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Manic about organic
Rondebosch Village Market, Cape Town
Fresh fruit at the Rondebosch Village Market
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Construction on the world-famous Groote Schuur Hospital began in 1657 - as instructed by Jan van Riebeeck, the 1st Dutch governor of the Cape.
The Rondebosch Village Market in Cape Town is a Saturday morning market that specialises in all things organic. Besides fresh produce and quality food treats, it also features some quirky items for sale. These range from organic soaps and handmade quilts to greeting cards and medieval-inspired jewellery.
It’s also a good spot to rummage for 2nd-hand books and DVDs, wooden toys and green cleaning products.
The Rondebosch Village Market is known for its baked goods – ideal for a Saturday beach picnic or Sunday brunch. A stall that caters for people with wheat and gluten intolerances has proved a popular attraction, particularly for items such as organic apple crumbles, milk tarts (a South African dessert and specialty), brownies and muffins.
The bread table is always a drawcard, as are products from the Karoo such as raw honey, cheese, farm yoghurt, jams, pickles, preserves, dried figs and other fruits.
The seasonal and fresh organic fruit and vegetables are, however, the mainstay of the market. The Cape is known for its grapes, peaches, apples, apricots, strawberries and pears. This particular market also stocks a good selection of indigenous herbal teas.
This is a stock-up-and-go type of place where you come to shop to fill your fridge and pantry for the weekend and beyond, rather than somewhere to breakfast or lunch.
Regional produce markets in South Africa are growing in popularity as they offer quality – and often organic – produce at far better prices than what’s generally available in supermarkets. It’s the farmer or producer selling directly to the customer and cutting out the person in the middle that makes the difference.
There is also the bonus of being able to ask questions about the provenance of the products and what’s in them. Another plus at this market is that there’s ample parking at the adjacent library.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Rondebosch Village Market
Tel: +27 (0)21 696 5749/+ 27 (0)72 868 2322
Cape Town Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)21 487 6800/+27 (0)86 132 2223
Email: info@capetown.travel
How to get here
The Rondebosch Village Market is located just outside the library in St Andrew's Road, Rondebosch. It’s easily accessed from both the N1 and N2 highways in Cape Town, and is close to the University of Cape Town.
Get around
You can either organise a transfer or taxi from your hotel to Rondebosch, or drive to the market in your own vehicle.
What will it cost
Entrance is free and there’s a good selection of products of varying prices to choose from. The fresh produce goes for a particularly good price.
Where to stay
Try the nearby Knightsbury Guest House or Bishopsfield Guest House for a luxury 4-star stay, or Westbury House or Sandown Lodge for comfortable 3-star accommodation in historic settings. There are hundreds of other accommodation options - check with Cape Town Tourism, who will make suggestions and bookings for you at no extra charge.
What's happening
There are plenty of historical attractions in and around Rondebosch. You can visit Mostert’s Mill, the only working sail windmill in South Africa in nearby Mowbray (selected Saturdays only); the Rhodes Memorial on the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak; or take a walk through any of the suburb’s beautiful parks. It’s also in close proximity to Table Mountain and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.