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Staying in Southern Suburbs of Cape Town

Staying in Cape Town During my Dissertation Writing

Settling in Cape Town
In February 2015, I travelled to Cape Town for the tenth time. The purpose of my visit was to finalise my dissertation writing for my studies at the University of Cape Town. I had been working on my dissertation since 2012 and needed to bring it to a conclusion. I thus needed a quiet environment, ready access to my supervisor and access to physical learning resources and electronic resources. On the first night, I spent a night at Bohemia Backpackers Lodge in Observatory. For the next three nights I rented a room for a Zambian national in Kenilworth. It was interesting to travel to campus using train. It was much faster than using taxis (minibuses in Zambia).

Search for accommodation
In my search for suitable accommodation my next stop was Off the Wall Backpackers Lodge. The lodge was clean and comfortable. I intended to spend only one night but ended staying for three nights. I made some friends there from India, Zambia and South Africa. By the time I was leaving, I was almost reluctant to leave. Through sharing my quest for suitable accommodation to write my dissertation with my fellow lodgers at the lodge, I was advised to try one of the UCT residences. By God’s grace, I was able to find some space at Forest Hill staff flats.

Cavendish Square Mall


Forest Hill
It is said location matters. I found the location of Forest Hill suitable in many senses. Firstly it was close to campus as it was about 15 minutes walk or one could use the university shuttle services. Forest Hill was also adjacent to the Main Road and thus close to shops and eating places. In addition, the hostels had a computer lab and a laundry room with washing machines. A very ideal location indeed! Forest Hill hostels are in Mowbray, a residential in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.

                                          Newlands in Southern Suburbs

Southern Suburbs

All the four residential areas that I stayed in are in an area which is called Southern Suburbs. The suburbs lie to the Southeast of the slopes of Table Mountain within rich valleys and vast plains. In general this area is identified as being the more affluent of the Cape Town Metropolis' sections and includes the city's most expensive residential neighbourhoods. It is home to renown shopping malls like Cavendish Square, Kenilworth Centre Mall, and Access Park. It is also known for renown academic institutions like: University of Cape Town, Rustenburg Girls, Rondebosch Boys Secondary School and Wynberg Girls School. The Suburbs have state of the art sporting fields used for horse-racing and rugby. It is also known for the state-of-the art Baxter Theatre where many concerts and drama shows are performed. Lastly, but not the least the Southern Suburbs house the Groote Schuur Hospital where Dr. Christian Barnard performed the first heart transplant in the world.
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