Cape Town

5 Of The Best Beaches For Surfing In Cape Town South Africa

Cape Town is known for its surfing spots to be sure. The white sandy beaches and rolling waves are a big draw, and there are miles of coastline to enjoy. That said, each beach and cove has its own identity when it comes to what surfers can expect. There are those surfing spots more suited for beginners, and then there are those beaches that beginning surfers shouldn’t touch.

If you are a beginner or intermediate surfer and want to have a good time, a great place to start would be Mulzenberg. Have you ever thought about combining surfing with yoga? Stop by African Soul Surfer Backpackers and give it a try. As for the surfing part, you can expect gentle waves and a beautiful scene. You’re only going to be about 30 miles away from the heart of the city.

Scarborough Beach is not necessarily a spot for beginners, though body boarders do often frequent this area as well. This beach is more ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. It’s quite a popular hangout spot, not just for surfers but beachgoers of all types. Yet you don’t usually have to worry about it being too crowded. The views are amazing, and it almost doesn’t get any better in Cape Town.

Yet Cape Town is known for its beautiful beaches to be sure. This next pick is also not for beginners. Only advanced surfers should be checking out Glen Beach. And to be quite honest, this is where the locals hang out. The waves are quite powerful at Glen Beach. This surfing hotspot is only about five minutes away from the heart of the city, close to Clifton.

Off The Wall is the next featured Cape Town surfing spot. Guess what, it’s also for advanced surfers. Don’t worry, there are still plenty of beaches for beginner and intermediate surfers. There are just some majestic spots in The Mother City that feature some interesting characteristics. Off The Wall is certainly one of them. You’re going to want to get to know this fickle hotspot prior to jumping in there.

Big Bay is one of those popular beaches in Cape Town that serves up fun for all. There are days when the waves are quite large, and those days are for more advanced surfers. But the waves aren’t always like that at Big Bay. Beginner and intermediate surfers enjoy this beach quite often. You always want to know the surfing forecast for that day when you plan to hit up a spot anyway.

Intermediate surfers would enjoy Long Beach to be sure. The waves tend to accommodate everyone at this beach, breaking both ways quite often. Beginner surfers might not fare to well at this beach, however, as the waves can still be quite serious indeed. If it is time for you to step it up a notch, but you’re not quite the seasoned surfer just yet, then you might want to visit Long Beach vs a place like Off The Wall.

Other great surfing spots in Cape Town include Llandudno Beach, Dunes and Crayfish Factory. Some say that nothing matches the beauty of Llandudno Beach. And the waves at Crayfish Factory are unreal. You want to hit up as many spots as you can, but be sure they match what you’re looking for when it comes to the waves.

Understand, too, that locals do protect certain spots. They aren’t going to let just anyone come out there and mingle with the rest of the group. It’s not like that everywhere, however, and you will find some great spots to hang out and surf. Enjoy your time surfing in Cape Town, South Africa.

Fun Activities Kids Will Enjoy While On A Family Vacation In Cape Town South Africa

Cape Town is known by a few nicknames, but the Mother City is bar far the most common. You’re planning out the itinerary for your family vacation, and you want to know some great places that the kids will enjoy. From natural attractions to museums to the Old Biscuit Mill and The Cape Wheel, your family is in for quite the adventure as you travel around the city of Cape Town, South Africa.

Let’s begin with The Cape Wheel, which is located at Dock Road V&A Waterfront in Cape Town Central. It is one of two main attractions that put you high in the air observing everything the Mother City has to offer as you take in those spectacular views. The kids will enjoy the ride for sure as your family looks out on Table Mountain, Cape Town Stadium and much more. Are you ready to be 40 meters up in the area enjoying 360 degree views of the West Side?

Cape Town Stadium, otherwise known as Green Point Stadium, is another great place to take your family. It is located off of Vlei Road, and it is quite the architectural sight to behold. There are all kinds of events held there, from concerts to the FIFA World Cup. Check out the schedule for your time in Cape Town and see what tickets you can score. The kids will certainly enjoy this outing.

Taking the kids to the zoo is one thing, but in South Africa, you can go on a safari adventure. Inverdoorn Game Reserve Safaris is one of the best in Cape Town. It is located at 112 Loop Street, and this adventure makes for quite the day trip, or you can even choose to spend the night in a tented camp. This experience will put you up and close with cheetahs that are rehabilitating, and you will see all kinds of wildlife in their natural habitat. This beats the pants off of a zoo.

