Somerset West
Africa · South Africa
See also
Strand
South Africa34.10°S 18.83°E
Stellenbosch
South Africa33.93°S 18.85°E · 136 m
Overview
Somerset West is a relatively up-market residential suburb of Cape Town in the Cape Winelands. It has limited tourist attractions of its own, but serves as a convenient base for wine estate visits and day trips to Stellenbosch, Gordon's Bay, and Strand beaches.
Languages: Afrikaans, English, Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Why go?
Somerset West is a relatively up-market residential suburb of Cape Town in the Cape Winelands. It has limited tourist attractions of its own, but serves as a convenient base for wine estate visits and day trips to Stellenbosch, Gordon's Bay, and Strand beaches. The area is popular with European "swallows" who maintain second homes here and migrate with the seasons.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Somerset West is accessed via the N2 highway from Cape Town. The N2 becomes congested during rush hour—avoid westbound travel between 6AM and 9AM on weekdays, and eastbound between 3:30PM and 5:30PM. Somerset West station and Strand station serve the area, though public transport options beyond these are limited.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
There is no regular public transport other than minibus taxis. The urban area is amenable to cycling if you have your own bicycle, but distances within the town don't really warrant long cycling trips. Most visitors will need a car or rely on taxis to get around.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation in Somerset West skews toward guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Options include Willowbrook Lodge near Helderberg Nature Reserve (doubles R950-2600), Albourne Guest House on Lourensford Rd (R285-535 per person with breakfast), and the upmarket Lord Charles hotel on the edge of town. Most guesthouses are English and some speak German, Dutch, or French.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
The Helderberg Nature Reserve offers hiking with views of the Hottentots Holland mountains—open daily 7:30AM to 7PM November to April, 7:30AM to 5:30PM May to October. Wine enthusiasts can visit Vergelegen Wine Estate, Morgenster Estate, and Lourensford—all on Lourensford Rd. Golf is available at Erinvale Golf Club and Somerset West Golf Club. Monkeytown Primate Sanctuary on Mondeor Rd houses over 230 primates.
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Buy
Somerset Mall is the largest shopping center in the district—a large covered mall with restaurants, supermarkets, boutiques, sports equipment, and electronics. Prices tend to be higher than in the older commercial center. Lion's Square near Main Rd offers a more compact option anchored by the Lion's Square Spar supermarket with an in-house bakery, delicatessen, and coffee shop.
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Food and drink
Dining options in Somerset West include Craig's Casual Eatery on Main Rd, Blue Waters Seafood & Sushi on Lourensford Rd, and 96 Winery Road for wine country dining. Italian food is available at Pomodoro in Lion's Square (open daily 5-9PM, offers takeaway and free local deliveries). For steak, Cattle Baron Steak Ranch is on Huising St.
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Day trips
Somerset West makes a good base for exploring the Cape Winelands. Stellenbosch is about 20 minutes away via the R44 with its cultural attractions and wine tastings. Gordon's Bay and Strand offer good beaches and swimming, with a public pool in Strand. Scuba diving is available at Gordon's Bay, Rooi-els, and along the Cape Peninsula. Boat rides and charters operate from Gordon's Bay, the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and Hout Bay.
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Go next
Cape Town is nearby for nightlife and major attractions—the N2 takes you there, but avoid rush hour. The wine region of Stellenbosch is 20 minutes away off-peak via the R44. Gordon's Bay and Strand provide beaches and water activities. Boat trips depart from Gordon's Bay, Hout Bay, and Cape Town's Waterfront.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Albourne Guest House
Owners can speak English, German, Dutch, French and Spanish.
Recorded price: R285-R535 per person per night, bed and breakfast
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Berrydel Gourment Guest House
Recorded price: R500-800 per person sharing
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Easy Five
Recorded price: R380-520 per person sharing, B&B, English & German speaking, Members of GC Erinvale
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Somerton Manor
Recorded price: From R435 to R635 per person sharing
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
The Lord Charles
An upmarket hotel in its own grounds on the edge of town. Boasts Nelson Mandela as a past guest. Caters mainly to tour groups, conferences and airline staff. Well-run hotel with comfortable rooms. Buffet dinners best avoided. It's in an area with beautiful surroundings, this 4-star hotel offers meeting rooms, a fitness centre and some fantastic views.
Recorded price: From R1500 for a double
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Willowbrook Lodge
Very peaceful hotel-guest house set in own garden near the Helderberg nature reserve. D'vine restaurant offers very good dining.
Recorded price: Doubles R950-2600
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
96 Winery Road
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Blue Waters Seafood & Sushi
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good in urban areas. The urban areas of Somerset West and Strand are contiguous, which can cause confusion in telephone listings—try both area codes if unsure.
Money
South African Rand (ZAR) is the local currency. ATMs available at Somerset Mall and in the commercial center. Credit cards widely accepted at malls and restaurants.
Safety
Standard urban precautions apply. Keep valuables secure and be aware of petty crime. The area is generally considered safe during daylight hours.
Transport
Minibus taxis are the main public transport option. A car is recommended for exploring beyond the immediate area. Cycling is possible within the urban area if you have your own bike.