WORDS: KIT HEATHCOCK | IMAGES: NADINE VAN DRIEL & GOOGLE MAPS
Tamboerskloof’s position on the slopes below Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, with spectacular views over the City Bowl to Table Mountain, can’t be beaten. The only downside is the blowing south-easter in summer – made up for by being sheltered from winter storms by Signal Hill – and perhaps the steepness of its streets, which keep residents in training for the mountain hikes on their doorstep.
Young professionals choose Tamboerskloof for the convenience of being able to walk to vibey Kloof Street and down into the CBD – it’s a short Uber ride back home again when laden with shopping or late at night. Families of all nationalities love the quietness of a suburb and homes with gardens combined with accessibility to the city. “The vibe is arty, eclectic, vibrant, peaceful,” says one resident. “There’s such a community spirit in Tamboerskloof – people actually walk around, the kids play in the park, and you generally know your neighbours.” Residents of all ages enjoy the closeness of everything. You’re only five minutes from good restaurants, shops and cultural activities, or the beaches of Camps Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard.
Property
Part of Tamboerskloof’s appeal to so many age groups is the wide variety of property types. Victorian architectural gems complete with wrought-iron, broekielace-trimmed verandahs give the streets character, while contemporary villas add a cosmopolitan touch. From older art deco apartment buildings and new sectional title developments, to freehold cottages and sprawling family homes, Tamboerskloof has a home for every stage of life. It’s also a popular base for visitors with numerous guesthouses and a flourishing rental market. “A great aspect of Tamboerskloof is the fact that there are loads of Airbnbs available close by for when you have visitors that need a place to stay,” says former resident Robyn Cronje.
Schools
The German International School is in Tamboerskloof, itself an attraction for international residents, and all the City Bowl schools are easily accessible. St Cyprians Girls’, Herzlia, and Hoërskool Jan van Riebeeck are the best known, while other families find it an easy enough run over Kloof Nek to Camps Bay High School. Close to home is Tamboerskloof Primary School, which recently celebrated 115 years of serving the local community, and several preschools including Montessori schools such as Explore & Discover.
Explore
There are two main directions to explore from Tamboerskloof – up leads to wild mountain trails appreciated by many residents for morning runs, dog walks and weekend hikes, whether all the way up Lion’s Head or around the slopes of Signal Hill.
Down takes you to vibrant city life. First stop, Kloof Nek Road’s neighbourhood shops, restaurants and bars with gems such as Dinkel German Bakery. “A great cafe menu, German specialities in generous portions, sweet staff and a lush little courtyard at the back that’s perfect for catching up with friends, or just working on your laptop in peace and quiet,” says local food writer Sonia Cabano. She also recommends El Taqueria for affordable tacos and margaritas in all kinds of flavours and all-day breakfast tacos on Sundays.
A couple more blocks away into the neighbouring suburb of Gardens, trendy Kloof Street is always buzzing, an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and the closest place for everyday shopping and services at Lifestyle on Kloof. Stroll further down Kloof Street and the whole of the CBD is at your disposal, the green oasis of The Company’s Garden and its museums, the independent Labia cinema, the bustle of Long Street, all the city vibe you want before heading home back up the hill to the peaceful green streets of Tamboerskloof.
“Tamboerskloof is a central hub of Cape Town. Kloof Street is always pumping with visitors and the nifty bars attract the young and wild. The convenience was really what enticed us, not to mention the beautiful view we had of Table Mountain from our balcony.” ROBYN CRONJE, FORMER RESIDENT
EAT
- The Blue Café: the neighbourhood breakfast and coffee spot
- Carne on Kloof: Giorgio Nava’s Italian steak restaurant
- El Taqueria: tacos and cocktails
- Dinkel German bakery: breads, pastries and cookies
- Asoka House: Asian tapas and cocktails with a candlelit courtyard • Moveable Feast: French bistro style with Asian influences and music evenings
- Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar: pizzas and a spectacular view of Cape Town
- Thali: Chefs Warehouse’s Indian tapas
- Unframed: original artisan ice creams and sorbets
SHOP
- Kloof Nek Superette: groceries and fine wines
- Olive Branch Deli: superb range of deli goods
- Kloof Street: eclectic shopping from fashion to decor and furniture, collectible vinyl to delis
- Lifestyle on Kloof: Wellness Warehouse, Woolworths Food and more
- Gardens Shopping Centre: all your everyday shopping plus speciality groceries and boutiques
PLAY
- Cape Milner: cocktails, meetings and hanging out by the pool
- Tamboerskloof Swiss Tennis Club: social tennis
- Labia: independent movies and documentary screenings
- De Waal Park: dog walking and summer concerts
- Hiking trails on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill
