A truly beautiful garden! This place is a hidden gem.. The garden is filled with so many rare and incredibly beautiful flowers..as well as some stunning artistic statues.. It's the perfect spot for walking..relaxing..and just enjoying nature. The place is absolutely massive..so one day is definitely not enough to see it all..I'll definitely be back and next time inshallah I'll make sure to visit for at least two days to truly appreciate everything it has to offer.. Highly recommend it!

The botanical gardens around South Africa are an invaluable showcase of local plant life, exhibiting extraordinary biodiversity. The Cape fynbos is the smallest of 6 floral kingdoms in the world, but the richest in unit of area. There are over 9000 species of plant in the Cape, with 6200 not to be found anywhere else in the world. Table mountain alone has more plant species than the whole of the UK. Kirstenbosch is a regular visitor and prize winner at the famous Chelsea flower show. Visiting these botanical gardens provides an opportunity to see the plants displayed there in their natural habitat, on the foot of Table mountain. It is a very beautiful, deeply relaxing place place to visit and spend time. You can take walks, have picnics or visit the classy Moyo restaurant. Highly recommended visit.

Kirstenbosch is truly one of South Africa’s national treasures! The gardens are breathtakingly beautiful — perfectly maintained and showcasing the incredible diversity of our country’s flora. The peaceful walking trails, shady lawns, and stunning mountain backdrop make it the ideal place to unwind and reconnect with nature. The Tree Canopy Walkway (the “Boomslang”) offers amazing views, and there’s always something new in bloom no matter the season. The restaurant and tea garden are lovely too — a great spot to relax after a stroll. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike. Whether you love plants, photography, or just a peaceful picnic in nature, Kirstenbosch never disappoints!

This place took our breath away! The gardens and the spectacular views are something you see in magazines. You choose what to do here, you can do the trails and see all the botanical garden has to offer or you can set up a blanket on the floor and have a relaxing picnic while you enjoy the breathtaking views. If I lived in Cape Town, I would have an annual membership because I would be coming not only to see and enjoy the garden but also to enjoy all the events they offer. If you love nature, this is the place for you!!!

Kirstenbosch is truly one of the most beautiful botanical gardens I’ve ever been to. The greenery is absolutely breathtaking vibrant flowers, towering trees, and perfectly kept trails all set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain. The energy of this place is so peaceful and uplifting. You can wander for hours, have a picnic on the lawns, or just sit and take in the views. On some days, there’s live music in the gardens, which makes it even more special listening to a concert surrounded by nature is an experience you’ll never forget. If you’re visiting Cape Town, this is an absolute must. It’s a beautiful, serene escape that shows off the heart of South Africa’s natural beauty.

Quick Takeaways 🌳 Immaculately maintained: The gardens are beautifully managed and visually stunning. 🚗 Easy to reach: Accessible by car with clear signage; hiking trails also lead to the gardens (honesty system applies if you enter on foot). 🅿️ Ample parking: Plenty of space for cars, vans, and coaches, though multiple entrances can make leaving a bit confusing. 🗺️ Navigation: A map is provided, but the numbered signs throughout the grounds are often easier to follow. ⏰ Time needed: Plan at least half a day — ideally a full one — to explore everything. 🥾 Terrain: Steep areas and lots of stairs make for a good workout, especially along the perimeter trails. 🌉 Highlights: The canopy walk, art installations, sculptures, and a small waterfall feature add variety and charm. 🍽️ Facilities: The restaurant and shop are well-sized, offering a great range of local produce and souvenirs. 💯 Overall: A must-visit attraction — peaceful, expansive, and lovingly cared for, perfect for both casual visitors and hiking enthusiasts. Full Review The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are beautifully managed and immaculately maintained — a truly stunning destination that perfectly showcases South Africa’s rich plant life. Getting there is simple: you can drive directly to the gardens via well-signposted roads, or hike in via one of the numerous trails that connect to the site. For those arriving on foot, there’s an honesty system in place — you’re expected to head to the main ticket office to pay for entry, even though the trails give you open access to the grounds. Once on site, parking is plentiful for cars, vans, and even coaches. The only slightly confusing part is that there are at least two main entrances and two parking areas, which can make leaving a bit tricky — especially after exploring such a large area on foot! Visitors are given a simple map upon entry. I found it attractive and easy to understand in design, but in practice I relied more on the numbered signs dotted around the gardens to orient myself. There’s so much to see here that a couple of hours won’t do it justice. The perimeter trails offer some of the best panoramic views of the gardens and surrounding mountains, but they are quite steep and involve a fair number of stairs, so be ready for some uphill walking. One of the standout attractions is the canopy walk, a beautifully curved bridge that briefly takes you through the treetops — a unique and memorable perspective. The gardens are also dotted with sculptures and artworks that blend naturally with the landscape, adding visual interest at every turn. With so many winding footpaths, it’s easy to miss smaller features. I nearly walked past a charming little waterfall and stream but was glad I didn’t — it was one of my favourite quiet spots. I also walked the upper perimeter and was rewarded with stunning, wide-open views across the gardens and the city beyond. At the end of the visit, the on-site restaurant and shop are both excellent — spacious, well-stocked, and offering a great selection of local produce and gifts. Overall, Kirstenbosch is a must-visit location. It’s clear that the gardens are lovingly cared for, and with so much to explore — from manicured lawns and forested slopes to art and architecture — you could easily spend an entire day here and still not see it all.

