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Hidden gems of Cape Town - Part 1

Friday 22 May 2009

As if there weren't already enough well-known reasons why you should visit South Africa and in particular Cape Town, we thought we'd take some time to talk about a few more, some of the lesser trampled but equally awesome spots to marvel at. Over the next few weeks we will be writing about the coolest places to swim and surf, walk and hike, eat and drink and dance in the Cape Town area. To start us off, we've got a slightly alternate take on your not so average tour of the Cape of Good Hope.

Forming part of the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa but you don't have to be swamped by the bus loads. The park itself is stunning and offers great hiking, cycling and surfing against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains and coastline of the most south western point in Africa.

Insider tip: arriving at the car park, do not open your doors until you've got any food or drink very well hidden; the resident Chacma Baboons will not think twice about jumping into your car, even with you still in there, and making off with as much of your lunch as they can carry with 2 arms and a mouth.

Whilst the walk up to the first lighthouse and down to the second is the main attraction and very worthwhile too, our favourite spot at the Cape of Good Hope is a beach that most people will only see from a good mile away. Visible from the visitor centre, Dias Beach looks like a decent enough beach, but conquering the steep walk down the cliff to set foot on it is a totally different story. This is a truly idyllic beach; uncrowded, picturesque and perfect waves.
Insider tip: bring your body board for some big, hollow closeout barrels!

Returning to Cape Town, take the M65 (Main Road) through the sleepy surfing villages of Scarborough and Misty Cliffs and stop off at the pebble beach by the Slangkop Lighthouse. This is a great spot for a cheeky sundowner or even a full-on braai as the sun sets over the horizon. With no buildings for miles around you get a real sense of closeness to the ocean and can really feel the power of the sea and the spray in your face.

Look out for more hidden gems here next week,

Thanks
Doug