Short Self Drive to Kirstenbosch, Constantia & Tokai Forest
65 kms circular self drive sightseeing trip to include Kirstenbosch Gardens, Constantia vineyards, Alphen farm stall and Tokai Forest.
This Delicious Day Trip is is filled with fresh air, views that will leave you feeling elated as you experience gardens, nature, good food, magnificent views, a sip of delicious wine, elegance and gentle walks.
Attractions on this route include:
Rhodes Memorial, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Alphen Food Stall, part of the Constantia Wine Route and Tokai Forest
Route Map here
Attractions along the way are varied and you will climb into your bed at the end of the day feeling content & fulfilled with the beauty of nature and all good things.
From Cape Town Centre take the N2 out of Cape Town and then the M3 towards Rondebosch. After a breakfast stop at Rhodes Memorial you will continue along the M3, past Kirstenbosch. Turn left onto Southern Cross Drive to Alphen and through Constantia Village. You will then take the M42 to Tokai Forest and travel back to Cape Town on the M3.
Breakfast at Rhodes Memorial Restaurant
Your day begins with a sumptuous breakfast looking out over the whole of Cape Town.
Follow the N2 out of Cape Town & turn off onto the M3 to Rondebosch and follow the signs to Rhodes Memorial. You will see the turn off to your right going up the mountain.
The restaurant isperched diagonally behind the famous Rhodes memorial and only opens at 9am so try to be there early so as not to waste the day. Reservations are recommended as it is a very popular spot, especially at the weekends. It is a breakfast you will never forget – partly due to the great food, and partly to the great views over the city of Cape Town.
Eggs Benedict al Fresco…..What a way to start the day!
Have a little walk around the memorial after breakfast, climb the 49 memorial steps, get your bearings and set off back along the M3 which turns into Union Avenue.
(More information on Rhodes Memorial)
At the crossing with Newlands Avenue, don’t carry on along the M3 but turn right onto Rhodes Avenue (M63). Very soon you will see Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens signposted on your right.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
If you haven’t been here before, it is highly recommended and greatly recognised as one of the most beautiful botanical Gardens in the world back-dropped by the slopes of the mountain. Enjoy a quiet walk through the gardens and soak up the beauty of the nature around you.
For more information on Kirstenbosch Gardens and a Map
Continue along Rhodes drive (M63) past Constantia Heights and look out for Southern Cross Drive to your left which will take you through the leafy suburbs of Constantia. (If you miss this turn off, carry on until you see Constantia Main road to your left and take this instead). Continue until you see Parish Street on your right at the crossroads. This will join Constantia main road and you will see the Alphen Farm Stall (021-794 5986) on the right in the midst of Constantia Village.
Alphen Farm Stall, Constantia Village
You will find this an absolute delight; it’s a welcoming village courtyard offering eclectic services, leafy lanes and cobble-stoned charm. There is a very enchanting, relaxing little shopping ambiance offering a selection of fashion boutiques and delis and of course the farm stall selling lots of fresh fruit and veg.
Constantia Wine Route
Now it’s time to enjoy the tree-lined avenues and roads hugged with vineyards. Most importantly enjoy some of the award winning wine farms along this route. It’s such a treat to have a little tasting session…
On Constantia Main Road on the left hand side you will find the famous Groot Constantia (+27 21 794-5128), just down Groot Constantia Road. They make up delightful picnic baskets here if you are ready for lunch in the historic tranquil surroundings.
Do also visit Buitenverwachting (+27 (0)21 794 5190) which boasts an exceptional range of wines. From Alphen Food Store take the road on the other side of the shopping mall which is called Spaanschemat road; the M42 towards Tokai and Muizenberg.
You will also pass Constantia Uitsig meaning “Constantia View” (+27 21 794 6500) on this road. All the wines here received 4 stars or more in the John Platter Wine Guide 2011. It is also home to the gracious Constantia Uitsig Country Hotel and three top class, award- winning restaurants, Constantia Uitsig restaurant, La Colombe and The River cafe. If you prefer a restaurant to a picnic, we highly recommend you stop off at one of these.
Enough wine and time to head to Tokai Forest (which is part of Table Mountain National Park) for a brisk walk to work off lunch and breathe in the fresh pine infused breeze.
Tokai Plantation Forest
Turn right off the M42 onto Tokai Road. A little further up on the right you will see the small hut where you can buy your permits for cycling and horse-riding but if you are just walking, it’s free, with a minimal fee for the car. Carry on to the top of the road where you reach a T junction at the old manor house. Here, turn left and follow the gravel road up to the car-park.
There are plenty of renowned biking trails through the forest. The forest mostly boasts extensive plantations of pine trees, eucalyptus trees, indigenous forest at the Arboretum and plenty of wild Fynbos (bush). More information on Mountain Bike Trails in Tokai Forest.
Once you have taken in the fresh air and enjoyed the beauty of this extensive forest, it is time to go and see the ocean.
Directions: Now head back along Tokai Road, cross the M42 and follow the signs for the M3 back to Cape Town.