later developed into Cape Town’s main commercial and civic thoroughfare. Early banks, department stores and government offices were established here, making it a central part of the city’s business district. The street originally connected the Company’s Garden with the harbour, placing it at the heart of trade and daily activity. Later foreshore reclamation projects pushed the coastline further outward, changing its original relationship with the sea. Adderley Street was originally paved entirely with wooden blocks. By the 1900’s, the street had become very busy and noisy. The city planners paved it with wood in an attempt to muffle the noise. Traffic consisted of many wagons, carts and horses. A construction crew upgrading the city’s pedestrian and cycle lanes uncovered the closely fitted wooden setts (cobbles) while they were digging up the road surface in August 2010. Heritage Western Cape stepped in after the discovery was made to conserve part of the city’s history. Before the street was paved over, it was a Graaght(canal). Read the story of Cape Town’s water Find the flower sellers

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Adderley Street Flower Market

carynkaleido — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:13:03 +0000

Adderley street Flower market Flower sellers have traded in Trafalgar Place and along Adderley Street in central Cape Town since the mid-1880s, one of Cape Town’s oldest living traditions. The flower market is an essential part of Cape Town, The flower sellers are as colourful and interesting as the flowers themselves. Often, businesses have been kept in the family and passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter. A wide range of flowers is available, including indigenous fynbos and proteas. Many vendors hold deep knowledge about the cultural meaning of flowers, guiding customers to choose the right bouquet for the right occasion. The market is open every day of the week, from early morning until evening, 06:00 am – 6:00 pm, ensuring fresh flowers are always within reach Adderley Street between Strand and Darling Streets Facebook FAQ Q – Can I find rare flowers at the Adderley Street Flower Market? A – Yes, the Adderley Street Flower Market is known for its diverse selection of flowers. The market often features unique blooms that are not commonly found elsewhere. Q – Is parking available near Adderley Street Flower Market? A – Yes, there are parking facilities available. Visitors can find both street parking and paid parking lots in the vicinity. Q – Can I buy flowers in bulk at the Adderley Street Flower Market? A –The flower market is open to the public, you’ll find a wide selection of flowers available in various quantities to suit your needs.

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African gold museum

carynkaleido — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 15:22:11 +0000

The African Gold Museum in the renovated Martin Melk Huis in Strand Street displays what is probably the world’s most comprehensive collection of gold treasures from the kingdoms of West Africa. The museum focuses on 19th- and 20th-century gold works from Mali, Senegal, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The Golden Lion is the highlight of the collection and also serves as an emblem of the museum. It is exhibited in the attic. While South Africa has been a main supplier of gold since its discovery here in 1886, most of the gold in the past came from the West African Akan states. The rich tradition of Gold in African society is showcased at this special museum. The museum is open daily, but you can book for “The Pangolin Night Tour” A very knowledgeable guide takes visitors around the museum while telling fascinating stories about the history of gold and its place in African kingdoms. The golden artefacts and jewellery in the main exhibition room are fabulous examples of skilled goldsmithing. 96 Strand St

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Around About Cars

carynkaleido — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:07:11 +0000

Around About Cars was established in 1995, with the intention of providing quality car rental service. We are dedicated to ensuring you enjoy a stress-free drive to your destination – whether hooking up Cape Town car hire for an inner-city adventure, or renting a caravan for an African safari getaway. We pride ourselves on providing value for money deals and reliable, personalised service. That’s why we’re providing you with all the tools needed to plan the perfect trip – now that’s how you do car rental in South Africa! 20 Bloem Street, Cape Town

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Atlantic Rail/Ceres Rail

carynkaleido — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 11:26:11 +0000

Part of Atlantic Rail/Ceres Rail Company’s mission is to help preserve and promote South African Rail Heritage, This involves restoring and refurbishing old locomotives and coaches The Rail Company provides a unique experience on a refurbished vintage steam locomotive as it travels back into history. Enjoy sitting in this steam-powered train as you overlook the ever-changing scenery. Find out more about railways in the Western Cape Pensioners receive a 10% discount Marine Drive Cape Town

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Bath of Bethesda Robben island

carynkaleido — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 09:54:29 +0000

The Bath of Bethesda tidal pool was built in 1845 on Robben Island when it was a leper colony. It was considered to be therapeutic for leprosy victims. This pool can still be seen today.

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Baz Bus

carynkaleido — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 09:16:32 +0000

Baz bus tours are the way to go, whether you want a one-week trip fully planned, or just hop on a bus and decide for yourself, Bazbus is perfect for every type of traveller. Bazbus is the cheapest, easiest, and most enjoyable way to experience this amazing country. 32 Burg Street, Cape Town

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Bertram house

carynkaleido — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:10:04 +0000

Bertram House, situated at the top of Government Avenue in the centre of the city. This house is the only remaining example of the English Georgian-style red brick houses that were once common in Cape Town. It was built in 1839 by the English immigrant and notary John Barker, who named it in memory of his first wife, Ann Bertram Findlay. nn Hiddingh Campus, Orange StreetCity central info@iziko.org.za

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BusCuisine Cape Town

carynkaleido — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:25:28 +0000

BusCuisine Cape Town, Discover a dining experience like no other – where gourmet cuisine meets panoramic Atlantic seaboard views and world-class service rolls through the heart of Cape Town. Bus Cuisine is South Africa’s first luxury double-decker restaurant on wheels – a bold, unforgettable journey that redefines what it means to dine out. Enjoy a six-course meal with changing views. Cape Town

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