Gardens – 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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Asoka

carynkaleido — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:27:56 +0000

Asoka is in the Cape Town City Bowl. For over a decade, Asoka has been the gem of Kloof Street, offering a sensual experience with intoxicating energy and music that awakens the soul and electrifies the mind. Here, patrons are tantalised by an evening of culinary and rhythmic indulgence. 68 Kloof Street, Gardens.

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Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel picnic and high tea

carynkaleido — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 10:54:50 +0000

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel picnic and high tea The Mount Nelson Hotel was designed to emulate the finest Hotels in London. On the 6th of March 1899 nine years after the Land was purchased the Hotel opened its doors to rave reviews from the press and wealthy patrons from abroad. High Tea Take afternoon tea at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. Sit in the bright and enchanting lounge, and anticipate an indulgent feast. While you dine on sumptuous cakes, pastries, and sandwiches stacked in tiers. Live piano music sets the scene. Poolside picnic Treat your loved ones to a sumptuous gourmet picnic. The hotel is giving locals and visitors the opportunity to explore the surroundings while soaking up the scenery and sunlight next to the heated swimming pool. Your picnic comes hassle-free with a wicker picnic basket Gardens

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Cape Town Jewish Museum

carynkaleido — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 11:21:27 +0000

The Cape Town Jewish Museum narrates the story of South African Jewry from its early beginnings, set against the backdrop of South African history over a period of more than 150 years. We cover a number of areas of interest, including South African history, mining, commerce, Eastern European history, and contemporary South African politics as well as an overview of the Jewish community’s contribution to all its aspects of South African history and conscience. A small room in the museum houses over 200 carvings created from wood, ivory, staghorn, and bone. These miniature sculptures, called Netsuke, are ceremonial carvings that were worn by wealthy male merchants during the time of the Samurai. They were both functional (they held containers for tobacco, money, and other objects) and decorative as a form of expression for the artist. The works included history, mythology, religion, popular humour, and any other aspects of Japanese life. 88 Hatfield St, Gardens info@sajewishmuseum.co.za

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De Waal Park

carynkaleido — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 07:59:54 +0000

De Waal Park was Cape Town’s first and largest public park located in the heart of the City Bowl, after the Company’s Gardens It was opened in 1895. The land was bought from the Van Breda family who owned the farm Oranjezicht. The land was divided into three parts. The first for the building of two smaller reservoirs and then the Molteno Reservoir which also provided the city with electricity. The land in between formed a natural park. David Christiaan de Waal, who was a city councillor at the time, oversaw the planting of the thousands of trees. As Mayor of Cape Town from 1889 to 1890, he further developed the park, which was officially opened to the public in 1895. Two gates with brick piers and wrought-iron arches in the Art Nouveau style at the lower corners, and a wall along Camp Street, were built in 1899, and the wall was extended up Upper Orange Street in 1900. The bandstand was built in 1904/5 for the Cape Town Exhibition, which was held in Green Point and moved to the park after the exhibition was over. Military bands performed there on Sunday afternoons for many years. In 1952, the park became the venue of the annual Theatrical Garden Party. The Victorian fountain in De Waal Park is a natural artesian well and feeds the Lower Reservoir No. 2 in Oranjezicht. On 22 March 1968, the park was proclaimed a National Monument to be maintained as public gardens. It is now listed as a Provincial Heritage Site. De Waal Park is noted for its wide variety of trees. It is popular with dog owners, and the dogs play in the pond around the Victorian fountain. It is safe to let them off-leash as the park is fenced off from the busy surrounding streets. There is a playground for children. During the summer months, you can enjoy live music concerts. De Waal Park in the late 1800s Upper Orange Road, Oranjezicht dewaalpark.co.za

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Flour Market

carynkaleido — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:41 +0000

The Flour Market is raising standards, one batch at a time. Nestled in the heart of Gardens, we bake sourdough, a variety of breads, custard danishes, chocolate eclairs, and so many other pastries daily with care and the finest ingredients. Every bite is a little moment of joy, whether you’re enjoying them in our light-filled space or taking them to go. 105 Hope Street Gardens

