Observatory & Mowbray

Observatory and Mowbray are located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and are 10 – 15 minutes away from the CBD and the venue of the 2010 World Cup. Both areas are well serviced by public transport, with the Main Road being the transport hub.

You’ll be in the thick of the 2010 World Cup extravaganza in no time.

With the University of Cape Town close by, both suburbs are popular student residential areas. Observatory, fondly known as Obz by the locals, is the bohemian territory of the city, with predominantly single or young married couples as chief residents. Both Observatory House and Mowbray House provide excellent 2010 World Cup rooms.

Observatory Entertainment

The entertainment fits in with the overall unconventional appeal with zany nightclubs operating into the small hours, armchair theatres offering up the ribald avant-garde and a range of late-night eateries and pubs.

Mowbray, however, is a tale of two suburbs, boasting upmarket Victorian homes standing cheek to jowl with student digs. It’s an exciting blend of former colonial influences with a healthy jab of the new South Africa.

Mowbray Attractions

When in Mowbray, make for Durban Road for a little R&R, it’s the focal point for foodies in particular. A number of laid back restaurants offer all sorts of international cuisine, from spicy Mexican to tempting Thai.

For more serious theatre, the Baxter, the University of Cape Town’s playhouse, is nearby in Rosebank. Pop in to Rhodes Memorial, built on the slopes of Devil’s Peak. Apart from the great views across the city, check out the memorial itself, it’s quite a feat for its time.

Mowbray Golf Course, an 18-hole parkland championship course is a must for serious golfers. The famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is minutes away by car and arguably the best routes up to the summit of Table Mountain are on this side of the mountain – Skeleton Gorge, Newlands Ravine and Nursery Ravine.

Safety & Security

Although both suburbs have had their security challenges in the past, neighbourhood Watches, together with the South African Police, ensure crime levels are kept low. CCTV cameras have been erected to safeguard both residents and visitors. Your 2010 World Cup accommodation in Observatory and Mowbray is safe and secure, situated in friendly neighbourhoods, ensuring that your only worry will be learning how to blow a vuvuzela horn!