Smitswinkel Bay Photographs

Photographs taken of Smitswinkel Bay on the False Bay Coast in the Cape. Smitswinkel Bay (or Smitswinkelbaai) is practically inaccessible and right next to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Reached only by foot, it is worth the effort to get there. The bay here is popular for snorkelling, diving and fishing and the water is calm and great for swimming. Views are fantastic as the mountains are virtually to the back of the beach and one overlooks False Bay. Smitswinkel Bay lies just past Simonstown on the False Bay Coast … Continued

A Getaway to Glencairn is perfect with Kids

Glencairn

Hidden in a lush protected valley on the False Bay Coast in Cape Town, between Simonstown and Fish Hoek, lies the quaint suburb of Glencairn. With a nature reserve and vlei sanctuary running in the middle of the greenbelt towards the sea, this area has been beautifully preserved, allowing the construction of houses on the sloping hills that wind up through to dramatic mountain landscapes.

Possibly the best kept secret of the South Peninsula, the area is a quiet study in natural beauty. A river running through the middle offers a welcome reprieve in the summer months, when locals can sometimes be spotted under the small waterfalls. The small beach is pretty and clean, pet and family friendly and offers close encounters of whale watching in the spring months. A small tidal pool is perfect for children and treasure hunters, searching for lost coins and perfectly formed shells. Continued

Majestic Muizenberg

Muizenberg

With the faded opulence of its grand old manor houses lining the seafront, its retro children’s playgrounds and vintage soft drink advertisements that have been bleached by the sun, Muizenberg wears its past on its sleeve and seems akin to stumbling upon a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party!

One can easily imagine the sight of sun worshippers flocking to the beach in the past, tumbling out of their Beetles and Morris Minors enthusiastically, filled to the brim with giggles and soda bubbles, looking forward to family time spent together bathing on the beach. But the shadow cast by the developing city that caused an exodus of investors, home-makers and tourists, causing years of erosion in the seaside town, is slowly being illuminated by an influx of renewed passion for the area. The curious thing about this town is that nothing is as it seems. Looking from the beachfront, you’ll be able to spot ‘The Majestic Café,’ the old pharmacy and other die hards with their faded signage and aged facades. But if you had to set off on foot, you might just fall into a rabbit hole! Continued

Catch your Breath in Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is one of those places where you can finally catch your breath …

Kalk Bay

This wonderful historic harbour village, en route to Cape Point, has everything you could possibly want from a day out by the sea. Well, everything except warm water. Which is just as well, because you might be less inclined to explore all those amazing antique, art and bric-a-brac shops, outstanding restaurants, ice cream parlours and funky bars that line its main thoroughfare. By far the best way to arrive is by train, a most exquisite journey from Muizenberg (park at the Olive Station), taking in breathtaking views of the winding coastline, while all the while keeping an eye out for passing whales.

Turn right outside the station and immediately right again through a short underpass, and you will soon arrive at The Brass Bell, a famous pub and restaurant beautifully located out to sea, an absolute must for any visitor to Kalk Bay. Few traditional pub-like atmospheres can boast an excellent view of frolicking seals, or indeed, give the impression that your fish ‘n’ chips might get dragged out of the sea at any moment. The kids will love it. Outside, there is a little craft stall, selling a fine selection of marvellously inventive candlestick holders, jewellery and sculptures made from shells and driftwood; I bought a chunky bracelet made from twisted strands of copper and a ring made from an old silver t-spoon. Continued