Rhodes Memorial
Cecil John Rhodes came to South Africa in 1870 where he was quickly attracted by the allure of the recent diamond rush taking place in Kimberley at the Big Hole. After shrewdly purchasing the mineral rights of the De Beer brothers farm for a paltry £ 6 000 Rhodes was now well on his way to fame and fortune.
Queen Victoria, quite chuffed by his financial acumen and loyalty to the Empire, duly appointed Rhodes as head of the British South Africa Company. With the queen's blessing Rhodes claimed vast areas of Mashonaland as his own and renamed the area Rhodesia.
Next, Rhodes became the Prime Minister of the Cape Colony but eventually grew weary of politics and retired to his home in Groote Schuur. He also purchased what is now Kirstenbosch Gardens, which he bequeathed to the Botanical Society upon his death in 1902.
RHODES MEMORIAL:
In 1912 the city constructed the massive granite memorial in his honour upon the slopes of Devil's Peak, just above the present site of the University of Cape Town. Visitor's are welcomed to the memorial by the obligatory bronze statue of a rearing horseman. The Memorial is guarded by eight bronze lions that line the 49 steps, one step for each year of his life, leading up to the imposing rows of granite pillars reminiscent of a Greek temple.
RESTAURANT:
There is a tea room located behind the temple where one can take in the the panoramic view across the city's stock yards and northern suburbs. The restaurant is very popular and so reservations are necessary, especially on weekends Tel 021 689 9151
HIKING:
Above the memorial a pathway leads up to a turn of the century block house called the King's Blockhouse. There are also contour trails, one heading southward toward the Newlands forest and another heading westward towards the city. This corner of Devil's Peak can be ferociously windy so bring sunscreen or be prepared to hold onto your hat very tightly.
DIRECTIONS:
- exit the M3 just south of the University of Cape Town
Accommodation Near Rhodes Memorial
Knightsbury Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Rondebosch
1.2km from Rhodes MemorialThere are 4 tastefully decorated rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Each is fitted with all the amenities necessary to making sure their guests' needs are attended to. The Knight's are an impressive double act at breakfast, which is indulgent with... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sandown Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Rondebosch
2.3km from Rhodes MemorialSandown Lodge is a charming 19th Century Georgian Guest House, centrally situated in picturesque surroundings in Rondebosch, Cape Town. Close to Newlands Cricket ground and the University of Cape Town which are within walking distance... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fernwood Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands, Cape Town
3km from Rhodes MemorialFernwood Manor is an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our exclusive guest house, catering for no more than 16 guests, ensures warm friendly personal service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glencoy
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont
3.1km from Rhodes MemorialGlencoy provides self catering accommodation in Claremont, Cape Town. Glencoy is an upmarket, private self-catering apartment and en-suite guest room. It is situated in the quiet residential area of Upper Claremont. With a striking view of Table Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mayfield Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Rondebosch
3.4km from Rhodes MemorialMayfield Cottages - 2 upmarket (spacious, sunny and comfortable) self-catering suites (each sleep 2 people) conveniently located in the leafy, historic suburb of Rondebosch, Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Thatchwood Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Pinelands, Cape Town
3.9km from Rhodes MemorialThatchwood Cottage is situated in Pinelands which offers a self contained cottage with its own entrance and secure off street parking. There is a swimming pool and tranquil garden where guests can relax. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Valley Heights B&B / Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth
4.3km from Rhodes MemorialValley Heights Guest House provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Situated in the peaceful, safe and leafy suburb of Upper Kenilworth in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs and has easy access to major tourist... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
5.2km from Rhodes Memorial5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
5.7km from Rhodes MemorialLiberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
8 Neptune's Isle
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Milnerton
6.3km from Rhodes MemorialNeptune's Isle cabana (sleeps 4) is a great getaway for pleasure seeking tourists, or for a weekend break. Self-catering - Cabana is situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean with views of Table Mountain & Robben Island across the bay, and from where... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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