Beaches
in
Cape Point Olifantsbos is a small, sandy beach and rocky point on the western side of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. It’s a magical place, wild and sometimes windswept, with a number of well-marked hiking trails and short beach walks. The beautiful Shipwreck Trail and Sirkelsvlei Walk start and finish here.
When the Southeast wind blows and there’s a west to southwest swell, surfers come to ride the right point-break on the incoming tide. Olifantsbos is a popular picnic spot offering green lawn, ablution facilities and ample parking.
One of the most amazing places to stay in Cape Town is Olifantsbos Guest House, a self-catering cottage situated right on the beach just south of Olifantsbosbaai. Wake up to the crash of the waves and eland grazing nearby in this unique getaway.
Things to do near
Cape Point
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
in
Smitswinkel Bay (4.9 km from Cape Point) Just past Simon’s Town and right next to Cape Point Nature Reserve lies Smitswinkel Bay, accessible only by foot or a small boat. The 15-minute walk down is well worth the effort for the sweeping ocean and mountain views alone.
The bay is popular for snorkeling, diving, spearfishing and trek netting. The beach and some of the rock pools are good for swimming. It’s an awesome beach picnic spot but you need to be self sufficient and prepared to lug everything back up the hill. There are no amenities or lifeguards.
Popular Attractions
in
Scarborough (7.9 km from Cape Point) Red Rock Tribal is not your usual curio shop. Supporting and empowering local artists throughout southern Africa, Red Rock is a treasure trove of interesting and eclectic art. Their mantra is 'the world is full of waste, but not all of it is rubbish!'
Here you'll find innovative crafts that are humourous, clever as well as trendy
and sometimes carrying a social message. Red Rock Tribal are also specialists in old tribal artefacts that have been sourced from various African countries. Definitely worth a visit!
Shop hours are 9:30 - 5:30, 7 days a week.
www.redrocktribal.co.za
Beaches
in
Simons Town (8.6 km from Cape Point) Fisherman's Beach is a lovely little sandy cove squeezed between rocky pinnacles near the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach and Simon's Town Golf Course.
The beach is surrounded by lawns and is perfect for a game of beach ball with family and friends or simply soaking up the sunshine.
Here the warmer ocean temperatures of False Bay make Fisherman's Beach a great spot for body surfing, boogie boarding and kayaking.
Beaches
in
Simons Town (9.1 km from Cape Point) Boulders Beach, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park, is home to a sizeable colony of African penguins. These cute and comical birds waddle around quite unperturbed by the hordes of tourists who flock towards them. Huge boulders create sheltered little coves and the resident penguins often swim past for a look at the people.
Boulders is the most fabulous swimming beach in Cape Town. A swim in the calm, warm waters of Boulders Beach is always fun on a hot summer day but – you never know – you may just see a sleek black and white penguin swimming past. You can also do a fun paddling trip past the penguin hangout.
Of all Cape Town beaches, Boulders Beach is one of the most popular spots for kids and an absolute haven for toddlers. It’s safe, and you can relax without having to watch out for unpredictable waves while pipsqueak splashes around or totters after penguins. It is the most sheltered beach on the False Bay side when the South East wind blows.
Boulders Beach is a pay beach in season so remember to take your Wild Card if you have one.
Popular Attractions
in
Simons Town (9.1 km from Cape Point) Jubilee Square, located in the central part of Simons Town, provides a myriad of activites for keen visitors.
You'll have a pick of restaurants and shops, with harbour views to boot. Saturdays you can browse the craft market in the main parking area.
Photo by Planetina, some right reserved.
Hiking Trail
in
Simons Town (9.2 km from Cape Point) Experience the historical village of Simon’s Town since 1741 by doing the Historical Mile Walk. The walk captures the history from the days the Dutch East India Company declared Simon’s Town as the winter anchorage for their ships from 15 May to 15 August each year, to the Second British occupation of 1806, up to today.
The town itself still resembles the high street of 100 years ago due to strict zoning and historical conservation. See the preserved historic buildings, and visit the Simon’s Town and Naval museums. Enjoy the waterfront with its interesting coffee bars, restaurants and shops.
Hiking Trail
in
Simons Town (9.2 km from Cape Point) Take the footpath at the end of Barnard Street and proceed up the gentle slope. Once you round a sharp bend, you’ll be struck by the view of the deep ravine. The Admiral's Waterfall and pool is tucked away at the top. Plan to picnic here and spend time enjoying the fabulous views of Simon's Town harbour.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3 km
Beaches
in
Simons Town (9.7 km from Cape Point) Long Beach is a lovely stretch of sand that can be spotted just as you drive into beautiful Simon's Town.
This is a popular beach for walking dogs, kayaking and diving courses. There is parking available, and it's also an easy walking distance from the train station.
Beaches
in
Scarborough (10 km from Cape Point) Just outside Cape Point Nature Reserve, on the western side, is the lovely beach village of Scarborough with its long sandy beach, great surf, interesting rock pools and lovely walks. There are minimal, but sufficient facilities, and one restaurant in the village is fairly close.
Hiking Trail
in
Scarborough (10.2 km from Cape Point) This beautiful hike starts at Scarborough Conservation Village. It is a very remote area with beautiful views. It takes you past Kleinplaas Dam and then to Slangkop and ends at Blue Water Estate in Imhoff's Gift. It is a moderate hike and permits are available at Mickey's Mousetrap in Scarborough. Average duration is five hours.
Popular Attractions
in
Simons Town (11.4 km from Cape Point) Visit a sparkling, colourful Alladin's Cave with your little ones.
The Scratch Patch and Mineral World Gemstone shop is an awesome spot for young and old to relax while foraging for your own gemstones.
Visitors can purchase fabulous, affordable gifts at the shop in addition to their collected treasures.
Topstones is also worth a visit - see how rough stone is polished at the world's largest gemstone tumbling factory.
Hiking Trail
in
Simons Town (11.5 km from Cape Point) The easiest way to get to Kleinplaas Dam is to take the right-hand turnoff just after Pine Haven coming from the direction of Simon’s Town. The easy climb up to the reservoir is an old jeep track.
In spring the sandy slopes are covered with pretty proteas, pelargoniums, watsonias, Cape snow, butterfly lilies, lobelias and crassulas. The sweeping views are amazing, you can see all the way to Table Mountain. Take warm clothing, as it can get windy around the dam.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 km
Beaches
in
Glencairn (12.4 km from Cape Point) Glencairn Beach is a pretty beach situated on the False Bay side of the Peninsula. Popular with families and dog walkers, it is perfect for lazy strolls and sunbathing. Parking is right at the beach and access is easy but you will need to cross the Metro rail line.
Southern right whales can often be seen during their calving season and in summer great white sharks are occasionally spotted. Shark spotters keep watch during the summer months – keep an eye on their signal flags if you intend swimming. On the Western side is a shallow tidal pool that is great for small kids.
Hiking Trail
in
Glencairn (13.7 km from Cape Point) A hike up Elsie's Peak is well worth the short, sharp effort for the breathtaking and expansive views of False Bay - a wonderful way to get your bearings.
The flora in October is stunning and you may be lucky enough to see a whale or two. Extend your hike and take one of the many well marked footpaths in this mountain range.
Beaches
in
Witsands (13.8 km from Cape Point) To the east of Misty Cliffs is the popular kiting, surfing, stand up paddling and windsurfing beach called Witsands by locals. This long and sandy beach has great winter surf, some lovely walks and is a great place to spot whales in season.
There are no facilities and parking is on the main road. The approach to Witsands Beach is via a steep stone stairway.