Beaches
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Kommetjie Kommetjie is a small village with a large tidal pool 'The Kom', and a really lovely long beach - also called Long Beach, but with far better reason than the one near Simon's Town. Long Beach is a very popular surfing and dog-walking beach. There is a great walk that passes a well preserved 1900 ship wreck, the Kakapo, and you can continue all the way to Noordhoek Beach, at the foot of scenic Chapman's Peak.
Another great walk is around Bird Island at the Kommetjie slipway where boats are launched during 'kreef' season. From here you can stroll along the catwalk until you reach the Outer Kom, one of the famous surf spots. A lovely boardwalk starts here and follows the shore to Slangkop lighthouse and then continues up to a WW II radar station on top of the mountain with sweeping views of the elegant Slangkop lighthouse against the wild ocean backdrop as well as the rugged coastline all the way to Cape Point to the south west and Hout Bay to the north east.
Things to do near
Kommetjie
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Imhoffs Gift (2.2 km from Kommetjie) Imhoff Farm is an historical Cape farmstead offering something special for the entire family to enjoy. It’s Old World, yet original; beautifully situated, fun, tranquil, and it’s on the busy tourist route to Cape Point.
Equally popular with locals and visitors from afar, this spot in the country provides a wealth of activities. Stunning views, first-rate food, organic produce; unique shops, beach rides and animal encounters are just some of the many experiences on offer.
The Farm is open seven days a week with ample, safe parking available.
Beaches
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Noordhoek (3.7 km from Kommetjie) As you round one of the last hairpin bends of the incredibly scenic Chapman's Peak Drive in the direction of Noordhoek village, the spectacular sight of Noordhoek Beach will strike you. It's worth stopping here for a few minutes to gaze from this high vantage point at the enormous beach stretching for 8 km.
Horse riders can often be seen galloping along this vast expanse, gripped by the wildness of the ocean and sense of space and freedom. Also known as Long Beach, it's one of the stretches on the multi-day Hoerikwaggo Trail and you can walk all the way to the next village of Kommetjie.
There's more than enough space for everyone – surfers, beach walkers, dogs, horse riders, kite surfers and anyone up for a good session of sun tanning and chilling. It's not one of Cape Town's best swimming beaches as the conditions are often rough and the water temperature is chilly.
Beaches
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Witsands (4.5 km from Kommetjie) 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.
Shops
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Faerie Knowe (4.8 km from Kommetjie) Liebermann Pottery retails a vast collection of ceramics – traditional tableware designed and developed by Sammy and Mary Liebermann, rare porcelain from the Far East, functional ware from Africa and South East Asia, garden planters of all kinds, bric-a-brac, and collectables. The shop is set on a smallholding featuring an organic veggie shop, and indigenous garden.
Open 7 days a week, Monday to Friday 10:00 – 18:00, Weekend 10:00 – 15:00.
Popular Attractions
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Masiphumelele (5.3 km from Kommetjie) Join Charlotte Nomthunzie on a fascinating, informative tour of Masiphumelele. This thriving township is home to 20 000 people and is just a few kilometres from Noordhoek.
Charlotte offers two-hour guided walks while sharing anecdotes about life in the townships. On the tour you will visit spaza shops, shebeens, barbershops, the school, development programs and local artists.
Farms
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Noordhoek (5.3 km from Kommetjie) Heaven on horseback is cantering through the surf on a fine thoroughbred horse with whales and dolphins leaping in the bay.
That's what the brochure says but this dream can easily become a reality at The Dunes in Noordhoek. The stables are built right on the sand of Noordhoek Beach – the longest, whitest and most spectacular beach in Cape Town.
Stroll or canter along the shoreline of this five-mile long beach, then explore the ancient shipwreck. Splash through the seasonal lagoon and trot through the grassy sand dunes. Advanced riders can gallop on the race horse training track parallel to the beach, while beginners admire the exquisite views of Chapman's Peak and the Atlantic Ocean.
Apart from offering beach horse rides, The Dunes stables about forty thoroughbred horses who are in training and compete at Cape Town's two race courses every week. You could be taking a beach ride on a retired winner who now has a more leisurely life as a trail riding horse. Your ex-race horse will go as fast as you like, but they are quite happy to plod along at a walk, trot or canter. The horses are regularly featured in the photo shoots and films – not only could you be riding a winning race horse, but your mount could be a movie star too!
Contact Mike Stewart +27 (0)21 789 1723 +27 (0)82 784 8699 www.horserides.co.za
Popular Attractions
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Noordhoek (5.8 km from Kommetjie) Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding is located in the heart of the beautiful Noordhoek Valley. Come and experience breathtaking views of Chapmans Peak and Noordhoek Beach from horseback.
Sleepy Hollow offers a variety of horse riding activities, catering for all ages and all levels of experience. Explore the wetlands, Noordhoek Beach, and take in the natural wildlife and splendour. Knowledgeable guides and well-behaved horses will ensure you'll have a memorable ride.
Bars
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Noordhoek (6.1 km from Kommetjie) On the road to Noordhoek's Long Beach and tucked away under the ancient milk wood trees you will find the Red Herring restaurant. Above it is Skebanga’s Pub - a place so laid back that shoes are not essential and baggy shorts are fine.
Skebanga’s is loud and always packed and very popular with horse riders, surfers and locals just chilling out, but there is always room for one more. In the winter a roaring fire will keep the chills at bay, but for most of the year one can enjoy the truly spectacular views of Long Beach from the outside wooden deck.
