Midway between Cape Town and the winelands, Kuilsriver is also bounded by the two national highways: the N1 north to the Free State and Gauteng provinces and N2 to the east to reach the Garden Route and Eastern Cape.
Kuilsriver is a large established suburb measuring 1200km², consisting of residential smallholdings, large commercial properties and farm lands. The peaceful residential area is family-orientated and visitors can expect a warm, friendly welcome from the mostly Afrikaans speaking residents.
Originally a Dutch East India Company cattle corral and staging post for travellers to the nearby town of Stellenbosch, Kuilsriver quickly developed into a town and was declared a municipality in the 1950s.
For those with business interests in the wine and olive industry, Kuilsriver lies plum in the centre of the Durbanville, Paarl and Stellenbosch wine regions. It’s also a mere 25 minutes away from Cape Town city centre and 10 minutes to the airport.
Things to do
The surrounding areas are dotted with wine estates for visitors to appreciate the many local wines on offer. Most wine estates include food pairings to sample along with their wine varietals. For an unusual wine tasting experience, Saxenburg Wine Estate has a wine safari that includes a tasting overlooking a game farm.
Enjoy a challenging round of golf at the 18-hole Kuilsriver Golf Club. Pro shop and drinks bar on the premises.
Calling all shoppers! The Zevenwacht Mall has over 100 stores including large departmental stores, boutiques, homeware products and a vast food court.
Feel rejuvenated with a treatment at the nearby Mangwanani African Spa. This company trains rural women to qualify as therapists as part of their social upliftment programme.
Travel in to Cape Town to experience the city’s major attractions including a trip up Table Mountain, shopping, dining and boating at the V & A Waterfront and a ferry ride across to Robben Island.
Where to Eat
De la Paix Restaurant alongside Butterfly World offers mouth-watering dishes out on the patio. The Sunday carvery packs in the crowds.
The Table at De Meye Winery serves excellent fare, book well in advance! The 3 course set menu is determined by the freshest seasonal ingredients available to the chef.
The Zevenwacht Wine Estate is on Kuilsriver’s doorstep and is popular for their delightful picnic baskets to be enjoyed alongside the lake. The estate has a fine dining restaurant located in their manor house for more formal dining.
A Sunday roast at Kuilsriver Golf Club is always well attended. The meal is exceptional value, booking is essential.
Night Life
Probably the best hangout in Kuilsriver, the Cock & Tail Bar is where the locals gather on a Friday night.
Enjoy a dinner and performing art entertainment at the Barnyard Theatre in the Willowbridge Mall.
Vacca Matta on Edward Street in Bellville is a late night dance club with energetic bar area. Long standing venue with guest DJs and regular party themes.
Where to Stay
The guest houses in Kuilsriver all offer excellent value, are well appointed and with attentive host and staff to ensure you enjoy your stay in the suburb.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport, 13km from Kuilsriver.
Car There many car rental agencies in Cape Town city centre, in nearby Bellville and at Cape Town airport to hire a vehicle, or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Order a taxi ride using the Uber mobile app.
Did you know?
The 900ha Driftsands Nature Reserve adjoining Kuilsriver is regarded as an urban reserve due to its location, surrounded by urban sprawl. Much of the reserve needs time to recover and plans are underway to include a Xhosa initiation village and a local craft market. The reserve is also used for youth counselling.
There’s the story about the commuter on the Kuilsriver train route that left his bag on the train. When he realised this, he ran alongside the train, shouting for someone to throw his bag out. Two passengers helped him onto the train before it sped off but his bag had already been thrown out at the platform…