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Hikes on Table Mountain

carynkaleido — Wed, 11 May 2022 09:26:39 +0000

Hikes on Table Mountain are a bucket list activity for many visitors to Cape Town. These are some of the routes and some important information to take note of. If you are an experienced hiker, you can try these on your own; however, it is recommended to always hike in a group. You can use the services of a qualified guide. These guides are familiar with the routes and will be able to assist you in various situations like changing climates or if you are struggling with the challenge. Click below for a few options. Cape Trek Hike addict Cape Trekking You can employ a guide to show you the way, call 073 754 5465 or email capemountainguides@gmail.com MACLEARS BEACON 21 metres above the Upper Cableway Station is Maclear’s Beacon. It is the official highest point on Table Mountain (1 088m). Signs at the cableway station point you towards the start of the hike, and The 5.5km trail is marked with yellow footprints. Start point Upper Cableway Station End point Maclear’s Beacon Duration 2 hours (there and back) Note There is a short section of rocky steps on the edge of the mountain. Climbers need to use the chains and handholds. Child-friendly? Yes Dogs allowed? No (and they are not allowed in the cable car). Cableway: 021 424 0015 TRANQUILITY CRACKS On Table Mountain, there are caverns and caves which have been named Tranquillity Cracks, they are caves, caverns and thin slits in the rocks on the Twelve Apostles side of Table Mountain. Some of the fissures are quite deep and interlinked, creating a maze of corridors The safest yet moderately difficult 6 km route is via Corridor Ravine. Begin your hike at the Theresa Avenue entrance to the Pipe Track. After the single track and the entrance to Slangolie Ravine, you can begin looking for Corridor Ravine which is close to the cave. When you get to the top, find the hidden path at a large pile of rocks. Follow the narrow, somewhat overgrown path until you can turn left into another bushy path leading to the caves. You can go back along the same path or return via Kasteelpoort Start and end point: Theresa Avenue entrance to the Pipe Track above Camps Bay. Duration 5 hours Child-friendly? No Dogs allowed? No Note: This is a challenging 6km hike that is not recommended for the unfit or beginners. The Corridor is steep, with loose stones that can be slippery. ORANGE KLOOF This trail is hidden behind Table Mountain (on the south side), just above Hout Bay. Access is restricted and it’s the only hiking trail in Cape Town where a permit is needed. The 8km Disa River Gorge trail heads upriver, past waterfalls and river pools and through mossy, afromontane forest, on the way to the top of Table Mountain. On the way, you can see the 19th-century Woodhead Tunnel. Start and end at Constantia Nek parking area, Rhodes Drive (starting on the Cecilia Forest jeep track). Duration: This is a full-day hike Note: The permit is free but must be booked in advance. Only one permit is issued per day, for a maximum of 12 people. The group, however, to be accompanied by a registered mountain guide. There is quite a bit of rock scrambling and ledge walking, so hikers need to be somewhat experienced and quite fit. Child-friendly? Yes, for older children. Dogs allowed? No DEVIL’S PEAK The moderate to difficult trail up Devil’s Peak zig-zags up from Tafelberg Road near the Cableway station and then takes a steep route up to the peak. There are fantastic views of Table Mountain and the city below once you reach the top Particularly the walk along The Saddle, which is the section that connects Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain; from there you ascend to the summit of 1,000 metres. There are three possible routes: The Tafelberg Road route (2.8km), best suited for beginners. The Mowbray Ridge route (5km), which starts at Rhodes Memorial, is a more difficult route, following the Knife Edge; The Newlands Ravine route (3.9km) is challenging but beautifully shaded. Start and end at Tafelberg Road (2.5km from the Lower Cable Station) / Rhodes Memorial (via King’s Blockhouse for Mowbray Ridge or the Contour Path for Newlands Ravine) Duration 4 – 5 hours Note: It gets very windy at the top; this can cause a drop in temperature of 10˚C. Close to the top it gets a bit tricky with some scrambling. Child-friendly? Yes, older kids should be fine on the Tafelberg route. Dogs allowed? Yes, with a SANParks My Activity Permit SKELETON GORGE The moderately difficult hike up Skeleton Gorge begins from Kirstenbosch Gardens. There is shade along the Afromontane forest nearly all the way up. However, this hike is quite strenuous. Pack plenty of water and snacks. You will see the sandy white Hely-Hutchinson Dam beach at the top. The water is a bright, clear orange from the tannins that leach into the water from the surrounding fynbos. The white sandy beach developed over the years from wind and water erosion. This is probably the most popular route, and it takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Start point Fragrance Garden, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Newlands End point Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir Duration 2 – 3 hours, Note: This is a long, steep hike. There are ladders to assist you to the top. Parts of the gorge are slippery. Do not hike this route during and after heavy rainfall. An easier descent is via Nursery Ravine. This alternative route joins up with the Skeleton Gorge trail.. Child-friendly? Yes, for older children. Dog allowed? No KLOOF CORNER This is the best and probably the easiest sunset hike. It is only a 30-minute Moderate to difficult walk up from the Kloof Corner parking for sundowners after work. This 1.9km hike zigzags uphill with an elevation gain of 200 metres. If you do not want to do the full Lions Head hike, there is a great spot on the seaward side of Table Mountain. With fantastic views of Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles, the City Bowl and Camps Bay..

