Oranjezicht is a quiet suburb on the foothills of Table Mountain adjacent to the City Bowl and overlooking Table Bay. This stylish upmarket suburb has many old Victorian style guest houses and villas with beautiful little gardens. Oranjezicht is ideal for holidays and business; it is within walking distance of the buzzing and trendy shops and restaurants of Long and Kloof streets.
Once a huge farm extending from Table Mountain lower slopes down to the Castle of Good Hope, Oranjezicht was the symbol of wealth in Cape Town. Ships entering the bay would purchase from farmers selling their produce at the farm and although the original homestead was demolished years ago, a few of the farm structures still remain.
Oranjezicht has always been regarded as a high profile area thanks largely to the majestic sea views and convenient location. Most of the old homes have been beautifully restored and residents take great pride in their suburb.
Things to do
Explore the Mother City while also being able to enjoy contemporary design and breath-taking views of the city and mountain. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – a stylish development which transformed the Cape Town harbour into a magnificent seaside marina – is nearby and offers world-class restaurants, fabulous shopping, craft markets, pubs, bars, boat charters, helicopter flights, museums, aquariums, etc.
Visit the Oranjezicht City Farm and stroll through the vegetable gardens created in the Dutch East India Company garden layout of old. The garden is an initiative launched by the local community who continue to maintain and sell the produce at a popular market venue at Granger Bay.
There are a number of paths leading up Table Mountain from Oranjezicht to enjoy scenic views or to reach the summit.
The vibrant BoKaap suburb with its brightly coloured houses, traditional eating houses (and chic restaurants), street vendors, mosques, museum, storytellers and sense of family is worth exploring.
Hop on the ferry crossing to Robben Island to appreciate the hardship suffered by Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners at the island’s maximum security prison.
Spend a day driving over Kloof Nek for stops at one of the super-stylish Camps Bay cafés along the Atlantic seaboard sunset strip, Hout Bay harbour and a boat trip to view a large seal colony, Chapman’s Peak Drive for stunning bay views and your final destination, Cape Point, Africa’s most south-westerly point and a possible encounter with the Chacma baboon.
Where to Eat
Two eateries at the nearby Gardens Shopping mall are worth mentioning; Cassis Salon de Thé offers patrons beautiful bakes, fresh meals and quality coffee while Raith Gourmet is a delicatessen selling traditional German dishes, cured meats, sausages and breads. Very popular for their delicious take outs.
High Tea at the Pink Lady, better known as the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, is a five-star culinary experience. The chefs put out an incredible array of delectable and beautifully presented pastry and savoury fare to enjoy with your tea.
The popular Deer Park Café is a lovely open venue where children can safely play under the pines while the parents enjoy a heavenly pastry. The breakfast menu is good value and lunch offerings divine.
Café Paradiso in Gardens is a landmark restaurant located in a house with a perfect garden setting to enjoy their à la carte menu offerings or the generous set menus. Try the kudu loin dish. Open 7 days a week.
La Frasca Restaurant can be described as a cosy, always busy authentic Italian gem located in Gardens where excellent Italian dishes are served. Vast pizza selections.
A local favourite, the chefs at Toni's Mozambican Portuguese Cuisine Restaurant in nearby Gardens always serve up fresh and inviting Portuguese dishes. Get hooked on their delectable stews and don’t be afraid to dip your bread!
Night Life
Join the glamour set at the sophisticated Waiting Room in Long Street where good music is enjoyed out on the open roof or on the dance floor.
The chilled Jo'burg Bar is the place to hang out for good music and unusual cocktails. Live music on Sundays.
Catch a show at the Labia Theatre on Orange. Billed as an Arthouse Theatre, the venue screens independent non-mainstream flicks.
Where to Stay
This suburb is extremely popular for both its convenient location and glorious Victorian homes and the accommodation is sure to live up to your expectations. The lodges, guest houses and B&Bs offer exceptional luxury and attentive staff while the private homes and apartments are stocked with all amenities necessary for you to love your stay.
Transport
Air Oranjezicht is 19km away from Cape Town International Airport.
Car There are many car agencies in downtown Cape Town and at Cape Town airport to hire a vehicle or you could order a rental online.
Taxi Several metered taxis operate in Cape Town. If you have the Uber app, request a ride via your mobile.
Bus The MyCiti bus service has a route running between the city and the airport and various routes throughout Cape Town and surrounding areas.
Train Regular trains run from Cape Town to Simon’s Town.
Did you know?
On the old Oranjezicht farm, there is an area known as the Field of Streams, where various mountain streams converge and millions of litres of water flows along underground tunnels out to sea.
The suburb’s odd Dutch name Oranjezicht (orange view) refers to the view of the Castle’s south facing bastion known as the oranje bastion. The 5 bastions were named in 1679 after the titles of William III of Orange-Nassau.
