Activities in Durbanville
Rondekuil Estates, nestled in the countryside just a pleasant 10-minute drive from Durbanville, offers visitors a perfect blend of modern comforts and old-world charm.
Durbanville, situated just minutes from major highways, serves as a convenient hub for both business and leisure activities. The town boasts a vibrant community of talented individuals spanning various fields, from artisans and winemakers to medical specialists and artists. In Durbanville, the possibilities are endless, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor.
About Durbanville
Durbanville was founded in the early 19th century around a fresh water spring and was primarily a watering station for travellers between Cape Town and the interior. Durbanville was originally known as Pampoenkraal (from the Afrikaans words pampoen meaning pumpkin, and kraal meaning corral – an enclosure for livestock). In 1825 a group of local farmers requested permission from Lord Charles Somerset (governor of the Cape Colony at that time) to build their own church.
The Dutch Reformed Church was commenced in 1825 and inaugurated a year later on 6 August 1826. A small village grew between the church and the outspan (overnight stop). During 1836 the inhabitants of Pampoenkraal petitioned the Governor of the Cape Colony, Sir Benjamin d’Urban, for permission to rename the village D’Urban in his honour. Permission was duly granted and the new name persisted until 1886 when it was renamed to Durbanville in order to avoid confusion with Durban – a major port city in the east of South Africa.
Durbanville had its own court house, jail and magistrate from the 1870s and became a Magisterial District of Bellville. The court house complex still exists in altered form within the Rust-en-Vrede complex, originally erected in 1850. A village management board was established in 1897 and a municipality in 1901.
The village grew rapidly after the turn of the 19th century and a local wagon industry developed. The King Brothers Wagon Works’ used to be South Africa‘s biggest wagon works. At the turn of the century, it employed more than 200 men, which just about accounted for the entire village.
Wine farming started in Durbanville in the 17th century, when farmers planted vineyards with Cape Madeira, the white grape of the time. Many of these farms now form part of the Wine Route today, and have award-winning wines, cultivated by generations of wine-makers. These wines can be sampled during the week.
Explore the Town
Things to do
- Leisurely Strolls and Swimming: Take leisurely walks around Rondekuil Estates or relax by the poolside amidst serene surroundings.
- Business Nomadism: Enjoy seamless internet connectivity with complimentary high-speed WiFi at Rondekuil, perfect for conducting business remotely.
- Bird Watching: Immerse yourself in the tranquil pastime of birdwatching amidst the diverse avian population on the farm.
- Mountain Biking: Explore the pristine countryside with mountain biking trails offered by Rondekuil and neighbouring farms.
- Historical Charm: Explore Durbanville’s picturesque historical buildings, reflecting the rich colonial history of the Cape.
Explore Durbanville
Things to do
- Tygervalley Shopping Centre: Indulge in a shopping spree at the excellent Tygervalley Shopping Centre, just a short drive away.
- Tygervalley Waterfront: Discover the newly developed Tygervalley Waterfront, a must-visit destination offering a range of leisure activities.
- Durbanville Wine Route: Uncover the closely guarded secret of the Durbanville Wine Route, featuring iconic destinations like Rust en Vrede. Originally a prison dating back to 1850, Rust en Vrede now houses a coffee shop, craft market, Clay Museum, and Art gallery.
- Durbanville Nature Reserve: Enjoy a serene picnic amidst the unique fynbos landscape of the Durbanville Nature Reserve.
- Onze Molen: Explore the restored mill at Onze Molen, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
- King’s Court: Admire the architectural beauty of King’s Court, a 1905 residential building steeped in history.
Places to visit
King’s Court on Church Street stands as a testament to Edwardian elegance in the Northern Suburbs, meticulously restored by Dr. Kings Court Durbanville and Mrs. Smook. Designated a National Monument in 1989, this distinguished residence, once owned by Mr. King and subsequently by Andrew Murray, exudes historical significance.
The Dutch Reformed Church on Weyers Avenue, constructed in 1826, is another revered National Monument. Over the years, it has undergone various enhancements, including porch extensions and enlargements. Restoration work in 1974/75 preserved its architectural splendour, earning it National Monument status in 1975. Visitors keen to explore its interior must arrange appointments in advance.
The Rose Garden, nestled along Durban Road, invites visitors to bask in the beauty of nature’s floral masterpiece. Spanning 3.5 hectares and boasting 500 rose varieties, this enchanting park offers a captivating spectacle of blooming roses, free for all to enjoy.
Nature enthusiasts can explore the Durbanville Nature Reserve, established following the discovery of the rare Aristea lugens plant in 1960. With four hectares of pristine wilderness, it serves as a sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna.
Other notable landmarks include 27 Church Street, an exquisite Edwardian building featuring intricate design elements, and the Police Station, a fine example of Cape Dutch revival architecture built in 1919.
The Synagogue, located at 6 Church Street, is a striking structure adorned in Byzantine Revival style. Originally a Dutch Reformed Church hall, it was transformed into a synagogue in 1927. With its unique architectural features and rich history, it remains a cherished heritage site in Durbanville.