Southern Peninsula

Looking south from the Constantiaberg and Muizenberg Mountains, one can see the seaside suburbs that hug the shores of False Bay, from Muizenberg through Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town all the way to Cape Point. Indonesian, Xhosa, Dutch and British influence is evident in the architecture and local folklore. Stories passed down through the generations tell of fishing, whaling, lighthouses, shipwrecks, naval battles and grand homes that once belonged to the mining magnates of Johannesburg.

The “historic mile” of Muizenberg boasts some magnificent homes, Kalk Bay’s collectables and relics speak volumes, and in Simon’s Town, a number of museums give a fascinating insight into the navy town’s history. Boulders Beach, with its African penguin colony, and Cape Point, with its spectacular views, are a “must see” on any itinerary. Spectacular drives like Chapman’s Peak, Ou Kaapse Weg and Constantia Nek allow for easy traversing of the Peninsula. Noordhoek, below Chapman’s Peak, is an amazing beach for walking and horse-riding.

Hout Bay, also on the Atlantic side of the Peninsula, is a thriving, cosmopolitan suburb, a favourite with visitors. Visitors can enjoy surfing, boating, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, whale viewing and shark cage diving. Check out the market near the harbor for live music, local products and more delicious food than you’ll ever be able to eat in one trip.

Get up close and personal with chacma baboons, Cape clawless otters, camels, a variety of birds including African penguins and ostriches, and, if one is lucky, the leopard toad! And when you're in the mood to chat, meet the locals, the high-powered executives, laid-back artists, navy personnel, champion surfers, artisans and fishermen who live, work and play in this paradise.

Main Photo: ©Shutterstock