Rondebosch Area Information

Rondebosch at a glance

Nestled between the slopes of Devil's Peak mountain in the west and Table Mountain in the east, neighbouring the suburbs of Rosebank, Mowbray, Newlands and Claremont lies the lively, central suburb of Rondebosch. Primarily a residential suburb, with properties being sought-after for their magnificent views of Table Mountain and rich architectural beauty. Rondebosch houses a small business district and is home to the Main Campus of UCT (University of Cape Town) meaning there is plenty of affordable student accommodation available. The trendy suburb is always bustling with activity and is also home to the beautiful Rondebosch Common, a National Monument that houses many rare indigenous plant species. Rondebosch is situated nearby to both the M3 and M5 freeways, giving residents and visitors easy access to the Cape Town CBD, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the many beautiful beaches of Cape Town. 

Brief History of the Area:

The story of Rondebosch begins in 1657 when Dutch Commander Jan Van Riebeeck proposed to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) that farmers be brought in to aid in the production of food for residents of the Cape settlement. The VOC's directors then agreed that nine men be given farms along the Liesbeeck River, with these people became known as Free Burghers with their farms being used to produce wheat. In 1657 a small group of four Free Burghers were gifted land in an area south of Table Bay at the Cape of Good Hope, which Jan van Riebeeck christened as "Het Ronde Doornboschje" appropriately named after a strange clump of thorn trees situated on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. By 1670, the area had been logged in the VOC's records as "Rondeboschie". Despite its early origins, Rondebosch did not achieve any recognition as a separate village or as a suburb of Cape Town until well after 1830. Today, however, Rondebosch is a veritable hub of student activity, with the majority of UCT (University of Cape Town) students staying in and around the area. 

Schools in the Area:

Rondebosch is home to several good public and private schools. 

Public schools in the area include:

• Rondebosch Boys High School

With their school motto being "Altius et Latius" which means "higher and wider" Rondebosch High School offers students the finest quality education, maintaining a strong balance between a robust academic curriculum and extra-curricular enrichment in a diverse, accepting environment. The students of Rondebosch are taught to be resilient, adaptable and confident young men, instilled with a strong sense of school pride. Rondebosch Boys High School ultimately aims to fully-equip its students with the social, ethical, educational and emotional competencies to become successful, contributing members of future society.

• Westerford High School 

The esteemed Westerford High School is a co-educational public school with a focus on academic excellence in combination with a compulsory sports programme, that aims to develop both the minds and bodies of its students. With their school motto being "Nil Nisi Optimum" which translates to "Nothing but the best" Westerford High School endeavours to equip its students with all the necessary skills, qualities and values that they require.

Private schools in the area include:  

• Micklefield Girls Primary School

Situated directly in the centre of Rondebosch, lies the gorgeous Micklefield Girls Primary School, offering its girls a top-quality education in a small, friendly and nurturing environment. With a strong balance between an excellent academic curriculum, sports programme, extracurricular activities and creative leadership, Micklefield Primary encourages its girls to achieve their full potential and personal growth, thereby one day becoming valuable, contributing members of modern society.

Shopping Centres:

Rondebosch is surrounded by several shopping centres which will comfortably cater to all shopping needs you may have. Centrally situated on Main Road nearby the UCT campus, the Rondebosch Main shopping centre offers its patrons covered, secure parking and a large array of stores, including Pick 'n Pay, Nedbank, Clicks and Kauai as well as fast food options such as KFC, McDonalds and Nando's. The Rondebosch Main Shopping Centre is the perfect convenience option for those looking to grab a few things or a bite to eat on the way home. Only a 2km drive away from the area lies the trendy Cavendish Square Shopping Centre; The award-winning regional shopping centre is famed for being a premier fashion destination, encircling a total of 180 stores. Cavendish Square boasts a premium selection of local and international brands, together with some of South Africa's most desired anchor tenants, with stores covering fashion, leisure and select services tailored to every customer need. Cavendish Square offers a balanced mix of individual boutiques, high street chains and chic décor stores that appeal to patrons of all ages, making it a prime retail destination for both residents and visitors alike.

Distance from Key Points:

Rondebosch is perfectly positioned near several key locations, including being a 13km drive (or Uber ride) to the Cape Town International Airport. Residents and visitors staying in Rondebosch are also only a couple of minutes away from the Rondebosch train station, which gives easy access into Cape Town's CBD. UCT students also have easy and immediate access to the convenient Jammie Shuttle service. 

Restaurants/Entertainment:

Rondebosch is home to several delightful restaurants that will ensure you are well-fed; These include:

• The Hussar Grill (Rondebosch)

First established back in 1964 and known as one of the oldest grillrooms in the country, the Hussar Grill in Rondebosch is favoured by locals for serving the finest South African beef for over 55 years. The restaurant is the embodiment of grill room traditions and is filled with character. As it remains the original Hussar Grill, it is their benchmark restaurant against which all the others are measured against and recently received the Afristay Writer's Choice 2018 Award, being voted the Top Restaurant in Rondebosch.

• The Baxter Restaurant 

Operated by Theresa Peters of the famed Maharajah brand, The Baxter Restaurant adjacent to the renowned Baxter Theatre offers a buffet-style dining experience with a wide variety of lunch and dinner options, from pastas and vegetable bakes to mouth-watering curries and delicious vegetarian options, ensuring you are well fed and right on time for the performance you are likely there to watch.

• Sticky Fingers BBQ

From humble beginnings selling snackwiches (toasted sandwiches) outside the UCT Library stairs in the evenings to now being known as the purveyors of burgers, wings, shakes and of course, their famous rack of ribs, Sticky Fingers BBQ in Rondebosch will leave its customers wanting more. With a continuous attempt at bringing great service and great food to its guests and relentlessly working at creating bigger and better dishes, there is no better place to cure your hunger.

Special Attractions:

• Baxter Theatre

Nestled beneath the magnificent Devil's Peak mountain, at the foot of UCT (University of Cape Town) lies the renowned Baxter Theatre Centre. Established in 1976 and first opened in 1977, The Baxter was originally named after the former Mayor of Cape Town, William Duncan Baxter, who had left money to the University of Cape Town, specifically for the construction of a theatre centre. The Baxter has since then acted as a dynamic, diverse entertainment hub, boasting a world-class theatre and concert hall, as well as rehearsal rooms, offices, bars, restaurants, a studio stage and a remarkably expansive foyer. With a variety of different shows and performances on offer, a trip to the Baxter Theatre Centre is a must for locals and visitors residing in the area. 

• Rondebosch Fountain

Famed as being the first electric lamp post in South Africa, the Rondebosch Fountain, which was destroyed a few years ago due to a tragic car accident, has been restored by Cape-Town based foundry Heritage Castings. Located at the intersection of Belmont and Main roads, the replica of the original fountain stands once again, a beautiful sight that is not to be missed.