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Cape Town - Cape Point, False Bay & Cape Peninsula
The Indian Ocean side of the Cape peninsula:
This region of South African coastline is located on the edge of False Bay and the first town to meet you is Muizenberg on the way to Cape Point.
Muizenberg:
Muizenberg is nestled against the mountain of Muizenberg, which played host to the Muizenberg Battle, which took place between the English and the Dutch in 1795.
Muizenberg is home to the following Museums:
Het Post Huijs, which is the oldest inhabitable house in the country built in 1673 and exhibits the story of the battle of Muizenberg.
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Natale Labia Museum a branch of the South African National Museum, which holds the collection of Italian art which was collected by the late count Labia.
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Rhodes Cottage Museum is home to much of the Premiers personal belongs. The modest thatched seaside cottage where Empire builder Cecil John Rhodes spent the last days of his life contains some personal memorabilia, period furniture and a diorama of his burial place at Matopos. His cottage is located on 246 Main Road, Muizenberg, telephone number (021) 755-1516 Open: T- Sun: 10.00 - 13.00 & 14.00 - 17.00
The town of Muizenberg is renowned for its sandy beaches and surfing.
St James:
The little village of St James has built itself around the St James Catholic Church constructed in 1854. The little village has kept its charm, it is situated on the edge of Kalk Bay Mountain.
Kalk Bay:
This quaint fishing village received its name from the Dutch word meaning ‘lime’ as the Dutch East Indian Company would collect shells to make lime cement from here. The village features some great Seafood restaurants one being the Brass Bell which is located in the harbor of Klak Bay.
The small fishing fleet located in Kalk Bay returns every day round noon with fresh fish that can be bought right their on the spot.
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The town of Kalk Bay is also host to many quaint curio shops and cafes.
Fish Hoek:
Founded in 1918, Fishhoek has a long sandy beach, which attracts lots of recreational sun seekers from fisherman to sunbathers. The bay is visited in late winter to early spring by whales which come to the bay to calve.
For restaurant information and Fish Hoek Web cam please click here
Simons Town:
Simon van der Stel decided that Simons Town would be a perfect place for the Dutch fleet to anchor during the winter months when Cape seas can be very rough. The Baron von Imhoff built the first ort and dockland in 1743 and from there the town of Simonstown grew into what it is today. For 150 years it remained the South Atlantic base for the British Royal Navy and only came under South Africa’s control in 1957. The town is still very much a Naval town as it is South Africa’s main naval base.
Historical Buildings to visit in Simonstown are the Admiralty House of Station Road, the Church of St Francis and The Residency, which is home to the Simons Town Museum and tourism office.
A legendary dog named Able Seaman Just Nuisance was enlisted into the navy in 1943, he was much loved by his fellow sailors and would often chase men of the train in order to get seat for his fellow Seaman on the train to Cape Town. When Just Nuisance died in 1943 he was buried with full naval honors. A statue to Just Nuisance stands in Jubilee Square.
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Shopping in Simons Town offers a great array from African Curios to Contemporary Art galleries.
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Penguins yes you heard correctly, Boulder Beach is home to the endangered Jackass Penguins and can be viewed either from the beach, which is very popular as it is warm sheltered beach or from raised wooden walk ways.
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Cape Point Nature Reserve & Surrounds
On the way to Cape Point we could suggest stopping at the Black Marlin restaurant, where some of the best seafood in the area is served. The restaurant, Black Marlin, serves lunch on their outdoor deck providing great views over False Bay.
At the entrance to Cape Point nature reserve an African curio market can be found which sells curios from all over Africa. African carvings made from stone and wood are on offer.
The Ostrich farm at the entrance to Cape Point offers guest an opportunity to view the workings of an ostrich farm with daily-guided tours. Ostrich products can be purchased at their shop next to restaurants.
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Cape Point nature reserve protects 8000 hectares (19 768 acres) of endangered fynbos and animals such as Eiland, the world’s largest antelope, Cape fox, baboons and a variety of antelope. The baboons at Cape Point can be dangerous and caution should be observed when you encounter them.