Noordhoek faces West and it is known for breathtakingly beautiful sunsets and nowhere can one enjoy them more than the deck of Skebanga’s pub. Sunny winter afternoons can be spent on the deck watching whales mating off the beach in the cool Atlantic.
Deservedly reputed to be one of Cape Town’s great pubs, Skebanga’s serves great pub fare at modest prices, but locals know that the best nosh is the wonderful thin based Pizzas cooked in a wood fired oven, and said to be the best in the Southern hemisphere.
Enjoy the multi-choice pizza menu or order one made to your own specification, but be warned - their pizzas are huge and best shared with another. A range of beers is available on tap as well as the usual pub offerings. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself hooked and keep on returning. That is what Skebanga’s does to you!
Shopping Malls
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Sunnydale (6.5 km from Kommetjie) Longbeach Mall houses all the large food and clothes retailers including Pick n Pay, Woolworths, Food Lover’s Market, Edgars, Truworths. Ocean Basket, Spur, and Wimpy. You will also find jewellery stores, coffee shops, craft shops, hair and beauty salons, pharmacies and music stores.
Popular Attractions
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Noordhoek (6.7 km from Kommetjie) Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding offers beach rides on Noordhoek Beach, bush rides, riding lessons, pony rides, Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding and Riding for the Disabled.
Popular Attractions
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Noordhoek (6.7 km from Kommetjie) Go splashing through the surf, enjoying a sunset horse ride along 7 km of powder white beach. Noordhoek’s Long Beach is arguably the best beach horse ride anywhere in the world!
There are currently three commercial horse riding establishments in the area. With their vast knowledge of horse riding and horses, Chris and Louise Spengler (the owners of Afton Grove) will be able to direct their in-house guests to the stable best suited to their needs, whether you are a complete novice or an accomplished rider.
As this is an extremely popular activity, it’s advisable to book your ride at the same time as booking your stay at Afton Grove. There is also the option of a one-hour bush ride for the 8 – 14 year olds and 30-minute pony rides for the 2 – 8 years old.
Trail guides accompany up to six riders. Over weekends on the morning and late afternoon trails up to eight riders can be accommodated with two trail guides, however arrangements need to be made in advance.
Riding experience is not essential as horses are allocated according to skill, however you need to bear in mind that horse riding is considered an extreme sport and in accordance with SANParks regulations no galloping is allowed on the beach and the ride will be kept at a walk.
Guests may wish to visit a local racing stable (by arrangement) or stud farms further a field. As our valued in-house guest, speak to us about your particular interest and let us arrange a visit on your behalf.
Hiking Trail
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Noordhoek (6.7 km from Kommetjie) Viewed from below, Chapman’s Peak looks formidable but it’s not at all difficult. Some regard it as one of the most rewarding walks in the Table Mountain National Park.
The route and summit offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean, Hout Bay, Fish Hoek, Kommetjie and Noordhoek Beach. The path starts 700 m down from the major lookout on Chapman’s Peak Drive.
Duration: 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Distance: 2.5 km
Village Marketplaces
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Noordhoek (6.8 km from Kommetjie) Local is “lekker” they say. Well, it can’t get much better than Noordhoek farm village; a thatched Cape Dutch yesteryear complex with farm stall, excellent restaurants, a pub, artist studios, antiques and African collectibles and curios. This charming village complex of shops, galleries and handicraft shops is situated at the start of famous Chapmans peak scenic drive - clustered under ancient oak trees. This favorite relaxing spot for the locals always has a busy vibe, but is generously shared with visitors to this enchanted valley. The restaurants begin their busy days serving wonderful country breakfasts which you can enjoy our fresco or under the thatched patio of the food barn. The Food Barn is presided over by famous chef Franck Dangereux, who offers cooking demonstrations with his always popular Bistro menu. The Food Barn also offers a wide range of organic vegetables, baked goods, preserves and cheeses for you to take home and enjoy the best of the Cape.Amongst the shops you will find a wine shop – open seven days a week – which will give you an excellent the opportunity to try a range of Cape wines including the prestigious output of our local Cape Point winery. Spend a couple of hours browsing in the art galleries sharing the inspiration that the many artists who live in the valley have gained from the beauty that surrounds Noordhoek, or shop for truly African clothes and crafts.There is no reason to be worried about the children being bored while you shop or just browse because there is a large playground area equipped with swings, slides and jungle gyms to keep them occupied. Perhaps you might join the locals at the end of your outing in the local pub “The Frog” for a cool couple of points or even an enjoyable pub meal.
Village Marketplaces
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Noordhoek (7.2 km from Kommetjie) Cape Point Vineyards invites you to attend a new weekly food market on their stunning landscape estate.
A Bedouin marquee holds a collection of interesting food stalls, artisan bakes and preserves with the award-winning Cape Point Vineyards wines on sale at very affordable rates. Benches and tables outside offer stunning views of Noordhoek beach and the spectacular sunsets for which Noordhoek is famous. Kids will love this market, complete with extensive lawns on which to run and and play, as well as a jungle gym.
Open every Thursday, from 16:30 to 20:30.
Wine Estates
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Noordhoek (7.3 km from Kommetjie) Tucked just below the entrance to Chapman's Peak, Cape Point Vineyards is worth a visit. The enormous tasting room is sumptuously furnished with comfy couches, polished tables, a giant a 300-year old tapestry and crystal chandelier.
Knowledgeable staff carry out the various wine sampling menus with great poise – try their award-winning flagship or premium tastings with a cheese platter of handcrafted Camembert, Huguenot, Gorgonzola, Mont Vere and Emmentaler.