The Northern Suburbs of Cape Town in the Western Cape of South Africa might not be as favorable a destination as say the Southern Peninsula or the city bowl area. However this hasn’t stopped the Northern Suburbs from having its own eclectic spirit and vibe and a cultural legacy all on its own quite different to that of other parts of the city. Here is are 10 things to consider doing on your next outing to the Northern suburbs.
Rock, pop and hip hop:
The Bellville area particularly over the years have produced some of the country’s best rock, pop and hip hop acts within the Afrikaans music genre including Fokofpolisiekar, Jack Parow, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Van Coke Kartel, Aking and The Springbok Nude Girls, look at for a concert next time you’re in the area.
Durbanville Craft Market
This market has a 30 year history adding a lot of vibrancy to the already rich cultural heritage of the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town in the Western Cape. They also host other events and markets throughout the year and it’s widely considered to be a highlight on the Northern Suburb calendar. Some of the items which you are likely to find there include books, art and various types of artisan products.
Durbanville Rose Garden
Another destination within the Northern Suburbs which has added a great deal to the heritage of the area in within the realm of horticulture and botany is the Durbanville Rose Garden which boasts somewhere around 500 various types of roses. This could be one of the most scenic destinations you are likely to visit in this part of the Western Cape.
Tyger Valley Nature Reserve
A lot has changed over the years however one thing has remained the same that this part of the Western Cape still boasts some of the best views in the area and on the right day people visiting will be treated to views that span to the Southern Peninsula.This area is also significant for the fact that it’s one of the final remaining and largest area of the endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld area and there is also 562 floral species for one to find.
Tygerberg Mountain Bike Trails/club
Mountain biking is never a bad idea and it’s not only fun but great exercise as well. Tygerberg even has a dedicated mountain bike club so why not get involved if riding on the mountains is your thing. The Tygerberg mountain bike club is a great way in which to experience this great pastime and since the mid 1990’s they have been providing the Northern Suburbs a great way in which to get out there and enjoy the great outdoors with friends and loved ones.
The Barnyard Theatre – Tyger valley
The Barnyard theatre has become one of the most famous super theatres in the country and the one in Tyger Valley is no different providing people of the Northern Suburbs great entertainment for many years now.
Burger Fair
This is your typical roadside American burger joint only 1 difference it happens to be in Bellville. It’s owned by Bellville born rapper and celebrity Jack Parow and was also the location of his debut music video ‘Cooler as Ekke’ video.
Intaka Island
This acclaimed bird sanctuary and wetland is the breeding ground to over 177 varieties of indigenous plants and also somewhere around 120 species of birds. It’s part of the century city and today serves as a great place in which to see birds with family and loved ones. The area is named after the Xhosa word meaning bird.
Rust-en-Vrede Gallery & Clay Museum
This establishment was actually originally built to serve the purpose of prison headquarters in the 1840’s and today it's one of the leading artistic hubs in the whole of the Northern Suburbs. Just after that it served as a magistrate’s court so it’s quite surprising that today its utilized for artistic endeavors. For more information visit their website.
The Ice Station
This fun filled ice rink situated in the Grand West Casino and Entertainment World has an illustrious history that can be traced back to the early 1970’s. So once you have finished Ice Skating you can go and enjoy all the activities of the casino. For more information visit this website.
Getting there
Although there are buses and trains which run to the Northern suburbs, it's not nearly as convenient as other parts of the city, this is something to take into consideration before venturing out there, if you don’t own a car,hiring a car in Cape Town central could be your best bet of getting to really soak in all the action of the Northern Suburbs.