Enjoyed my time at Kirstenbosch and would recommend getting off the Red Bus here for a walk around. The guided tour definitely elevated the experience, having people share anecdotes and educate you on the different plants! The tours are at 10am, 11am and 2pm. We got coffee from Vida to walk around with and had lunch on premises so it is easy to spend a few hours here.

Clay Café in Hout Bay is an absolute haven for creativity, fun, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re naturally crafty or have two left hands, you will have a blast here, the atmosphere is welcoming, lively, and full of inspiration. There is an incredible variety of things to choose from, and we always leave feeling like we barely scratched the surface. This café has become a tradition for us, we’re here every Mother’s Day and each year for my mom’s birthday. Sometimes we even keep a little loop going: whenever we collect our finished pieces, we might as well make some more! It’s honestly the perfect way to bring a burst of creative energy into your home or craft a unique, heartfelt gift for a friend. The food here is phenomenal, thoughtfully prepared, full of flavour, and with excellent gluten-free options that cater to everyone. The coffee is rich, aromatic, and hits the spot every time. Add in the warm, welcoming vibes and the charming, hands-on experience, and you have a café that truly captures the magic of creativity, community, and fun. Clay Café isn’t just a place to make something with your hands; it’s a place to make memories, share laughs, and leave feeling inspired.

AN EXCELLENT PLACE FOR AN ADULT PARTY WOWZA!!!! I had the best 40th birthday ever. And it would not have been so great without Jenna (event coordinator), and the staff that took care of us on the day. Sean (our waiter) was so great, the kitchen freaking outdone themselves. And the CAKES! Wow, I am so happy I didn’t bring in a cake of my own. Their cakes are really amazing. I want to express my gratitude. Jenna made this whole process easy and stress free and I am grateful to the Hout Bay Branch for being incredibly accommodating. Then the Manager (Gaffin), Sean, and the team that helped him, ensured the day went smooooth. Everything I asked for was ready to go and Sean was on it. This is such a valuable service to customers, especially today when the ball gets dropped all too often. I am so impressed with their service. The table setup blew my mind, very cute thank you, the help offered to the guests who hadn’t been there before was so kind and considerate, every single person was happy. My day was perfect.

Always a lovely experience at Clay Cafe Hout Bay. Not only a nice activity for all ages, but good food and great venue. Whether you're there with the kids, group of friends or a team building session with your colleagues it's always great fun to release some creativity. Highly recommend!

Clay cafe is that family retreat for hours to build fantastic memories as you see your inner colours come to life. Set in the serene nature of houtbay, you are promised a great experience with a small or big group. Kiddies are not left out in the experience but indoors and outdoors. Bothered if it's winter, fire places are there to warm you up.

Amazing place to visit with family or friends. It's a restaurant plus you do crafts while you're eating. Lots of clay plates, cups, jugs, egg trays, vases, toast plate, etc to paint and many colours to choose from. Quite a few energy using playground options for the kids to do outside from a water trail fountain to a kids safe trampoline/ jumping castle. Another great new thing they added is they have 2 kitchens, one strictly Halaal and the other not so Muslims can enjoy a meal there if they choose. You do have to wait up to a month though for your finished clay products and return to collect them then. The prices here could be better but it's a great experience to do.

They went out of their way making my birthday celebrations with the ladies extra special. Thank you to all, especially the lady that took my initial enquiry and made all the necessary arrangements on my behalf! Will definitely be back, loved every minute ❤️

Spent a peaceful afternoon at The Clay Café in Hout Bay 🎨 Great coffee, stunning views, and a calm space to get creative. Family-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and perfect for all ages. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and need a gentle, inspiring escape.

Lovely outing for young children. Great variety of birds and monkeys to see. Place is well kept despite the rain. Great effort to it dry. Keep quiet signs in the nocturnal birding houses should be placed in all languages.

