Explore the Deep South of South Africa
We head further south from Kalk Bay to explore Clovelly, Fish Hoek, Glencairn, Simon's Town & the Cape Point National Park
A. CLOVELLY
The suburb of Clovelly is around the corner from Kalk Bay and 32 km from Cape Town.
1. Play a round of golf at the CLOVELLY COUNTRY CLUB
With spectacular mountain views, False Bay and the ocean as a focal point, it’s no wonder that Clovelly was one of Bobby Locke’s favourite courses. A tight par 72 with a testing mix of interesting holes and elevated greens accompanied by beautiful views of Silvermine River and lakes. Natural water features and a wide variety of indigenous fauna and flora, notably the variety of trees lining the fairways.
2. Explore the LOWER SILVERMINE WETLANDS
Situated between Clovelly and Fish Hoek, the Lower Silvermine Wetlands are a rehabilitated floodplain featuring Hangklip Sand Fynbos, sand dunes, and aquatic and wetland areas. The rehabilitation took two years to complete. The floodplain was initially planned to be canalised due to the flooding of nearby houses during the winter season, but a group of nature conservationists managed to ensure its rehabilitation instead. Remains of over 100 year-old dykes are found next to the wetlands as well as on Clovelly Beach. The nearly pristine Silvermine River is unique, as its natural state is almost intact, running from its source in the Silvermine Mountains to the sea in False Bay.
B. FISH HOEK
Fish Hoek beach was used on an informal basis for whaling and fishing, but it was not until 1918 that it was laid out as a township. Fish Hoek is situated in a bay at the end of a broad, low valley, between two and three kilometres wide, which runs from east to west across the Cape Peninsula from Fish Hoek on the False Bay side to Noordhoek and Kommetjie on the Atlantic side. When sea levels were higher than they are today, the valley used to be a sea passage that separated the Cape Peninsula into northern and southern islands.
1. Stroll on the beach at sunrise
The beach is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long and quite flat, and the bay is protected from the currents and stronger surf in the rest of False Bay. Swimming is allowed along the entire beach with lifesavers on duty during the summer peak season, and body surfing, boogie boarding, wind surfing and kayaking are popular.
2. Hike ELSIES PEAK
Elsie's Peak Trail is a 4.2 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
3. Meander next to the ocean along Jager’s walk to Sunny Cove
Starting at the southern end of Fish Hoek beach, this paved walk provides a pleasant stroll of around 1km to Sunny Cove. If you’re feeling energetic, you could walk the remaining 5km from here along an unpaved road to Simon’s Town. The Jager Walk was named in memory of Herman Scott Jager, first Freeman of the Town and chairman and Mayor for twelve years, who proposed the construction of the walk.
C. GLENCAIRN
Glencairn and the Else (also referred to as Els) river valley are located on the coast of False Bay, between Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town. Else Bay was later renamed Glencairn by its early Scottish residents, after the Glencairn area in the North of Scotland.
1. Take a dip in the beautiful tidal pool
The Glencairn tidal pool was built in the 1920s and recently refurbished. It is just one of many extraordinary tidal pools between St James and Cape Point.
2. Birding in the wetlands
Glencairn Wetland is a small 20-hectare reserve on the Cape Peninsula, in the southern areas of Cape Town, South Africa. Located next to the suburb of Glencairn, this reserve protects the indigenous Cape wetland of the lower Else River, with its abundance of plant and animal life.
D. SIMON'S TOWN
Simon's Town is home to the South African Navy's largest base and is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour (first for the British Royal Navy and now the South African Navy). The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.
1. Visit the penguins & swim at picturesque BOULDERS BEACH
Boulders Beach is located a few kilometres to the south of Simon's Town, in the direction of Miller's Point. Here small coves and beaches are interspersed between boulders of Cape granite. There has been a colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach since 1985. There is no record of the birds having lived here prior to that date. There are only three penguin populations on the mainland in southern Africa; the others are close to Hermanus at Stoney Point and Betty's Bay.
2. Experience the beautiful architecture of the Main Road & pay your respects to Just Nuisance in Jubilee Square
In 1985 a statue of Just Nuisance, the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy, was erected in a position overlooking the harbour. The Simon's Town Museum has an exhibition dedicated to his story.
