The de Noordhoek Hotel is surrounded by the Table Mountain National Park, which encompasses the exceptionally scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the North to Cape Point in the South and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the warmer waters of False Bay in the East. It has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks – majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. The Park is recognised around the world for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora – with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats – is a truly remarkable natural asset.
The Silvermine Nature Reserve forms a formidable and beautiful backdrop to the de Noordhoek Hotel and is a part of the Table Mountain National Park, a protected conservation area The park straddles the mountain, from the winding Old Cape Road on the Tokai, Constantia and Westlake side of the mountain, over the peak of the mountain, and into Noordhoek, Sun Valley and Fishhoek. Approaching the reserve from the City side of the mountain it is possible to view most of the greater Cape Town area, as far as the Tygerberg Hills and beyond on a clear day. Continuing further along the road, which winds directly over the top of the mountain itself, takes one on a scenic trip through the Fynbos, where thousands of plants, unique to the Cape Floral Kingdom can be seen.
Touring the Cape Peninsula when staying at the de Noordhoek Hotel is the only way to fully appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the region. One historic place to visit is Miller’s Point. In 1814, Mr. Thomas Drury had signed for a grant of land on the “fine and rare bit of patronage” which would later become known as Miller’s Point, accepting conditions: “to preserve the dam, the watering place, and the right of way for cattle.” The land was sold in 1828 to Edmund Miller. In Edmund Miller’s time, whaling was a thriving industry and the concrete foundations of Miller’s huge cauldrons can still be seen near the tidal pool today. For many years after the Millers relinquished the farm in 1850, it was owned by the Molteno family, who made considerable alterations to the homestead and dairy farm, which is now the Black Marlin Restaurant.
No stay in the Cape Peninsula is complete without a visit to Constantia. It’s easy to get to from the de Noordhoek Hotel, just a short drive over Silvermine and left onto the M42. Constantia is the birthplace of the wine farming industry in South Africa. As you drive through the beautiful and historic valley it is no wonder the first Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, chose this location for his farm, Constantia. There are five vineyards here to tour as well as a handful of excellent restaurants. Robert Percival, an English officer arriving in the Cape in 1796, said “Every stranger who arrives at the Cape…makes a point of visiting the village of Constantia and those famous wine plantations; for these with the Table Mountain are looked upon as the great and first objects of curiosity at the Cape”
When you’re staying at the de Noordhoek Hotel and are at a loose end on a Sunday, consider a visit to Kirstenbosch where there are Summer Sunset Concerts – what a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon in Cape Town. The concert venue is within the botanical gardens with concerts every Sunday, running from November to April. The Kirstenbosch Concerts have a special feel to them mainly due to the breathtaking setting. Part of the charm also lies in the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with concertgoers picnicking on the soft grass banks that slope downwards towards the stage. An excellent way to enjoy the concert is to pack a delicious picnic basket, bring along friends and family and find a spot on the Kirstenbosch slopes.