Had a fantastic time here with my husband, his brother and wife and our two toddlers. We managed to navigate all the twists and turns quite successfully with a double buggy! We loved seeing all the different birds and other animals. The prices were reasonable too. Fantastic family day out.

My son really enjoyed the experience to walk through the different averies. We spent a few hours there. Its nice that you can walk close to most of the birds.

Pretty great. Everyone seems to enjoy themselves quite a bit, and we had a great time rolling through wine country on the way back to Cape Town. Go to Groot Constantia. Delicious, and beautiful grounds out there as well. The whole region is beautiful really, enjoy the drive/uber.

Many different bird and animal species an enjoyable visit for kids. Clean and tidy cages; one can see the animals are well cared for. The primates are very cute along with the various owl species.

Lovely experience and a special Monkey encounter. This place could def. use more visitors or donations, it needs an upgrade! The animals are all very well looked after and the staff friendly and helpful. BUT I really wish there were investors who could see the potential of some renovations.

We had a lovely experience at the world of birds. The variety of birds was not that much, but still exciting to see. Owl section can be better I would say. Not a great variety. The monkeys were our highlight. So cute! I would recommend going! If you have children they will be entertained for hours.

This is hands-down the best eating experience I've ever had. The restaurant is well decorated with some very interesting paintings and prints and other ornaments. There's even a small wine cellar. The atmosphere is perfect, the food absolutely delicious and the service impeccable. I will definitely be back to enjoy the whole experience again. If you haven't been to eat here yet you don't know what you're missing.

The food and service were excellent. We took the three-course special rather than ordering a la carte, which was a great deal. The portions are generous, for both the starters and the mains. The decor was unique, with a variety of styles all coming together in a cohesive way. And Dave, the host, was especially attentive and conversational. Definitely would recommend dining here!

What a wonderful evening we had at this magical venue. Think old school barn meets Michelin Starred restaurant - quaint yet sophisticated. The food and hospitality was second to none. Very reasonably priced buffet style dinner. Great wine selection too.

Words can't even begin to describe our wedding day spent with family and friends at Quentins. From the start of organizing, coordinating everything and all the special touches, to the impeccable service and the best food I have had in a long time. Quentin and his amazing team went above and beyond. The venue is breathtaking, historical and was just what we wanted. Cannot fault a thing. Incredibly blessed to have Quentin and his team make it so special. Highly recommend this venue for all the attention to detail, top notch service and some of the best food I've eaten in years. Please go and do yourself a favor and go and experience this for yourself. You'll be transported to another bygone era of great service, decent food and fantastic ambiance that you will keep you returning. Over and over again.

We were lucky enough to spend Father’s Day at Quentin’s and what a treat. The setting is lovely and with the sun coming through the old oak trees made for quite a view. The tasting menu was really well prepared and presented and delicious. Can’t wait to go back.

A very pleasant lunch in the outside area of a restaurant whose inside is as great as the food. We had a delicious duck liver, lamb curry, and springbok fillet with lived sauce. We ended with some cold “nougat” made with rose water , pistachios and dates. We loved also our service, careful but not pushy , very kind and helpful.

Superb experience. Staff attentive, friendly and professional. Quentin was present, approachable and easily substituted the red wine sauce for an alcohol free one for my husband and I. Unusual yet tasteful decor. The food was absolutely delicious, from starters through mains to desserts. Not cheap, but absolutely worth it. We will definitely go back

I'm torn about what to write about the place. You'd expect superior service, but you won't receive it. My bed was too soft, kept sliding off at night, so I used the very hard pillows they had to create a barrier for myself. I was so grateful I packed my own pillow so I used it for the rest of the visit. They ration towels. We were three (2 adults and a kid) in the room, but they kept giving two sets, and when I asked I was told, no more towels were available. My friend gave up on trying to get things fixed in her room, she didn't have privacy as one of the problems she experienced. The restaurant staff was lovely, they let us eat our own food, two nights in a row. That helped because the dinner menu is bland. Breakfast is the better option. No in house laundry service if you're there for a week. Even if you opt to wash your own clothes, no place to hang them. They have an outside service provider who will charge R150 to wash one dress. I would have overlooked all this if the hotel didn't start harassing me about the location of glasses once we checked out. It was the strangest conversation. They didn't outright say it but they were essentially accusing us of stealing champagne glasses. With all the luggage according to them, we somehow found a way to pack cheap champagne glasses for some to fly back to California with and some to another province. And this is after I had told them several times before we even check out that we don't drink alcohol. My other Cape Town hotels offered wine as complimentary and a welcome gift. These guys have orange juice and some imitation of champagne in the mini bar, and if you use it, they charge you. I told them we didn't drink, but the charge still appeared on the proforma, so we had to ask them to remove. I would never leave this review if it wasn't for the ridiculous glass encounter.

