Kraaifontein

Cape Town is one of South Africa's most regarded urban destinations and Kraaifontein is an established suburb within this sought-after city. The area was dubbed Kraaifontein largely due to the fact that there are a significant amount of crows which live in the vicinity (kraai translates to crow in the Afrikaans language).  It forms part of the extensive Northern Suburbs region and is conveniently located near the N1 travelling towards, Worcester and Paarl. 

A brief history of the area

The development of the suburb or small town of Kraaifontein dates back to the mid to late 1800's. Just like most of this part of the Western Cape it slowly developed around the farming industry. By the year 1876, a railway station was erected entitled Kraaifontein Junction. Only one year after the railway station was built the town started to develop. And year after year the area today known as Kraaifontein exponentially grew. 1908 was the year that the first school came to the area. By 1948 the town had a Dutch Reform Church and just like many other towns and suburbs within the Northern Suburb expanse, the location became a stronghold for the Afrikaans community. 

According to South African History Online, the main people of the Western Cape region at large were the Khoikhoi, who inhabited the location before Europeans arrived. 

"The region of the Western Cape which includes the Table Bay area (where the modern city of Cape Town is located) was inhabited by Khoikhoi pastoralists who used it seasonally as pastures for their cattle. When European ships landed on the shores of Table Bay they came into contact with Khoikhoi". -https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/dutch-settlement

Infrastructure

Due to the fact that the entire Western Cape expanse is well established, infrastructure is generally well-maintained and upgraded fairly regularly. The whole region is serviced via various bus companies as well as various train routes largely from the Metrorail service. Some of the major roads that connect Kraaifontein with the rest of the province and country include, yet are not limited to, Voortrekker Road, Da Gama Street, Skakel Street, Waarburgh Road, Van Riebeeck Street, Hout Street, the R101, Botfontein Road, the M15, Old Paarl Road and Central Avenue. 

Schools in the area

One of the many reasons why the entire Northern Suburban area including Kraaifontein has become increasingly popular over the years is for the fact that there are no shortages of great schools to choose from. Some of the more well known schools in and around Kraaifontein include Aristea Primary School, Fanie Theron Primary School, Cavalleria Primary School, Eben Donges High School, Meridian Pinehurst Independent School, Monument Park High School, Kraaifontein AME Primary, Scottsdene Secondary School, Laerskool Simonsberg Primary School, Scottsville Primary School and Bernadino Heights Secondary School. 

Hospitals nearby

The Northern Suburbs are generally well connected, so finding suitable medical facilities is never hard. Some of the more established hospitals and clinics within close proximity to Kraaifontein include Medicross-Northpine, Mediclinic Cape Gate, Kraaifontein Community Health Centre, Cape Gate Dietitians, Medicross Family Medical Centre and the Durbanville Day Hospital. 

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Many are choosing Kraaifontein as their next residential location due to the fact that's its also well located to some of the key amenities of the region. If one wishes to travel to the Cape Town International Airport from Kraaifontein, its said to take roughly 20 to 30 minutes and is 20 km to 30 km in distance, depending on which route is chosen. 

Malls/Shopping

The whole of the Cape Town and Western Cape expanse is popular for shopping and the Northern Suburbs are no different. Some of the more popular shopping experiences in the vicinity include the Kraaifontein Shopping Centre, Okavango Crossing Shopping Centre, Langeberg Centre, Brighton Square, Cape Gate Decor Centre, Cape Gate Shopping Centre, Stop and Shop Centre, Pinehurst Centre, Glengarry Shopping Centre, Bloch Centre and Coral White Centre. 

Restaurants

Besides for various popular chain and fast food outlets, Kraaifontein and surrounding locations have a vast variety of places in which to eat and drink. Some of the more popular eateries within close proximity to this suburb include Bamboo Garden Restaurant, RocoMamas Okavango, Ashley's Family Restaurant, Lulus Chinese Restaurant, Pizza Pub and Restaurant, The Palms Restaurant, Toscana Restaurant, Shamrock Fisheries and Take Away, Saddles Steak Ranch, Blasters Family Restaurant, Gaet's Italian Pizza. 

Special Attractions

The Northern Suburbs really does have a lot to offer in terms of places to go and things to do and Kraaifontein is no different. Below are three worthwhile activities for the whole family. This is another favourable factor why so many are choosing Kraaifontein as their place of residence. 

Bugz Playpark

This is the biggest themed play park in the whole of the Western Cape Province and it's slightly different to others as it focuses not just on fun, but also teaching children to have a great love for the outdoors, and that exercise is important. There are many fun-filled activities to keep your children busy. Including some water slides as well. The popular park is situated within close proximity to the epicentre of Kraaifontein and is great for the holiday period where children have a lot of spare time on their hands. 

Wijnland Auto Museum

There are very few men as passionate about old cars as Les Boshoff, who is the owner and founder of the Wijnland Auto Museum. Its this passion that has made this feature of the Northern Suburbs highly recommended for those looking for an exciting weekend activity near Kraaifontein. 

"This Auto Museum is filled with a yesteryear character - it has all the charm for any car enthusiast. There is a car for everyone at Wijnlands Auto Museum and an owner who enjoys what he does". -https://wijnlandautomuseum.co.za/

Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery

The location itself is highly iconic and was first constructed around the 1840's. Since that time it has been used for various purposes including being a prison, police station and magistrate's court. By the last 70's and early 80's, it was decided that the building would become the Durbanville Cultural Society and today it's the proud location of the Vrede Art Gallery as well as a clay museum, art studios, coffee shop and the Yoco Eatery. A must location for anyone passionate about art, who happens to reside in the Kraaifontein or Northern Suburban region of the Western Cape. 

Time to Invest

The Northern Suburbs not far from the commercial, residential and industrial epicentres of Cape Town is an extremely regarded part of South Africa. It really has a lot of history and culture and it's own energy and character. Why not be apart of this picturesque and interesting part of the Western Cape? With leading property company Century 21 it really is very easy. They have the skill, drive and passion to make your move to Kraaifontein as easy and pain-free as possible. The Northern suburbs offer Western Cape residents affordability and a chance to be apart of that real cape heritage. With Century 21 it's easier than ever to be a part of that heritage, get in contact today and go with the best, go with Century 21.