Words such as opulence, success and prosperity come to mind when describing the Cape Town suburb of Bishopscourt. Measuring 4km, this southern suburb has a mere 543 homes located on substantial, leafy properties.
Bishopscourt adjoins the Kirstenbosch national botanical gardens, is 6km from the start of the Constantia wine route and Cape Town University, and 11km from Cape Town city centre. A few foreign embassies are based in Bishopscourt and it was once the home of Nelson Mandela. The suburb is also the official residence of all Anglican archbishops of Cape Town.
Residents have taken it upon themselves to beautify the suburb’s open spaces and there is a pretty walk along the Liesbeek River for families to enjoy.
For those travelling in style and with a bit of cash to burn, a stay in Bishopscourt is a no brainer.
Top 6 reasons to visit Bishopscourt
1. The Liesbeek Bishopscourt Village is a scenic and shaded route along the banks of the Liesbeek River. Take a walk along the path to appreciate the beautifully laid out gardens with plant life donated by residents.
2. The century-old Kirstenbosch national botanical gardens lies between Bishopscourt and Devil’s Peak. Visit to view the many indigenous trees and flowers of the region. There are 2 restaurants on site and a favourite walk is the Boomslang, a wooden tree canopy walkway.
3. Table Mountain is crisscrossed with hiking trails to its summit. Arrange for a guide to accompany you on a challenging route and once you’ve reached the top, enjoy a lunch at the restaurant followed by a cableway ride down the mountain and Uber back to your accommodation.
4. Go wine tasting on the Constantia wine route, the country’s oldest wine-producing region. The wine estates here date back to the 1680s and their handsome manor houses command fine views of the vineyards. Most estates offer a food pairing to complement their award-winning wines.
5. Visit Chart Farm in the neighbouring suburb of Wynberg Park to mosey through the rose gardens spread through the valley. The farmstall sells preserves, fruit and roses and the coffee shop offers light meals while patrons absorb the majestic views.
6. Travel into Cape Town for some retail therapy at the V & A Waterfront, Cape Town’s top tourist destination. The lively Waterfront has a popular restaurant scene, boat trips can be taken from the marina as can helicopter flips from the harbour. Ride the Cape Wheel or pop in at the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Transport
The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 20km from Bishopscourt. There are many car rental agencies situated in Cape Town city centre and at the airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order one online. Rikki's Taxi's or Uber are your best options for a fast and reliable taxi service to and from Bishopscourt. Several tour operators offer shuttle services in luxury vehicles.
Did you know?
The Bishopscourt land was originally granted to the first commander of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck in 1657. Van Riebeeck recorded in his diary that the area escaped the wind, was well-watered and had rich, fertile soil. Today, the giant trees lining the streets and overflowing gardens are testimony to this.
The Liesbeek River was originally called the Amstel and also the Fresh River. The Dutch name Liesbeek means a brook with water lilies.
Exeter Avenue in Bishopscourt is believed to have some of the most sought-after real estate in South Africa.