We arrived late, but was greeted with great hospitality. The rooms were excellent. Ours had a fireplace and a jacuzzi. We made proper use of this in winter. The breakfast was decent as well. We did not eat dinner, but we saw some of the food that people had ordered and it looked yummy. The staff and manager were very friendly. The only issue we had was the wine options available at the bar. Only expensive bottles were available, the more affordable ones were not available. The highlight for us was the jacuzzi. Even though the light was faulty, we really enjoyed it. Definitely will be coming back to explore more.

I DID not stay at the hotel. This review is for the restaurant which Google maps will not select separately. This is my second visit to this restaurant because it is the closest to our Airbnb. Both times the service was incredibly slow. The coffee, both times was absolutely terrible. The wine was delicious but of course that’s wine and it comes from a bottle so it depends on what you order. The view and the environment is absolutely stunning and worth existing in all by itself. The dessert was terrible. The ice cream was filled with crystals and the cake was dense and tasteless. Was over sauced and heavy. Both times the server items. I think the environment is so beautiful that they get away with poor quality of other parts of the experience. But if you know that, then spending some time in the environment is quite nice.

Just a update 27 Aug 2024: "Dario, the manager at Vida Nova, reached out to me and was very sincere and open about my experience, as well as that of my friends. Although I was initially nervous, he was understanding and recognized that my feedback was not intended to be malicious but was simply based on my personal experience. I’m considering treating my mom to a stay there, as the BnB is beautifully located. We’ve also been invited back for a meal, and I’ll definitely share an update if we decide to revisit the establishment." I stayed one night at Vida Nova Retreat and had a generally pleasant experience. Johan, the concierge, was exceptionally friendly and helpful, and the beautifully landscaped surroundings were charming, even in the overcast Cape Town weather. Our room was cozy and welcoming, with a king-size bed that was incredibly comfortable. However, dinner was disappointing. I ordered the line fish, which fell short of my expectations and was mostly left uneaten. The gnocchi, on the other hand, was tasty. Unfortunately, the hot chocolate was quite watery, especially for the price of R40 per cup. I requested additional hot chocolate powder, but it was never brought, which added to the frustration. On a brighter note, breakfast the next morning was much better. I had the salmon and poached egg dish, which was delicious and more in line with what I expected from such a stunning B&B.

WOW, JUST WOW!!! This place was truly amazing, I regret not staying over a few more nights. The fireplace was the best for me. Everything is just so cosy. It really felt like home away from home.

I attended a 50th birthday party event hosted at Vida Nova. It’s a wonderful place, tastefully decorated and well run. Very inviting. The gardens are particularly well kept and offer lovely views of the surrounding mountains! Dinner - not a single complaint was made by any of the party of 10. Menu is great. Dishes are fantastic and the service spot on. Prior to this event I had not heard of Vida Nova … now that I do know about it, I’ll for sure be visiting again when I’m in the area! Note that I gave the rooms 4 stars even though I never stayed … I’m pretty sure the are as great as the rest of the place

Hi, we stayed for an evening at the hotel. We had I expectations because of the good reviews on Booking.com. When we came in the receptionist took us to our room and he ended the room with us. Upon first impression, the room was decent. Unfortunately, the room had no towels in it. The curtains were also see-through which made us uncomfortable. There were also a few scuff marks around the room and a few dead miggies in the bathtub. We were about to grab the breakfast that was included and struggled to lock the door, we ended up just taking our belongings and leaving. There were also a few loud bangs and loud talking in the early hours of the morning. Expectations were unfortunately not met. :(

I am writing to express my disappointment with our stay at your establishment in Nov 2024. Unfortunately, the experience was far from pleasant. The room allocated to us was located in the basement and felt old and worn out, with no natural ventilation. My mother, in particular, experienced feelings of claustrophobia, which prompted us to request an alternative room. Given that we were staying for approximately 10 nights, we had hoped for a more comfortable arrangement. However, we ultimately decided to stay in the original room to avoid further inconvenience. Upon settling the final bill, I noticed that we had been charged for an additional night. I immediately queried this and was advised by Edward, following confirmation from the owner’s wife, that we would be refunded the overcharge of R1,220. Despite this assurance, we have yet to receive the refund or any follow-up communication. During a subsequent visit to Cape Town in April 2025, we attempted to follow up in person and speak with Derek, whom we understand to be the owner. Unfortunately, we received no response or acknowledgment. Given the poor quality of the accommodation and the unresolved refund issue, I regret to say that our experience was highly unsatisfactory. I would not recommend your service and would rate our overall experience as zero stars. I trust you will take this feedback seriously and would appreciate the immediate processing of the outstanding refund. Sincerely,

Nice Boutique Hotel, in Save Environment in Cape Town. Nice guy which helps with tips and Tricks. Room were Quote nice, with a Great ocean view. Breakfast with cereals, Toast, coffee and all what you could create with eggs.

