Upper Kenilworth Area Information

Kenilworth Upper at a glance

Nestled between the popular Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the lush Constantia Winelands, bordering Claremont Upper and Wynberg Upper, lies the centrally-located, enchanted suburb of Upper Kenilworth. With spacious homes and well-manicured gardens, Upper Kenilworth is certainly an area to consider making your home. The area is a veritable hub of activity, brimming with abundant industry, retail shopping, office blocks and numerous residential properties. Kenilworth Upper is also home to the magnificent Kenilworth Racecourse and Conservation Area, highlighting the suburb as a pinnacle of natural beauty. Upper Kenilworth offers respectable yet remarkably affordable properties. 

Brief History of the Area: 

The story of Upper Kenilworth can be traced back to Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape Colony from 1814 to 1824, who resided on a farm in the upper region of Kenilworth. Following the development of the racecourse and train station in 1882, a large part of the area's natural landscape, numbering a total of 52 hectares of wetland was protected and conserved, owing to it being one of the largest stretches of natural vegetation in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs; Considered to be the finest example of Sand Fynbos in the Cape Peninsula, the conservation area was then recognized as one of 35 core botanical sites in the whole of South Africa. The Kenilworth Racecourse is the oldest in South Africa and is also home to the renowned Sun Met (formerly known as the J&B Met) a popular annual horse racing event that dates back to 1883. In 1989 the conservation status of the racecourse was emphasized by Dr Clive McDowell, who highlighted the significant importance of the environmental value of the site's present natural vegetation. Between 1991 and 2005, CapeNature took over the management role of the conservation area and by 2006, a management agreement was reached between the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Management Branch, Gold Circle and CapeNature, with the Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation Area (KRCA) being formed as a result. Since then, the majority of alien vegetation has been forcibly removed, with controlled fires being routinely scheduled to promote the growth and propagation of fynbos; ultimately rehabilitating the entire area to its former glory.

Schools in the Area:

Kenilworth Upper has a few respected public and private schools in the area:

Public schools in the area include:

• Wynberg Boys High School

Wynberg Boys High School is one of the oldest and most respected traditional schools in the country for young men. The school celebrates community and diversity in an accepting environment while promoting the achievement of excellence in all spheres of school life. By using staff that are committed to growth and working closely with various universities (local and international), Wynberg Boys High School produces learners that are capable of meaningful success.

• Greenfield Girls Primary School

Located at number 3 Gwalia Road, lies the gorgeous campus of Greenfield Girls Primary School. With a mission to provide pupils with a holistic, quality education, Greenfield Girls Primary seeks to develop compassionate, creative young women with resilience, integrity, and confidence in their individuality, who are able to make positive contributions to modern society.

Private schools in the area include:

• Cedar House High School

Situated along Rosmead Avenue, lies the prestigious Cedar House High School, which offers an advanced, IEB-structured curriculum in a diverse, accepting learning environment, while focussing  on the development and growth of its pupils. With many additional extracurricular activities on offer and a compulsory social action programme, Cedar House students are fully-equipped to confront the trials of modern day life with an optimistic vigour. 

• Michael Oak Waldorf School

Located at number 4 Marlow Road, lies the Michael Oak Waldorf School, which delivers quality education, while also paying close attention to the emotional well-being and needs of its students. Michael Oak Waldorf School is a multicultural, co-educational school that seeks to awaken its pupils into being confident, creatively responsible and balanced individuals.

Shopping Centres:

Kenilworth Upper is conveniently positioned in close vicinity of a newly opened Woolworths food store as well as a Pick N Pay, both of which run along Kenilworth main road, together with a wine merchant, a Vida e Café and even a speciality butcher where you can browse from a delectable selection of fresh meats. Kenilworth Upper is also in nearby to Cavendish Square, the award-winning regional shopping centre, neatly settled in the Southern Suburbs, and known as being a premier fashion destination, encompassing a total of 180 stores. Cavendish Square boasts a premium selection of local and international brands, alongside some of South Africa's most sought after anchor tenants and also offers a wide selection of restaurants, stores, 5 forex banks and 8 cinemas all situated in a secure, safe shopping environment. Cavendish Square has an average intake of around 1.2 million shoppers per month, with stores covering leisure, fashion and select services tailored to every consumer need. Residing in Kenilworth Upper also offers a short drive to the Constantia Village Shopping Centre only 5km away for those looking for a premium shopping experience.

Distance from Key Points: 

Kenilworth Upper is yet another gateway location that gives visitors and residents easy access to several key locations, being a quick drive (or Uber ride) to the Cape Town International Airport only 17km away. Kenilworth train station is also in relative walking distance for those looking to travel to Cape Town's CBD via public transport. 

Restaurants/Entertainment: 

Kenilworth Upper offers a choice of different restaurants and cafés in the area, including:

• Oakhurst Farmstall 

Another hidden gem, conveniently located along Kenilworth Main Road, the Oakhurst Farmstall offers a variety of delicious deli foods and baked delicacies, including fresh fruit & vegetables. With beautiful flowers to greet patrons at the door and nougat, imported chocolates, 100% fruit juices, farm butter and goats milk products on sale, the Oakhurst Farmstall is the place to be.

• Bootlegger Coffee Company

For those looking to grab a quick coffee, lunch or even an evening meal, the famed Bootlegger Coffee Company located along Main Road, can cater to all the needs of its patrons. With friendly service and a stylish atmosphere, complete with the option of outdoor seating, there is no better place to enjoy a good coffee or a beer after work. Bootlegger also offers up hearty breakfasts, tapas, burgers, ribs, salads, wraps and a decadent assortment of baked cakes. Open from 6:30 AM onwards and offering free Wi-Fi, plenty of table space, bag hooks and ample plug points, Bootlegger offers itself as being the perfect office away from the office. 

• Four & Twenty 

Located just down the road in Chelsea Village, at number 23 Wolfe Street, lies the esteemed Four & Twenty. Bringing a taste of Paris to the neighbourhood, Four & Twenty is a top-rated restaurant, offering baked delights, all-day breakfasts, great lunches and a banting-friendly menu for those looking to take the healthier route. Taking pride in their use of fresh, seasonal, locally-sourced produce in all their dishes and with excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere, there is no better place to charm you into staying far longer than you intended.

With regards to nightlife and entertainment in and around the Kenilworth Upper area, one could consider:

• Oblivion Wine Bar and Restaurant

Located at number 22 Chichester Road, on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Chichester Road, lies the famed Oblivion Wine Bar and Restaurant. The trendy European-style Wine Bar offers a stunning rooftop garden, board games, open fires and luxurious leather couches. With free Wi-Fi access, a variety of snacks, lunch and dinner options (from their home-cooked menu) as well as many beers, cocktails and shooters, Oblivion is the place to be.

Special Attractions:

• Stellenberg Gardens 

Situated at the crossroads of what were once four oak-lined avenues in Upper Kenilworth and surrounded by enchanting gardens and mature trees, Stellenberg Gardens is one of the last remaining examples of its kind in the central Southern Suburbs. The Cape-Dutch homestead and extensive surrounding gardens are not a sight to be missed and are available to see through a pre-booked guided tour.