CHRIS NIXON BIKE PARK
Anyone with a bike in the southern suburbs of Cape Town has dropped in at least once to experience Chris Nixon’s sculpted and compacted pump track, jumps and drops at Constantia Uitsig wine estate, close to the Tokai Forest. Constantia Uisig was once a part of Simon van der Stel’s Groot Constantia.
To find the bike park drive past the original Cape Dutch homestead that houses a restaurant (the veranda, with clear views out over the vineyards, is rather inviting). It used to be the River Café, but is now known as the Open Door Restaurant (wine tasting has moved across the driveway). The park is the perfect training venue for all levels and age groups. Biking is about getting out and having fun for the whole family, which is what a bike park like this one offers – a place where little, and big, kids can defy gravity, kick up dust and speed along a series of tracks.
The park is still under development with new track expansions on the way. You can follow Chris Nixon’s Facebook page to keep up-to-date with details, and for photographs of riders in action. Also available is a bike shop, bike hire, bike share and Chris Nixon, 2013 MTB Masters World Champion, offers skills coaching.
Location: Constantia Uitsig Wine Estate on Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia
TELEPHONE+27 (0)84 777-7802
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STEENBERG GOLF CLUB
Set in the backdrop of the Constantiaberg Mountain Range, just a stone’s throw away from the Tokai Forest and enjoying some of the finest real estate that Southern Africa has to offer, it is of little wonder that Steenberg Golf Club is one of the most prestigious Golf Courses in South Africa. Designed by premiere course architect, Peter Matkovich, Steenberg Golf Course is open only guests of club members and their guests.
Steenberg Estate, upon which the Golf Course has been built, dates back to 1682 when Governor Simon van der Stel granted the land to a Catharina Ulstings Ras. In 1994 the transformation from a working farm to world-leading golf course began and from the official opening in 1996 the investors haven’t looked back. The Steenberg Golf Estate has been a monumental success.
Five different tees provide a fabulous range of play that caters from junior to championship level and features four distinct environmental areas – Wetlands, Parklands, Fynbos and The Cape Flats. The grounds abound in wildlife and are meticulously manicured by the staff. In fact, it is held to have the best greens in Cape Town. The club is the envy of many and has recently been voted “Top foreign golf resort” by Conde Nast Traveller readers. Book your accommodation in Constantia and your tee-off ahead to avoid disappointment.
Signature holes are the 7th and the 14th and the club has first-class facilities including a halfway house, locker rooms, bar/lounge, Pro shop, clubhouse and practise range. Handicaps allowed: 36 for Ladies and 34 for Men. Handicap certificates will be asked on the day of play. The Golf Course is a soft spike course. It is essential to book T-off times in advance.
TELEPHONE+27 (0)21 715-0227
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TOKAI FOREST MARKET
The Tokai Forest in Cape Town is a lush green escape from the city buzz, situated only minutes from major malls and residential suburbs. Tall trees tower over you as you explore the stalls and meet the folk behind the exciting range of products here, in part of the spectacular and extensive Table Mountain National Park. Because this forest is so popular amongst cyclists, runners, families and friends wanting to enjoy the clear, fresh air and the mottled bark of almost 300 different tree species, the Tokai Forest Market is also a hub of activity amongst young and old alike.
Situated at the corner of Orpen Road and Spaanchemat River Road, the market is home to an array of stalls.
The food stalls are particularly inviting, and include a number of organic ingredients and dishes, plenty of fresh hot coffee, and sweet treats galore. In addition, visitors can look forward to perusing bookstalls, craft-centred treasure troves, mini nurseries, and clothing traders. Children are always enticed to the large sandpit and the jungle gym, which are within view for the folks sipping on a hot cuppa while keeping a watchful eye on their little ones.
The Tokai Forest Market is open every Sunday from 09h00 to 14h00, and invites visitors to bask in the warm sunshine and make the most of a lazy Sunday. Whether you want to shop, eat or simply unwind, this market offers you the ideal opportunity to do just that. Nearby attractions include the recently revamped Blue Route Mall, as well as the wine farms of Constantia. Kalk Bay is about 20 minutes’ drive from the market, while the City Bowl is between 25 and 35 minutes away.
Corner of Orpen and Spaanchemat River Roads, Tokai, Constantia Valley
Saturdays from 09h00 to 14h00.
Sundays from 10h00 to 15h00.
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