The host were exceptional with so much love to detail. We stayed there for 2 nights and loved every second. The beds are super comfortable and the breakfast was superb. The lodge is a bit away from the hustle and bustle, which is ideal to relax in a quiet and calm space after a busy day of sightseeing We will definetly be back.

This is a unique place with a luxurious, but at the same time with a very friendly and cozy atmosphere. The location is wonderful with stunning views from the rooms and the breakfast terrace, green and lush garden spaces and cozy common areas with an honorary bar and a fireplace. The owners (Lilien & Derek, with children, grandchildren and dogs) were warm and very hospitable, we felt more like we were visiting old friends than staying at a hotel!

Was great stay here ! Good breakfast and great service at meals , beautiful view … a bit far from the beach though and not easy accessible

Our say there was exceptionaly pleasant. Room 4 was well equipped. The owner Derrick was very accommodating since whe had to change our plan twice due to personal circumstances. Staff were friendly and helpfull. The brakfast was great. This venue is higly recommended.

Fantastic place! Excellent location, magnificent views with lovely spacious rooms. We stayed for a week with our children and lived it. Highly recommended.

The food was tasty and the wine tasting was fine, the service was also decent. However, I feel that the prices are not justified for what you get, and I would probably not return.

Great views, wine and food! The wine tasting, cheeseboard and winemakers flatbread were amazing! Service was perfect!

I had the most amazing lunch at Constantia Glen. It is on the priceier side but nothing short of luxurious. The truffle pizza was exceptional and the wine was nothing short of delicious. The venison carpaccio was also good. The view was phenomenal. The experience is undoubtedly worth every penny. As a General Manager myself, of a reknown restauraunt, even though I did experience a slight under-standard/underwhelming occurance, it was rectified promptly and properly which says much more and doesnt make it worth mentioning. The manager should have come over but Troy was a fantastic waiter. Lost a star for the manager not being present to apologise but Troy saved the day and I will be back soon!! 🌟

Constantia Glen is one of the many incredible wineries in South Africa, and it’s easily one of my favorites in the Cape Town area. Located in the heart of the Constantia Valley, just a short drive from the city, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon surrounded by stunning mountain views and rolling vineyards. The winery itself is beautifully designed, with modern architecture that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed perfect for a leisurely wine tasting or a long lunch on the terrace. Their cheese and charcuterie platters pair perfectly with the wines, and the view from the tasting deck is absolutely breathtaking. Constantia Glen is best known for its Bordeaux-style blends and crisp Sauvignon Blancs, both of which reflect the unique coastal climate of the region. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience feel personal and welcoming. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a scenic, peaceful escape near Cape Town, Constantia Glen is a must-visit. Excellent wine, great food, and one of the best views in the Cape Winelands. 🍷🌿

A wonderful winery with views of the vineyards over rolling hills beneath the mountains. It is truly incredible. We enjoyed a wine tasting and charcuterie board at sunset, on their outdoor patio - reservation is recommended. The staff were fantastic - friendly, responsive and knowledgeable. We loved our visit, which was a highlight of our time in Cape Town. Highly recommend!

For a cold grey winters day the glass veranda is the perfect spot to do some wine tasting and enjoy lunch with a wood fire roaring in the background. Super cozy and warm while the surrounds are gorgeous - lots a rain, grey colds with the sun peeking out for short bursts - typical Cape Town weather! The wine - my recommendation is the Flagship tasting however Olivia Grace will be missed and is an enjoyable wine. We devoured a delicious cheese platter (I would suggest that they add an additional baguette as there was not a table there that did not need to order more!!) The Wagu Burgers are a real hit - really delish and a healthy portion. Chips are double fried and the best I’ve had in Cape Town!! The Rindelgulash was nice however the spätzle was too doughy. I was a little disappointed with this dish and definitely had food envy looking at the burger. It’s an expensive outing for South Africans but as a special treat well worth it. Wine tasting, cheese platter and mains is roughly R800 a head. Would highly recommend Constantia Glen and I think summer days on the veranda or gardens with some great wine, the pizza ovens open and a delicious cheeseboard is something I hope to come back for!

jonathan is really one of a kind! very friendly, attentive, informative. (all other waiters were just standing around) food and wine was delicious