Rondebosch is a scenic suburb located in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. The area has incredible views of Table Mountain, surrounded by forestry and architectural gems. The suburb was the first permanent title of land founded by Jan van Riebeeck. He named it after a clump of trees, which later evolved into Rondebosch (round tree).
Rondebosch has beautiful Victorian homes and renditions of famous architect Sir Herbert Baker’s work. The area is also well-populated with students from the nearby University of Cape Town. The establishment is the oldest in the country, dating back to 1829. University students have created a cosmopolitan, racially diverse suburb. Bars, nightclubs, Baxter Theatre, affordable eating-places in Cape Town, bookstores and clothing nooks are the order of the day.
Attractions in Rondebosch include Mostert’s Mill, as well as the Presidential Home, where Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk signed the ‘Groote Schuur Minute’, which was the start of a peaceful negotiation process to end apartheid in 1990. The Irma Stern Museum is a venue for constantly changing exhibitions and poetry readings. Rhodes Memorial is in close proximity to the suburb, which pays homage to Cecil John Rhodes.
The Rondebosch Common, declared a national monument in 1961, is a landmark, surrounded by reputable schools, retirement centres and various top-calibre sports centres. It is situated across the road from the Red Cross Children's Hospital.