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Kloof Street House

carynkaleido — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:47:15 +0000

From the tranquillity of the open-air deck at Kloof Street House, and the intimate dining rooms to the trendy bar and library room, Kloof Street House is a uniquely versatile location visit on Sundays for live music 30 Kloof Street, Gardens

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Leuwenhof Estate and its ghosts

carynkaleido — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 14:03:07 +0000

tate Situated in Gardens, at the eastern foot of Table Mountain, Leeuwenhof Estate is one of Cape Town’s oldest surviving estates and today serves as the official residence of the Premier of the Western Cape. The origins of Leeuwenhof date back to 1693, during the time of Simon van der Stel, when land was granted to early settlers. Ownership changed hands several times in the early years, including botanist Henrik Bernard Oldenland, before Joan Blesius established the first substantial house on the site. In 1764, Danish immigrant Johan Bräsler acquired the estate and laid the foundation of the present homestead, developing the land into a productive farm with orchards, vegetables, and indigenous trees. The estate reached its greatest extent under Captain Johannes Zorn in the early 19th century, when it expanded to around 79 hectares. As Cape Town grew, however, urban development gradually reduced the property. By the mid to late 1800s, Leeuwenhof had become associated with prominent figures such as Sir Christoffel Brand and former Cape Town mayor Petrus Johannes Kotzé, while portions of the land were sold off or absorbed into the expanding city. In 1881, mining financier Isaac Lewis acquired the estate and restored the house, furnishing it with antiques. By this stage, the once expansive property had been reduced to just a few hectares. In 1936, Leeuwenhof entered its current chapter when it was purchased by the Cape Provincial Administration as an official residence. It was later declared a national monument in 1966, recognising its historical and architectural significance. Today, Leeuwenhof remains an official residence, but it is also known for its long-standing local folklore. Stories persist of unexplained lights switching on and off, often linked to the presence of an older woman said to haunt the ground floor. Another tale speaks of a young woman who died of heartbreak after a forbidden relationship, her spirit believed by some to linger on the estate. While unproven, these accounts have become part of Leeuwenhof’s enduring story, adding a layer of mystery to one of Cape Town’s oldest homes. More info about the estate Gardens

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Long street swimming baths

carynkaleido — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:55:37 +0000

Long Street swimming Baths is a public pool. Long Street has an indoor 25m main pool as well as a children’s pool. Lifeguards are on duty. There are also Turkish baths at this facility that was built in 1908. When you arrive, you get a day bed, a towel, and some soap. There’s also a sauna, a steam room, a warm room, and a cold pool in addition to showers and other bathroom facilities.. The baths are open for women only on Tuesdays from 10.00 to 14.00 Address: Long St, Gardens

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