The views from Cape Point are spectacular and you can either take a vernacular train known as the flying Dutchman to the top of the point or the walk ways. At the top of Cape Point is the old lighthouse and on either side cliffs of 300 meters (985 feet) reach all the way down to the Ocean below. There is a curio shop, restaurant and rest rooms at the tourism center.
Here are 21 reasons why one should visit Cape Point:
1.It is the most southwesterly point of Africa.
2.Breathe the freshest air in the world – straight from the Antarctic.
3.It is where the cold Benguela current on the West coast and the warm Agulas current on the East coast merge.
4.Situated in the 22 100 hectare Table Mountain National Park.
5.One of the highest sea cliffs in the world – 249 m above sea level.
6.The circumnavigation of the Cape of Good hope led to the establishment of a sea route to the East and subsequent trade.
7.26 recorded shipwrecks.
8.Bird watcher's paradise – at least 250 species.
9.Approximately 1 100 indigenous plant species, some of which occur nowhere else on earth.
10.Variety of buck, baboons and other animals.
11.Swimming at Bordjiesrif and Buffel Bay tidal pools.
12.Numerous scenic walks and trails.
13.Excellent angling and diving spots.
14.Whale and dolphin watching from May to November.
15.Historical monuments including the Diaz and Da Gama cross.
16.The funicular – scenic trips to the old lighthouse.
17.Send an e-mail postcard from the Email Shop to friends and family around the world.
18.Enjoy the cleanest ocean waters.
19.The Two Oceans Restaurant offers world-class cuisine and spectacular vistas over False Bay.
20.Two curio shops, each with an impressive range of high quality South African curios and Cape Point merchandise.
21.A million points of view.
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Scarborough and Kommetjie
The little seaside town of Scarborough is very quaint and travelers can stop for a walk on the beach or enjoy a meal at the Camel Rock Restaurant. The next little town is Misty Cliffs.
Kommetjie has a magnificent lighthouse called Slangkoppunt lighthouse, which was built in 1919. It can be seen on the way to Kommetjie. The white sandy beach, which stretches all the way to Noordhoek, is famous for surfing.
Kommetjie – Imhoff’s Gift offer: Tea garden, horseback and camel riding to visitors. The Nature Park and Wildlife sanctuary offers an insight into large birds. There is also the snake park, which exhibits snakes from South African and all over the world.
The Masephumelele Village offer visitors over weekends the possibility of view traditional Xhosa lifstyle and offer a of Xhosa wares for sale.
Noordhoek:
The quite town of Noordhoek is home to rural Cape Town. The quite little farm stalls and riding stables that dot the landscape make up much of what Noodhoek represents.
Shopping is available at the Noordhoek Village which is located on the road to Chapmans Peak.
Noordhoek Horse Riding:
Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding
Experience breathtaking views of Chapman's Peak and Noordhoek Beach from horseback. Visit the Kakapo shipwreck and watch indigenous bird life on one of the Cape's most beautiful beaches.
Enjoy a glass of champagne while watching the sun set or feel the wind in your hair when cantering along the beach. Knowledgeable guides and well-behaved horses will ensure an experience of a lifetime.
Tel: 021 789 2341 or 083 261 0104 e-mail: jjfrylink@intekom.co.za
Imhoff Equestrian Centre
This equestrian centre presents special horse riding on Noordhoek Beach. This is riding at its best. Morning, noon and sunset rides for everyone.
Tel: 021 783 1168 or 082 774 1191 e-mail: horseriding@iafrica.com Go To Their Site
Dunes Kakapoe Horse Trail
The most scenic horse trail Cape Town has to offer! Discover the natural beauty of Noordhoek Beach and the wonderful wetlands. See the whales and dolphins swimming metres from the Kakapo wreck. Enjoy riding on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Rides go out between 9 and 10 every morning and at 4 every afternoon.
Tel: 0217891723
e-mail: thedunes@telkomsa.net
Routes Back to Cape Town:
Coming back from Cape Point: You can either drive via Chapmans Peak Drive which will take you through to Hout Bay, Camps Bay and into Cape Town or the other route via the Oude Kaapse Weg back to Constantia and onto the Blue Route back to Cape Town. |
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