The established suburb of Brackenfell is over a century old and comprises a mix of plots and smallholdings. Residents are predominantly Afrikaans speaking and you can expect a friendly welcome wherever you are based.
Brackenfell lies on the northern outskirts of Cape Town, conveniently placed within short travelling distances of the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Durbanville winelands.
It’s a peaceful neighbourhood where residents take great care in maintaining their properties and gardens. The 10 schools and 16 places of worship in this tiny suburb is an indication of a family-orientated populace.
Brackenfell is a 30 minute drive on the national highway to Cape Town centre.
Things to do
The vast number of wine farms in the outlying areas leaves you spoilt for choice. We recommend a wine tasting and picnic basket alongside the lake at nearby Zewenwacht wine estate.
Sample wines on a safari tasting at Saxenburg Wine Estate in neighbouring Kuil’s River. Tasting is done from a platform where visitors are afforded the opportunity to view game roaming the farm. Conducted during the summer months only.
Try your hand at archery at the Bowtime shooting range.
Get the heart pumping at Action Sports in Brackenfell, join in a sociable game of action cricket, soccer or netball. The indoor arenas are floodlit throughout.
Want to know more about Fynbos? Bracken Nature Reserve contains rare and unique fynbos vegetation on the Kanonkop hill and adjoining quarry.
Cape Gate Mall within the suburb has over 160 quality stores to satisfy any shopping cravings.
Enjoy a live act, flamenco dance or local production at the Villa Pascal dinner theatre in Durbanville. The venue is located in a house and the owners encourage you to bring your own meals and drinks to a show.
Stodels nursery in Bellville has plenty entertainment for families: browse the gardens or enjoy a light meal at Green Leaf restaurant while the children safely revel in the play park, ride the train and appreciate the animals at the petting zoo. The venue has a fascinating reptile garden used as an education facility for children and adults alike.
Immerse yourself in a spectacular moviemaking experience at the IMAX theatre at Cape Gate Mall.
Once a gaol and later a magistrate’s court, Rust en Vrede in Durbanville is worth viewing the vast collection of ceramics at the clay museum, browsing the various art galleries on the property and for a relaxed meal in the old courtyard under trees.
Treat yourself to the ultimate beauty treatment at Dione Lifestyle.
Wagner’s Golf Academy in Brackenfell has a 9-hole mashie golf course (pitch and putt course). Order a golf and food combo! End the day with a cool drink at the beer garden.
Visit the Giraffe House in Klapmuts, a wildlife education facility where you can meet Gerry the hand-reared giraffe. Plan your arrival in time for the fun, interactive reptile demonstration held three times a day.
Where to Eat
Healthy, farm fresh ingredients are clearly visible on the inviting dishes served up at the Pulp Kitchen and Deli at Willowbridge Shopping Centre. Interesting goodies to purchase at the deli counter.
Try a unique South African vetkoek, deep-fried dough loaded with all manner of filling, at Die Stoep (the porch) in Brackenfell. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
The Sir Loin Steakhouse at Cape Gate produces mouth-watering grilled meat dishes popular with the locals. Late night venue on weekends and Ladies Night every Tuesday.
Schoongezicht’s cool interior under bamboo and outdoor decks under trees sets the mood for experiencing of traditional South African dishes. Eat as much as you like from the carvery. Open Tuesday to Saturdays and Sunday lunch.
Hussar Grill at Willowbridge is part of a successful chain of steakhouses established over 50 years ago. The ambience is light and breezy, the dishes cooked to perfection. An interesting selection of meat dishes in which to choose. No corkage fees.
Night Life
The Tiekiedraai Langarm Dans nightclub is a late night venue presenting events ranging from Afrikaans Boere Orkes (farm orchestra) sessions to Trance evenings. Phone beforehand to ensure you have the appropriate outfit!
Bok Lounge is a cocktail lounge concept created by Bok Radio, the only progressive Afrikaans radio station in Cape Town. Bok lounge hosts some of the radio DJs and occasional popular Afrikaans personalities, there is a VIP area, Karaoke evenings and meals on offer.
Hollywood Club Sports Bar is a pool bar with large screen TVs for viewing of major sports events. Their Happy Hour is popular with the crowds.
Durbanville’s Die Boer dinner theatre is well known for enticing top South African artists to the venue. The theatre hosts a variation of events, from pantomime to comedy. Good, honest food served during the live entertainment.
Take up the free Salsa lesson on offer every Sunday evening at Beuna Vista Social Café before delving into the delicious tapas menu.
Where to Stay
The warm and welcoming guest houses in Brackenfell will ensure an unforgettable stay.
Transport
Air The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 26km from Brackenfell.
Car Rental There are several car rental agencies spread throughout the northern suburbs, however, you could rent a vehicle online.
Taxis Shuttle Services Brackenfell offer transfers to the city and airport, otherwise order a ride using the Uber mobile app.
Did you know?
The Kanonkop hill in Brackenfell was once developed as a granite quarry and the site had a railway siding to service the quarrying company’s needs. Today the quarry still exists but is now a nature reserve and the railway has long gone.
The farm’s original Scottish owner named it Brackenfell after his homeland. Bracken is a large fern prevalent in Scotland.
Three major roads pass through Brackenfell; the northern national road to Johannesburg, a regional road reaching the eastern national road and the old Paarl road for quick access to Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
