- Province: Western Cape
- Coordinates ; 33.9636° S, 18.4763° E
- Area ; 6.42 km2
- Municipality; City of Cape Town
Rondebosch is a southern suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape, about 8 km south-east of the city centre. It lies along the M5 and Main Road corridor between Mowbray and Newlands at the foot of Devil’s Peak and Table Mountain. The suburb forms part of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and is close to the University of Cape Town, major schools, hospitals and rail links.
History of Rondebosch
Food farming for the settlers
Rondebosch was one of the first areas where the settlers began farming. In about 1656, a group of Dutch East India employees was sent to the banks of the Amstel or Versse Rivier, now called the Liesbeek River to plant crops. Here, they found a circular grove of thorn trees (Ronde Doorn Bosje), meaning a circular grove of thorn trees, which they used as a “kraal” for protection. Some time later, they were granted “Free Burger” status and farmed along the river’s banks.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the area became a predominantly English-speaking area. Under the Group Areas Act of the apartheid government, Rondebosch was declared a whites-only area, but since 1994, it has become more integrated.
The postcodes are 7700(streets) and 7701 (boxes)
Transport
is served by Metrorail Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.
local WEATHER TODAY
Browse businesses and places to visit in Rondebosch
Things to see and do in Rondebosch
- The Irma Stern Museum is named after the South African Artist who received International and National recognition during her lifetime. Probably the smallest Gallery in Cape Town is in the Home where she lived. Many of her paintings are displayed here. The gallery also displays other contemporary South African artists
- Rondebosch Fountain, Cnr Belmont and Main Road, is made from iron and is a horse and dog watering trough. It was donated by surveyor and railway pioneer George-Pigot Moodie in 1891.
- Rondebosch Common
- Two Rivers Urban Park
- Keurboom park
- Groot Schuur zoo
- Cape Town weather explained
- You may encounter local wildlife here. See our Western Cape Wildlife Guide for species commonly found in gardens, mountains and along the coast
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
Useful Numbers in Rondebosch
- Emergency Services
- Police: 021 685 7345
- Fire: 021 685 7345
- Ambulance: 10177
- Medical
- Closest hospital; Medical-Centre Private Hospital-021 680 5920
The Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital-021 658 5111 - Pharmacy; Rustenburg Pharmacy-021 686 3997
- Municipal & Utilities
- Water:0860 103 089
- Electricity:0860 103 089
- Transport & Roads
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
- Traffic Department: Hillstar Traffic Department 0860 103 089
- Community & Safety
- Childline South Africa: 116
- Poison Information Centre: 0861 555 777
- SPCA: Cape of Good Hope SPCA-021 700 4140
- Local Contacts and Community Resources in Rondebosch
- Museums; Cape Town Museum of Childhood-021 683 2420
Irma Stern Museum-021 650 7240 - Post office; 021 686 5504
- Library:021 689 1100
- Schools in Rondebosch
- Rondebosch Boys High School -021 686 3987
- Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory School-021 686 4635
- Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School-021 689 1981
- St Joseph’s Marist College-021 685 6715
- Micklefield School- 021 685 6494
- Westerford High School-021 689 9154
- Little Bosch-021 683 3989
- Bishops Prep-021 659 7222
- Oakhurst Girls’ Primary School-021 686 4404
- Forres Preparatory School-021 689 2727
- Rustenburg Girls’ High School-021 686 4066
- Groote Schuur Primary-021 685 7295
- Rosebank Junior School-021 689 4069
- Golden Grove Primary School-021 674 2155
- Lea Pre-Primary Schoo-021 689 1607
- Pro Ed House School-021 686 1567
- Bishops Diocesan College-021 659 1000
- Vera School for learners with Autism-021 696 2844
- Find a comprehensive list of Cape Town Emergency numbers HERE
The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 for all life or property-threatening emergencies. Call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K
- Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
Learn more about the project HERE
FAQs
Where is Rondebosch in Cape Town?
Rondebosch is a Southern Suburbs area about 8 km from the Cape Town city centre, between Mowbray and Newlands at the foot of Table Mountain.
Is Rondebosch close to the University of Cape Town?
Yes. The suburb borders the UCT campus and is one of the closest residential areas to the university.
What facilities are in Rondebosch?
There are schools, medical facilities, sports grounds, shops, public transport and access to major roads, including Main Road and the M5.
