- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates: 33°52′48″S 18°34′34″E
- Area: 0.91 km2
- Municipality; City of Cape Town
Plattekloof is a residential suburb on the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills north-east of Cape Town, overlooking the Cape Flats and Table Bay. It borders Panorama and Welgelegen and is accessed mainly via the N1 and Plattekloof Road. The elevated position gives wide views over the city and provides quick access to the N1 toward both Cape Town and Paarl.
History of Panorama and Plattekloof
The land now occupied by Panorama and Plattekloof was originally part of the farm De Grendel. The land was granted to Claas Meyboom in 1720 and remained agricultural for many years. The farm changed hands before being acquired by Sir David Graaff in 1891.
Graaff developed De Grendel as a farming estate, keeping Friesland cattle and breeding Arab horses. He had acquired the horses during a visit to Argentina, and De Grendel became a suitable place to breed and keep them. The estate became well known for its horses and cattle, and remained in the Graaff family for generations.
After Sir David Graaff died in 1931, the farm passed to his son, Sir De Villiers Graaff, and was operated through Graaff’s Trust. In 1956, parts of the farm were sold for residential development. The remaining agricultural land stayed in the family’s hands and eventually became the modern De Grendel wine farm.
An interesting story is attached to the names Panorama and Plattekloof. Panorama means an extensive view, while Plattekloof can be translated as “flat ravine” or “flat valley”. The two names appear to have been intended for the opposite pieces of land: the higher area with views towards Table Mountain was to be Panorama, while the lower area was to be Plattekloof. The names were apparently reversed during the planning process and have remained that way.
The story of the naming error has been repeated in local accounts for many years, although the precise explanation, including the claim that the names were accidentally switched in official deeds, is not firmly documented. What is certain is that the names now appear rather counterintuitive: Plattekloof occupies the higher ground with extensive views, while Panorama lies lower down.
The development of Panorama brought a major new healthcare facility to the area. Mediclinic Panorama opened in August 1986 with 90 beds and eight operating theatres. It was the first hospital built by the newly established Mediclinic Group and became an important referral hospital for Cape Town and the surrounding region.
The original De Grendel farm has survived alongside the residential development. The remaining agricultural land is now home to De Grendel Wine Estate, where vineyards were planted from 2000.
Today, Panorama and Plattekloof are predominantly residential areas, while the surrounding landscape still contains a mixture of vineyards, established suburbs, schools, medical facilities and the Tygerberg hills.
The area includes the suburbs of welgelegen 1 and welgelegen 2
The postcode for these areas is 7500
Transport
The area is served by Golden Arrow Bus Services and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.
Things to do and see in Plattekloof, Panorama and Welgelegen
- The Plattekloof Duck Pond park
- De Grendel Wine Estate: De Grendel means “latch” in Dutch. It was established in 1720. Its rich history spans horse breeding to winemaking. The Graaff family has played a significant role in its evolution. The farm was historically the gateway on the route to the inland settlements of Durbanville and Stellenbosch, which had to be opened to travel over the Tygerberg hills
- Tygerberg Nature Reserve
- Malmesbury Road Park and Outdoor Gym
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Resources
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Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Browse businesses and places to visit in Plattekloof Panorama and Welgelegen
Useful Numbers
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities in and around
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Emergency Services
- Police: Bothasig 021 559 9400
- Fire: Milnerton 021 400 6949
- Ambulance: 10177
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Medical
- Closest hospital: Panorama Mediclinic- 021 938 2111
- Pharmacy; Vitacare 021 911 1044
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Municipal & Utilities
- Water:0860103 089
- Electricity:0860103 089
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic department: Goodwood 021 444 7151
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Community & Safety
- SPCA: Cape of Good Hope 021 700 4140
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Library: Bothasig – 021 400 2757
- Post office;/Closest is Goodwood 021 591 8621
- Postnet 021 911 1104 Email: plattekloof@postnet.co.za
- Waste dump Akademie street Welgelegen
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Schools in Panorama
- Panorama Primary School-021 558 7337
- Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
FAQs – Panorama, Plattekloof and Welgelegen
1. Where are Panorama, Plattekloof, and Welgelegen located?
All three suburbs are located in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, near the N1 highway, approximately 15–20 minutes from the city centre, and offer great views of Table Mountain.
In Panorama and Plattekloof, you’ll find a perfect blend of nature and urban living. The areas are known for their scenic views, making them ideal for families and individuals alike.
2. What type of areas are they? They are well-established, residential suburbs known for quiet streets, neat gardens, and close community networks.
3. Are there shops and restaurants nearby? Yes — Plattekloof Village and Panorama Centre offer supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants, with Canal Walk and N1 City Mall a short drive away.
4. How do you get there? The suburbs are easily accessible via the N1 and Plattekloof Road (M14). Public transport includes Golden Arrow buses and taxis serving the main routes. For those who love outdoor activities, Panorama and Plattekloof provide access to several parks and nature reserves. The community in these suburbs actively promotes outdoor recreation.
5. Are there schools in the area? Yes, the suburbs have access to primary and high schools in Panorama, Edgemead, and Monte Vista, as well as several preschools and private schools.
6. Is it safe? Yes, these are secure, family-oriented suburbs with active neighbourhood watch groups and estate security in Plattekloof.
7. What outdoor or recreation areas are nearby? The Tygerberg Nature Reserve offers hiking and picnicking, and there are several local parks, sports clubs, and walking paths in each suburb.
8. What medical facilities are available?
The Panorama Medi-Clinic is a leading private hospital. Not only do Panorama and Plattekloof offer great residential options, but they also boast an array of medical facilities that cater to the needs of the community.
9. How far are they from key attractions and the airport?
The area is 8 km from Century City, about 15 km from the Cape Town CBD, and 20 km from Cape Town International Airport.
With easy access to major roads, Panorama and Plattekloof are conveniently located for commuting and exploring other parts of Cape Town.
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE