Now, the vibey Kloof Street holds excellent nightlife and restaurants to excite and entice you. Views of Table Mountain, Signal Hill, and the Hottentot's Mountains are all-encompassing, tempting you to climb one or all of them during your stay. Oranjezicht is in itself a bit of a trek if you want to stay in the uppermost streets, but it is well worth the effort for the views.
Who goes there?
Oranjezicht accommodation is favoured by the young professionals and students of Cape Town. The suburb is upmarket without seeming pretentious, and offers accommodation with views galore. Stay a few nights in the suburb and find out what real Capetonians make of an evening.
When to visit Oranjezicht?
Oranjezicht, as with most other Cape Town suburbs, benefits from sunny days as it is located on the slopes of Table Mountain. In summer (between November and April), temperatures reach to about 30oC, perfect weather for exploring the close by beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
Close By Attractions
* Camps Bay Beach: See and be seen at this incredibly trendy beach. Lined with Miami-style street cafes and nightclubs, the suburb of Camps Bay is best experienced in the summer with a group of friends. Only the most beautiful frequent this classy suburb which has had its fair share of celebrities in its time.
* V&A Waterfront: This shopping haven has over 400 shops and restaurants to explore. The working harbour is also the location for the Robben Island ferry which departs every weekday and weekend, especially during the summer.
Things to do near Oranjezicht
Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, Oranjezicht accommodation is only a few minutes from the cable car station which will take you, via a rotating panoramic journey, to the top of the flat-topped mountain. From here you can see the horizon of the sea, the Cape Town city below you, and further to the Hottentot's Holland where the Cape Winelands can be found.
Additionally, the route around the Cape Peninsula can start here, in this little suburb of Oranjezicht. Travel over the top of Kloof Street and start the journey in Camps Bay. Follow the road around to Suikerbossie Hill and all the way to the Cape Peninsula National Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the mountains and beaches and keep an eye out for the local baboon troop. As cute as they are, please do not feed these or any other of the wild creatures in the park. Continue your journey to the quaint villages of Simonstown and Kalk Bay and taste some of the freshly caught seafood at one of the restaurants here. Your journey will end in the wine producing area of Constantia and the botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch.
Shopping in Oranjezicht
Oranjezicht borders the popular Kloof street, where you can find restaurants which hold parties well into the night. Further down the road you'll be led to the bohemian Long Street, awash with antique shops and stores to excite the inner tourist. Adjacent to Long Street is Greenmarket Square, a historic market which sells everything from African curios and paintings to sandals and socks.
Getting around
Cape Town has a great public transport system, although it is often overcrowded. If you wish to drive yourself, a number of car rental options exist. Your Cape Town accommodation will be able to provide the names and numbers of some reputable taxi and agencies as well.
Further afield
The Cape Winelands are less than 40 minutes away from the centre of the City Bowl. Here, you can wander around the historic estates sampling some of the best wine in the country.
If you want to experience a stunning landscape in the spring, take a trip to the Namaqualand National Park on the West Coast. For an extended holiday excursion in spring, the flora of this area is well worth the trip to the park. The spread of daisies under the summer South African sun will take up the majority of your camera's memory space, rest assured. From your Cape Town accommodation, this stunning floral display is just a day's drive away.
The stylish little village of Oranjezicht sits on the edge of the Cape Town City Bowl. Here you can find historic houses and gorgeous tree-lined streets and a local community of young students and professionals.
