January 23, 2012
A Summer Road Trip through the Northern Suburbs
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
For scenic views and delicious wine tastings, visit Durbanville Hills. Photo courtesy of RobW_
Nothing beats grabbing a few pals, hopping into the car and heading out on a gorgeous summer’s day.
Last December, a few of my fabulous co-workers and I, all city girls, took an unexpected sightseeing drive through the Northern Suburbs and made some wonderful discoveries:
Durbanville Hills:
As far as wine estates go, this one is right up there with the best.
From the tasting area to the Eatery restaurant and a view that overlooks the splendid winelands, the experience is luxurious.
Their daily wine tastings and cheese platters, and the twice daily guided tour of their cellars are not to be missed. Durbanville Hills also hosts fantastic outdoor concerts featuring hot local acts.
Secret tip:The baked veggie crisps sold at the main counter are scrumptious!
Location: Durbanville Hills, Tygerbergvalley Road, Durbanville
Contact:+27 (0)21 558 1300
Website: www.durbanvillehills.co.za
Clara Anna Fontein
Next up on our road trip was the beautiful game reserve, Clara Anna Fontein.
Home to blue wildebeest, zebra, springbok, ostrich, bontebok and eland among others, this sprawling estate has a luxury tented safari camp (perfect for the glampers among you) and exciting game drives.
A highlight was coming up close to a herd of zebra. Who would have guessed you could enjoy an authentic wildlife experience a mere 40 minutes from the city centre?
Fun fact: Movie buffs may recognise the rural huts on the estate from the movies Free Willy 4 and local comedian Leon Schuster’s Schuks Tshabalala's Survival Guide to South Africa.
Location: Clara Anna Fontein, Durbanville
Contact: +27 (0)21 975 7017
Website: www.claraannafontein.com
Chocolat Cafe
Savouring great local wine and bonding with Mother Nature’s finest gave us quite an appetite so a lunchtime stop at the decadent Chocolat Cafe was a must.
This picturesque French-inspired cafe delights both the aesthetic and culinary palates with breathtaking decor and gourmet food, and is quite the hotspot for lunchtime meetings.
We feasted on their divine special of the day, a Mediterranean chicken pancake wrap and roasted pot chicken. Chocolat is worth the drive!
Noteworthy: With your bill comes a sweet treat in the form of chocolate covered cherries.
Location: Chocolat Cafe, 33 Oxford Street, Durbanville
Contact: +27 (0)21 975 2426
Website: www.chocolatcafe.co.za
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