Tamboerskloof is a residential area located on the slopes of Signal Hill. Filled with beautiful Victorian-style buildings, the area has unspoiled views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Table Bay. The city centre is within walking distance; however, you may feel it unnecessary to leave Tamboerskloof, look carefully and you will find a few restaurants and cafés located deep in this suburb.
Perfectly situated between Table Mountain and the city, Tamboerskloof is the ideal location for those wanting a combination of peaceful suburban living with easy access to city life and nature.
Things to do
Afrogem is a family-owned jewellery manufacturer operating in the city since 1966. They offer free guided tours of their manufacturing facility. The tours are conducted in several languages and complimentary beverages are provided. Their showroom has the largest personal mineral collection in Cape Town and is open 7 days a week.
Need a facial, a massage or full body exfoliation? Maybe your tan isn’t up to scratch? The Hilton Spa offers solutions to these and many other health alternatives. Complimentary parking is available at the nearby hotel.
The ERF81 organic food market is open every Sunday and is located at the historic ammunition depot in Tamboerskloof. All vegetables are grown on the farm and proceeds go towards various feeding schemes. The tenant on the farm is a bit of a character and will happily show you around his artwork, spread throughout the farm.
Purchase all your necessities at the nearby shopping mall, Lifestyle on Kloof.
If you would like to see Cape Town via bicycle, Bike & Saddle offers half- and full-day cycle rentals.
Feeling energetic? Walk up to Tafelberg road and go left to climb Table Mountain, turn right to enter serene forest trails at The Glen or take a sharp right turn for a hike up Lion’s Head. Be sure to let your hosts know where you are going and never hike or walk alone.
Tamboerskloof borders the Bo-Kaap suburb, an area filled with history, brightly coloured houses, mosques and interesting people. Immerse yourself in the culture by walking the streets, trying the local delicacies or just chill at one of the coffee shops nearby.
Where to Eat
Rafiki’s (a Swahili word meaning Friends) – This restaurant offers a varied menu from snack foods to pizzas to top quality meals. The place gets really crowded, book early to be sure of a table on the 40m veranda for brilliant views of the harbour. Open 7 days a week.
Maharajah Restaurant – A broad selection of Indian-style chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetarian curries with interesting side dishes offered. If you aren’t a curry fan, the restaurant has an entire page on their menu with alternate dishes.
Beleza – Billed as a Portuguese and Italian restaurant & bar, Beleza is best known for its great breakfast menu selection and coffee, however, if you enjoy Mediterranean fare, then we recommend a visit. Browse their vintage clothing shop while there.
Miller’s Thumb – Hidden away on Kloof Nek road, this predominantly-seafood restaurant is regularly recommended by nearby guesthouse owners.
Puka Café – One of the local favourites, Puka Café has a fairly extensive menu of light, wholesome meals. The restaurant is both dog- and child-friendly.
The Blue Café – Tucked away in the heart of Tamboerskloof, just finding the place is a challenge. It’s a favourite with the residents so if you would like to engage with them, visit The Blue Café for a quick bite.
Night Life
Within walking distance is the trendy Kloof Street in the suburb of Gardens. The street is overflowing with pubs, restaurants and live music venues.
Visit Asoka Bar for its unique cocktails enjoyed with different music acts most evenings,
The Blah Blah Bar for local art, comedy acts and live music or Van Hunks for just a good night of partying.
Take a taxi or drive the short distance to Long Street in the city centre for an abundance of options including beer houses (The Beerhouse on Long) and dance & jazz clubs (The Waiting Room and Fiction Bar).
Further up along Loop Street is The Village Idiot where you can have a game of pool while drinking craft beer and munching on true South African dishes. Live music and spit braais (meat roasted on a spit) on the patio are coming soon!
A 10-minute drive south will take you over the neck and down to Camps Bay, South Africa’s answer to the French Riviera. Sip cocktails while people-watching or enjoy beautiful sunsets at the many sidewalk cafes that line the beach road.
A 10-minute drive north gets you to the V & A Waterfront, South African’s premier tourist destination. Here, the Alba Lounge showcases South Africa’s hottest DJs on the weekends and nearby is Shimmy Beach Club where you can lounge on the deck (or on beach sand) for a perfect view over Table Bay. Shimmy is open 7 days a week and facilities include a restaurant, whisky bar and kid’s play area.
Where to Stay
The area has around fifteen guest houses ranging from charming, comfortable and affordable to upmarket living with extensive, uninterrupted views and ultimate luxury.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town international, 22km from Tamboerskloof.
Car Rental There are several car rental agencies in the main road down from Tamboerskloof or at the airport upon your arrival in Cape Town. Most car rentals can be booked online.
Taxis/cabs Uber operates in Cape Town, if you have the app, contact them for a ride. Other options are traditional taxis (Rikkis) or you could try taking the 3-wheeled motorised tricycles operated by the Monarch Tuksi Company.
Did you know?
Tamboerskloof was once the site of a military encampment and is so named because a young soldier would awaken the troops with his drums (tamboers).
An old quarry in Tamboerskloof is used by mountain climbers as a training ground but we are sworn to secrecy regarding its whereabouts.
The German International School (Deutsche Internationale Schule Kapstadt) is in Tamboerskloof.
A large portion of Tamboerskloof is undeveloped thanks to the presence of Cape Town’s Mounted Police headquarters and the historic Ammunition Depot.
