Things to do near
Scarborough
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Hiking Trail
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Simons Town (3.2 km from Scarborough) 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
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Witsands (4.3 km from Scarborough) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Simons Town (4.3 km from Scarborough) 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
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Simons Town (5 km from Scarborough) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Simons Town (5.1 km from Scarborough) 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.
Popular Attractions
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Simons Town (5.6 km from Scarborough) 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.
Popular Attractions
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Simons Town (5.7 km from Scarborough) 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.
Beaches
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Glencairn (6.4 km from Scarborough) 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.
Popular Attractions
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Kommetjie (6.7 km from Scarborough) Imhoff Equestrian Centre offers horse enthusiasts a wonderful ride through Noordhoek's beautiful scenery.
This is a 2-hour guided beach ride on Noordhoek Beach, which is commonly accompanied by sightings of birds, whales, dolphins, otters and seals. The Kakapo shipwreck is also an interesting sight to see. This lovely scenic ride also promises great views of the coast and surrounding mountains.
The centre caters for all ages over 12 years old and for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Bookings are essential.
Popular Attractions
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Kommetjie (6.7 km from Scarborough) Feel the exciting and adrenalin-pumping action of paintball. Dive through bushes, cover behind trees, and take out the enemy using tactics and team coordination; a thrilling experience of real-time combat.
Markers and paintballs are rented and purchased onsite, as well as heavy army jackets if you require them. Avid regulars and social players are all welcome to enjoy themselves.
Age limit: players must be above 11 years of age to play.
Cost: R120 per player, and R50 per marker. Camouflage gear and the face mask are included.
Please note that the use of your own paintballs is not allowed.
Popular Attractions
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Imhoffs Gift (6.8 km from Scarborough) 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.
Shops
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Faerie Knowe (6.8 km from Scarborough) 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 (6.9 km from Scarborough) 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.
Beaches
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Cape Point (7 km from Scarborough) 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.
Hiking Trail
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Cape Point (7.1 km from Scarborough) A cairn amoungst the fynbos marks the route to the beach from Olifantsbos. The other option is to hike part of the Sirkelsvlei Walk. This section has great views, is good for spotting birds and links up with the Shipwreck Trail.
One of the most easily accessible and extensive wrecks is the Thomas T Tucker. It looks a bit like a scrapyard and provides a roosting spot for numerous seabirds to bask in the sun. Thomas T Tucker wreck ran aground in 1942 on her maiden voyage carrying war cargo from the USA. Another wreck is the Nolloth that ran aground in 1965. The cargo was reputed to have been a large quantity of liquor!
Direct Route: 1.5 hours (along seashore and return)
Circular Route: 2.5 hours (trail turns inland 1.5 km south of T.T. Tucker)
Duration: 4 hours (Direct) to 6 hours (Circular)
Difficulty: Easy