Many people come and visit Cape Town, also known as The Mother City.  In fact it has been voted the Most Beautiful City in the World and we can see why.  But after you have visited Cape Town and its many wonderful sights, what then?   You need to take yourself out to the Southern Suburbs right down near Cape Point and in False Bay.  Here we run through some of the best attractions for you to visit.  Read On….

1.We have Muizenberg.. Exciting and vibrant… So many students have all tried their hand at surfing and absolutely loved it.  There are great surf shops amongst others to explore.  After your Surfing Lessons you can head over to one of the many Coffee Shops.  South Africans take their coffee very seriously. There is also a night market on a Friday that is a big attraction. So you can start the weekend checking out the Night Market and buying some amazing food.

2.  Next up is St James…. With all the vibrant bathing boxes at the tidal pool. This features in all the travel brochures. You will have seen the many coloured Changing Houses right by the Beach and it has become a daily tradition for South Africans to walk down to the Tidal Pools and have a swim before breakfast.  No matter how rough the weather is, you can swim in the wonderfully safe water of the Tidal Pool and chat away to your hearts content with the other swimmers there.

3. On to Kalk Bay.  One can go and have fresh fish and chips on the harbour. We like The Harbour House where, on a rough, wild and windy day you can eat your fish and chips right against the window and see the waves splashing up against the window.  Great fish and chips as well.   If you don’t like fish, you can frequent one of the many restaurants in the village but before you go there be sure to check out Kalky the resident seal who lives on the steps and steals fish from the Fishermen each day.  One can also visit the many amazing shops. Lots of South African memorabilia and also get your breakfast, one morning, from the Olympia Bakery.  It’s almost world known.  The Brass Bell also has a number of restaurants on the water together with their own Tidal Pool to swim in between courses.  How cool is that?

4. Fish Hoek beach is spectacular with warm water and there is a restaurant on the beach. Fish Hoek recently was home to the Elephant Seal who came out of the water to moult and shed his skin.  Wonderful swimming in this bay.

5. Simon’s Town has Jubilee Square with stalls and the Just Nuisance statue, the jetty, lovely restaurants and many interesting shops.  Simons Town was home to the British Navy and is now home to the South African Navy.  The town has a wonderfully Victorian feel about it with a fascinating Museum; Buildings and friendly local people.

6. Seaforth Beach is another attraction…

7. Boulders Beach with the penguins and rock rabbits or dassie as we call them. You can walk along the Boardwalk and see the Penguins mating and moulting.  The Penguins have their own private beach which is warm and sandy.  Make a date to swim in this area and you can be racing a Penguin to the Beach. Afterwards walk to the Seaforth Restaurant to have a wonderful meal on their deck and watch the sun go down.

8. We then have a number of lovely beaches and then Smitswinkel Bay where many local families keep summer  bungalows.

9. On to Cape Point…. World famous… It speaks for itself.  You can walk right down to Cape Point and the Lighthouse.  Either take the funicular or walk to the top.  Both are fun.  Additionally there are many secluded beaches which you will share with Baboons or Ostriches.  Very surreal for sure but also great fun to sit on the beach and watch a Baboon try to take your lunch.  Words of Warning. KEEP YOUR CAR DOOR LOCKED otherwise the Baboons will be in trying to take your bags. Cape Point has an award winning restaurant overlooking where the two Oceans meet.  Eat there if you can.

10. We have Red Hill drive with its spectacular view of Simon’s Town and the Naval Base. Stop half way up and take some photographs of Simons Town and the Bay.  You won’t be disappointed

11. Scarborough another quaint little place is on the way to Kommetjie where you will find Long Beach…. You can see Hout Bay and Table Mountain in the distance.  Long Beach is also famous for the surfing. It’s like being in a completely different area and most people speak Afrikaans here.

12. Noordhoek is very rural with large plots and many people have horses… One can do horse riding there.  On a Thursday evening Cape Point Vineyards have an open air food market. There are also lovely restaurants to dine at.   The Cape Point Vineyard evening is always a sell out so book your tickets early; bring a blanket and watch the sun go down.

13. Take a drive over world famous Chapman’s Peak into Hout Bay.   One can go to The World of Birds, the Harbour, explore the village.  They have a food market on a Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.  Opposite the food market is a Waffle place. German students say they have never had such delicious waffles before. Praise Indeed.  Hout Bay has a very Mediterranean feel to it.  Chapmans Peak has some of the most stunning scenery you can ever expect to see.  It would be a shame if you didn’t take the drive, long and slow.

14. Finally, before you head back into Cape Town, make sure you stop off in Constantia.  This is the premier wine district for Cape Town.  Wonderful scenery against the Table Mountain backdrop.  Beautiful homes and of course some rather good wine.  Take a break here and try some wine tasting and bring a bottle or two back home with you to keep the dream going.

There really is so much to see and do in the Southern Suburbs so make sure you don’t miss out.