Newlands Forest
Like Ireland, Newlands in Cape Town is incredibly green because it rains a lot (it has the highest rainfall of any suburb in South Africa). It is also southeast-facing and relatively cool, this kind to the forest that grows there.
The natural yellowwood forests around the skirt of Table Mountain would have been plundered in colonial times for timber, if they hadn't also enjoyed the earliest conservation. Consequently, although there are few really big timber trees left, the forest is by and large healthy and — now that it is under the protection of SANParks — the fringes are being reclaimed.
A walk along the Contour Path, starting at the Newlands picnic area and heading towards Kirstenbosch gardens before looping back, does involve a bit of muscle power, but it is balm to the city soul, and the sounds far below seem strangely alien. Any metropolis in the world would be proud to have such an incredibly reinvigorating natural playground.
Newlands Brewery
The Newlands Brewery is the oldest operating brewery in South Africa, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Original, the suburb of Newlands was created to brew beer along the streams of water that came down for Table Mountain.
Mariendahl Brewery was established in the early 1800’s by Jacob Letterstedt. When The South African Breweries took ownership in 1958, they preserved the original old Malthouse, Oasthouse and Mariendahl Tower Brewery. They were granted National Heritage status in 1995.
Newlands Brewery produces 9 famous beers, specially crafted using both time-honored and modern techniques. Among their most famous beers are Castle Lager, Carling Black Label, Hansa Pilsner and Budweiser. The Brewery offers tours and tastings for visitors wanting the ultimate beer experience.