Tamboerskloof grew from a collection of historic farms and estates on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, gradually becoming a residential neighbourhood as Cape Town expanded towards the mountain. The area was originally made up of large agricultural estates, including Tamboerskloof, Leeuwenvoet and De Hoop, which supplied fresh produce to the growing city. The name dates back to at least 1787, although its exact origin remains uncertain. One long-standing explanation links it to the Dutch word tamboer, meaning drummer, referring to lookouts who are said to have used drums to communicate the arrival of ships in Table Bay. Another theory suggests a connection to the Rajah of Tambora, a ruler from the island of Sumbawa in present-day Indonesia, although there is no conclusive evidence for either explanation.

​

By the late 19th century, the agricultural estates were being subdivided and Tamboerskloof began to take shape as a residential neighbourhood. Victorian homes, many with distinctive iron lacework (broekie lace) and verandahs, were built alongside the slopes. Over time, the neighbourhood developed a distinctive mix of architectural styles, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to Art Deco apartment buildings and more modern additions. The arrival of electric trams in the early 1900s connected the area to the city and Camps Bay, further shaping its development.

​

Today, Tamboerskloof is known for its tree-lined streets, mountain setting and mixture of old and new. Long-standing local institutions such as the Blue Café, which has served the neighbourhood in various forms since 1904, remain part of its identity. Its steep streets lead towards the mountain, while its Victorian homes, cafés and stairways connecting the streets have helped preserve a strong sense of place.