Tokai and Steenberg sit in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs, beneath the Steenberg Mountains. The area brings together art, wine, food and mountain scenery, offering visitors a quieter alternative to the City Centre while still giving them plenty to see and do.
Three places capture the character of the area particularly well: Norval Foundation, Steenberg Wine Farm and Silvermine Nature Reserve.
Norval Foundation
Nestled at the foot of the Steenberg Mountains is Norval Foundation, one of Cape Town’s best known art galleries and exhibition centres.
The gallery opened in April 2018 and features extensive exhibition spaces and a sculpture garden surrounding the property. Founded by local property investor and art collector Louis Norval, the nonprofit museum was created to support African artists and encourage a deeper appreciation of African art.
Norval Foundation hosts rotating exhibitions, giving visitors the chance to experience different artists and styles throughout the year. Its exhibitions have included works by South African artistic icon Irma Stern.
Art education is another important part of the foundation. The Norval Learning Centre offers workshops, classes, teacher training and school tours for children and other visitors who want to broaden their understanding of art.
The sculpture garden is a highlight in its own right, combining outdoor artworks with views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also spend time at the on site restaurant as part of a longer visit.
Steenberg Wine Farm
A short distance away, Steenberg Wine Farm brings a different side of the area into focus. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting at the farm, dine at Bistro Sixteen82 and take in views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains.
The Terroir Terrace extends from the tasting room and restaurant, creating additional space for events and private functions. Together with the estate’s setting at the foot of the mountains, it makes Steenberg a natural stop for visitors wanting to combine food, wine and scenery.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
For visitors who want to spend more time outdoors, Silvermine Nature Reserve sits high in the mountain range visible from Norval Foundation and Steenberg Wine Farm.
Silvermine forms part of Table Mountain National Park and is popular with hikers, picnic goers and visitors to the mountain dam. Its trails offer broad views across the Cape Peninsula and pass through landscapes rich in fynbos.
One of the area’s best known hiking destinations is Elephant’s Eye cave. Together with the dam, mountain paths and surrounding vegetation, it gives visitors a very different experience from the galleries, restaurants and vineyards below.
A Quieter Side of Cape Town
Tokai and Steenberg have long been enjoyed by locals, and more visitors are discovering the area for themselves. Art, wine, food and nature sit close together here, making it easy to experience several sides of Cape Town in one part of the city.
If wine is a priority during your stay, you can also explore Take 2 Tours’ private wine tours from Cape Town for more options across the Cape Winelands.
