Bloubergrant (directly translated as Blue Mountain Ridge) is a tiny suburb bounded by a school and an undeveloped sect of land and is situated only two blocks from Blouberg’s world-renowned beachfront. The suburb has a large, safe park for its residents to enjoy.
Bloubergrant is conveniently located near to beaches, shopping malls, restaurants and public transport. Further afield is Cape Town’s V & A Waterfront, a short drive away.
The nearby beach is a major draw-card for Kite surfing and during the windy season, the blue skies are filled with brightly coloured sails.
Things to do
Try a Paramotoring Tandem flight from Dolphin Beach. A paramotor consists of a paragliding kit powered by a motor strapped to the pilot’s back, eliminating the need for thermal winds.
Take a kiteboarding lesson on the beach. There are several kiteboard operators on the beachfront that offer training sessions.
Want to meet the locals? Visit the Blue Peter hotel, overlooking the picturesque Small Bay, for cocktails on the grass embankment.
It’s a short walk to Bayside Shopping Mall for a super relaxed shopping experience.
Skydive Cape Town is based at the Delta 200 airstrip on the west coast road, a 20 minute drive from Bloubergrant. They have 3 Cessna planes to take you Skydiving and to enjoy THE best views of Cape Town city.
The Elkanah School hosts a popular community food and craft market once a month. Ask your host to find out when the market next takes place.
South Africa’s only nuclear power plant – Koeberg Nuclear Power Station – is a mere 10 minute drive from Bloubergrant. Their visitor centre has a fascinating collection of interactive models and displays in the exhibition hall.
Take a 40-minute guided tour of the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch and follow the lifecycle of the world’s largest bird. The farm has many other interesting offerings including a museum, factory, curio shop, scratch patch and restaurant. Tours are conducted in 4 languages, book in advance.
Visit the Capaia Wine Estate in the small farming community of Philadelphia to taste the exceptional wines produced by owners Baron and Baroness von Essen. No expense was spared in setting up the winery built into a slope and boasting ancient French oak maturing caskets.
Visit the South African Airforce Museum at Ysterplaat’s working airbase. No entrance fee, however, donations are welcomed.
Where to Eat
Within walking distance is Marine Circle where several restaurants, all with impressive sea and mountain views, are located:
Primi Piatti is a lively restaurant offering traditional Italian meals using the highest quality ingredients.
News Café offers light meals and good coffee in this two-storied venue or you can sit outside to enjoy the sun and sea breeze.
Ocean Basket is a popular seafood restaurant. The dishes are freshly prepared and of exceptional value.
Catch 22 has a massive menu but the food plays second fiddle to the sunset views. Menu items range from sushi to meat dishes to combo options. The friendly staff will ensure a joyful experience.
One of Cape Town’s finest seafood restaurants is located at Dolphin Beach. The Blowfish sushi bar is a crowd favourite or you can select your dish from the fish counter, bursting with the day’s catch, and have it freshly prepared.
The Indian Chapter is owned by vibrant ex-TV and radio personality Prim Reddy and she personally oversees all beautifully prepared dishes leaving her kitchen. The restaurant offers traditional, aromatic Indian dishes.
Onse Huisie (meaning: our small home) is a national heritage site where a large selection of traditional South African meals are available to try. The restaurant also offers various fish dishes; appropriate for its idyllic location only a few steps away from the beach.
Expect true South African fare at the Veld Restaurant just outside of Melkbosstrand. The owners refer to their cuisine as ‘Boere Kos’, farmer’s food. Generous portions are provided and if you are a lover of stews, the Potjie dish (meat and vegetables braised in a small pot) is recommended. Closed on Mondays.
Finding a table at local favourite Carlucci’s Deli and Espresso Bar is a challenge but once secured, the chilled atmosphere, perfectly prepared meals and fabulous coffee will have you queueing for a table in the very near future.
Night Life
Pakalolo on the beachfront is a beach-style cocktail bar offering a mix of Mexican dishes, burgers and wraps. Late night venue, open until 2am, 7 days a week.
The Medley’z Beachfront nightclub fills to capacity with the weekend crowds. Local in-house DJs and their convenient happy hour (9pm to 10pm) keep the place rocking.
Alongside is Board House beach bar. The place is a relaxed pool bar (no dress code), however, it gets really festive as the night wears on. Buy yourself one of their unique, limited edition staff tops.
If you’re looking to catch a major sporting event on big screen, the Boogie Bar is the ultimate venue. Enjoy the festive atmosphere (depending on how the local teams are doing) over a pint. Karaoke evenings are hosted over the weekend.
One of the established Cubaña franchises, Cuba Latino Cafe & Cigar Lounge, is located in Tableview. Upbeat sounds of Cuban music fill the venue as you move between the cocktail bar, offering outlandish concoctions, and the cigar lounge.
Where to Stay
Bloubergrant has several sophisticated guesthouses and modern self-catering units from which to enjoy a fun beach getaway.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 27km from Bloubergrant.
Car Rental Nearby Tableview has many car rental agencies; however, car rental bookings can be made online.
Bus services Bloubergrant is two blocks away from the main bus route between Melkbosstrand along the west coast and Cape Town city centre.
Taxis Several metered taxi companies operate from Tableview. If you have the Uber app, order a taxi via your mobile phone. There are many operators offering shuttle services between Bloubergrant, Cape Town city and the airport.
Did you know?
The Western Cape has the most beaches in South Africa granted international Blue Flag status. This status requires that the beach meets strict criteria involving safety, exceptional water quality and environmental friendliness. There are two such beaches near to Bloubergrant: Melkbosstrand and Silwerstroom.
The Seli 1 was a Turkish Carrier that ran aground near Blouberg beach in 2009. Unable to be re-floated, it was partly salvaged and the remaining hull considered both an environmental risk and an eyesore. At the cost of R40 million to the taxpayer, the ship was eventually blown apart and is no longer visible, however, surfers will tell you the change in sandbank movement has improved surfing conditions here.
An annual fundraising swimming event known as the Freedom Swim hosts a few fearless men and women willing to swim the icy 7.5km open water stretch from Blouberg beach to Robben Island.