3. Brush up on your history at the Simon’s Town & SA NAVAL museums and be a child again at the WARRIOR TOY MUSEUM
The new SA Naval Museum was opened by Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Simpson-Anderson on 1 April 1993. The first phase of the new display comprised exhibitions of the historic clock tower and part of the sail loft, while the second phase of the development included the utilization of two display areas on ground level of the historic Mast House, depicting the history and functioning of the Submarine, Divers and Weapons branch. The third phase included the conversion of part of the adjacent old Dutch Store House to house the General Botha display, the Hydrographic Printing display, the Transformation display and Russian Arctic Convoy display. Entry is free - donations are welcome!
Percy van Zyl bought his first model car at the age of 4 eighty five years ago. He has created a wonderful museum for collectors of toy airplanes, trucks, lead soldiers, cars and busses - a large number of which are for sale! Entry is just ZAR10.
4. Get a rush of adrenaline - go on a boat trip, diving, kayaking or even SHARK CAGE DIVING!
The adventure begins in Simon’s Town, just 1 hour from Cape Town. A 25 minute boat ride will take you to Seal Island False Bay for your ultimate shark cage diving experience. Though the area is associated primarily with Great whites (in season), they are privileged to have the very inter-active, Sevengill Broadnose cow sharks and Blue and Mako sharks. The cage floats just under the surface of the water, and it is situated alongside the boat. The crew is highly trained and safety is of utmost importance for your shark cage diving trip.
5. Enjoy fresh seafood
It’s time for fresh seafood next to the ocean and we recommend BERTHA'S & SEAFORTH in Simon’s Town for delicious food next to the ocean.
6. Slide into the gorgeous Miller’s Point tidal pool on your way to Cape Point
Millers Point is just 5kms south of Simons Town and there are two access roads between which you will find a gorgeous Tidal Pool, which even has a water-slide!
E. CAPE POINT NATIONAL PARK
Rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea and cutting deep into the ocean, provide a spectacular background for the park’s rich bio-diversity. Cape Point falls within the southern section of Table Mountain National park. The natural vegetation of the areas – fynbos – comprises the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. The park offers a variety of spectacular experiences:
1. Hike / cycle numerous trails
2. Take a dip in a tidal pool
3. Track the wildlife
4. Visit the Point
(All photos - except Clovelly Golf Club & Shark Cage diving - S Mouton/twisht)
WHEN TO GO: Cape Town is truly a year round-destination - each season has its own unique beauty. If you want to avoid traffic / crowds - explore the Deep South during the week
HOW TO GET THERE: By car is the best way to experience this magical area
SLEEP AT aha SIMON'S TOWN QUAYSIDE HOTEL
aha Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel is perfectly positioned on the water’s edge of the Simon’s Town yacht basin, with breathtaking views over False Bay and the majestic Simon’s Kloof Mountains. This nautically styled, 4-star Simon’s Town hotel has a unique location, offering superb views of the yachts and boats in the harbour.
SLEEP AT BOULDERS BEACH HOTEL
Location Location Location ….. it does not get better! Boulders Beach Hotel, founded by like minded entrepreneurs, people who share a passion for traveling, exploring, wellness and healing. Service, design and simplicity are at their core; when you book a room with them, you’re guaranteed to have an extraordinary experience. Their super soft linen, and idyllic location are only part of the story.
SLEEP AT PENGUINS VIEW GUESTHOUSE
Penguins View Guesthouse is a beautiful, sunny, 3 level home, offering luxury self catering accommodation with stunning sea views across False Bay . The Guesthouse is a 3 minute walk away from the famous Boulders Beach, and the penguin colony, which is home to roughly 3000 endangered African Jack ass Penguins.
SLEEP AT 1 MOUNTAIN ROAD BOUTIQUE B&B
1 Mountain Rd is a newly built unique boutique style B&B overlooking the village and offering 4 spacious and well appointed rooms each with panoramic views over Fish Hoek beach and False Bay as far as the Hottentots Hollands mountains.
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