- Province Western Cape
- Coordinates 34°4′S “18°28′E
- Area: 0.90 km2
- Municipality: City Of Cape Town
Steenberg is a suburb of Cape Town in the Western Cape, located on the lower eastern slopes of the Constantiaberg in the southern Cape Peninsula. It lies south of Tokai, east of Constantia, and north of Lakeside. The area forms part of the Liesbeek River catchment and includes residential neighbourhoods, vineyards, and historic farm land.
History of Steenberg
This was the Cape’s first farm, established in 1682. The farm was originally begun by Catharina Ustings Ras, one of the Cape’s earliest European settlers. Granted to her by Simon van der Stel, the then-Governor of the Cape. The farm was originally called “Swaaneweide” (the feeding place of swans) before being renamed Steenberg, meaning “Mountain of Stone.”Steenberg is now a small community in the Southern suburbs close to Tokai, mostly consisting of coloured people
The story of Catherina
Catharina arrived at the Cape in 1662, ten years after Jan van Riebeeck, and quickly married Hans Ras, who owned a house on the Liesbeek River. Her life was full of dramatic events. A wedding-day wagon race left Ras injured in a knife scuffle; he later died after being attacked by a lion. Catharina reportedly hunted down and shot the lion herself. Subsequent husbands also met violent ends; one was murdered, and another was trampled by an elephant, before she married her fifth husband, Matthys Michelse.
In 1695, Frederik Russouw purchased her farm, Swaaneweide, built the U-shaped house, and produced the first wines. Later, under Dutch East India Company regulations, the farm became a key overnight stop for travellers between Simons Bay and Table Bay. Christina Diemer, widow of Russouw, ran a profitable hospitality business, later inherited by her son Nicolaas Russouw and his wife Anna Maria Rousselet, who added the unique “Holbol” gable in 1765. The farm changed hands several more times in the 19th century, but Catharina’s audacity and the foundations she laid secured Steenberg’s place in Cape history.
The original farm is a historic estate nestled in the Constantia Valley, renowned for its world-class winery, luxury accommodations, and scenic golf course, offering a blend of heritage and modern elegance.
The postal code for Steenberg is 7947
Transport
Steenberg 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 see and do in Steenberg
- Muritz Park Outdoor Gym, Muritz Close,
- Steenberg Golf Club
- Hike up Steenberg Peak, where you will get a view of the mountain range from Tokai to Cape Town. You can reach it from Ou Kaapse Weg, turn off to Gate 2where there is parking. After a short walk up to the gravel road, you will see a clear map of the routes.
Resources
Practical information for the Western Cape: regulations, permits, and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide
local WEATHER TODAY
Browse businesses and places to visit in Steenberg
Useful Numbers
Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities
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Emergency Services
- Police: 021 702 9000
- Fire: Lakeside Fire Station-021 480 7700
- Ambulance: 10177
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Medical
- Closest hospital; D.P. Marais Hospital-Government hospital-021 713 7600
- Pharmacy; 021 701 7326
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Municipal & Utilities
- Water: 0860 103 089
- Electricity:0860 103 089
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Transport & Roads
- Traffic Department: Hillstar Traffic Department-0860 103 08
- Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204
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Community & Safety
- SPCA: 021 700 4140
- NSRI 087 094 9774
- 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape: 0861 555 777.
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Local Contacts and Community Resources
- Museum; Norval FoundationMuseum specializing in 20th- & 21st-century
South African visual art, with a restaurant & views.-087 654 5900 - Fezeka sports centre: 021 637 1333
- Coniston Park Recreation Centre: 021 701 1327
- Sharedon Park Community Hall:021 706 8073
- Post office;Retreat Post Office-021 712 0242
- Library: Retreat Public Library-021 701 1156
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Schools in Steenberg
- Steenberg High School-021 701 2281
- Steenberg Primary School-021 701 4293
- Sullivan Primary School-021 701 4212
- Floreat Primary School-021 701 2303
- Harmony Primary School-021 701 3322
- 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