Fish Hoek Beach is also a wonderful place to take the kids. This family beach is safe for swimming, and you are also right smack dab in the middle of a small fishing town. It’s a great place to take the family out for some fish and chips. You will love the white sand beach, and the water is gorgeous. One reason why people love to go swimming here is that there are even shark nets for peace of mind.

A township tour Cape Town is another great excursion for the family. It is a fantastic way to engage with the more rural side and culture of Cape Town and get a feeling for how many South Africans live. You will experience a vibrant culture on the tour but it may also shock you to see how so many Africans live.

You’re going to have to watch your wallet with kids at Green Market Square, but it’s certainly a shopping experience you’re going to want to have while on vacation in Cape Town. This historical market features a little bit of everything, and you will find it at the corner of Longmarket Street and Burg Street. Is it time to go shopping for those souvenirs to remind you of your vacation in Cape Town?

It was mentioned that there are two main attractions that give you the best views of the entire city. This last place of interest is going to take you to Table Mountain so that you can enjoy the Aerial Cableway. The kids will find this ride fascinating, and you’re going to find yourself at the summit of Table Mountain in just a matter of minutes. The views are breathtaking.

Those family fun adventures are going to keep you busy and smiling while vacationing in Cape Town, South Africa. There are so many wonderful places of interest that are quite unique. Just wait until you see all the souvenirs available at Green Market Square, too. And with the two rides, you’re going to see everything that Cape Town, South Africa has to offer.

Cape Town’s Best Scenic Drives

There are a lot of amazing drives when you travel through the cape. If you are in Cape Town, there are certain scenic drives that you need to take the time to do. You will be amazed by the beauty that surrounds this urban landscape.

Chapman’s Peak

The classic drive in Cape Town is Chapman’s Peak or Chappies to the locals. This is the drive that you have seen in commercials and winds around the mountains. The drive has 114 curves that you need to navigate above the Atlantic Coast, but the views are worth each one.

Chapman’s Peak is not only a great scenic drive, but it is also the best route between the Southern Peninsula and the city center. The drive itself will take around 30 minutes if you do not stop at any of the lookout points along the way. The drive starts in Noordhoek and will take you all the way to Hout Bay.

Signal Hill

If you are looking for a shorter drive, Signal Hill is the one for you. While this drive only takes around 5 minutes, you are still able to get panoramic views of the entire city. The drive starts in Higgovale and will take you to the peak of Signal Hill.

Signal Hill is a great place to go if you want to see the sunset over the city. During the summer months, the area will be packed with people watching the sunset.

Boyes Drive

Another shorter drive, Boyes Drive is one of the less popular scenic routes within Cape Town. The drive hugs the mountains behind False Bay and will provide amazing views of the harbor. The drive starts in Lakeside and will take you to Kalk Bay where you can enjoy the bustle of the working harbor.

If you hit this drive during the whale season, you will be able to see the whales in the bay from the lookout spots. The False Bay shark-spotters are also located on this drive. While on Boyes Drive, you should take the time to read about the sharks off the coast and try to spot some in the water below.

Victoria Road

This drive is a little longer than the others and will take a minimum of 30 minutes. Along this drive, you will be able to stop off at a number of beaches. The drive also hugs the back of Table Mountain and goes along stretches of the coast.

If you are on this drive in the late afternoon, you will see the sunset over the ocean. One of the beaches you can stop at on this drive is the popular Camps Bay. The Victoria Road drive starts at the Hour Bay Harbour and stretches to Sea Point.

Simon’s Town To Cape Point

During your visit to Cape Town, you need to take the time to see Cape Point. While heading there, you should drive the scenic route from Simon’s Town. This drive will take around 45 minutes if you do not stop along the way. However, there are a lot of places to stop and enjoy on your way.

Just outside Simon’s Town, you can stop at Boulder Beach before continuing on the largely untouched coast to Cape Point. Once you arrive at Cape Point, you should take the Flying Dutchman Funicular for some of the most spectacular views of the city. During the drive, you can take in the crashing waves and the endless sea that stretches to the horizon.

There are many scenic drives you can take in and around Cape Town. Some of these drives are short while others will take much longer and have many stops along the way. Regardless of the drive you take, you will be able to see the beauty of Cape Town.

The Top Beaches In Cape Town

If you are taking a trip to Cape Town, you will want to head out to the beaches. There are a lot of beaches around Cape Town, but you need to consider which ones you should be visiting. There are certain beaches that are perfect for families while others offer a bit more seclusion from the main tourist areas.

Clifton Beaches

The most popular beaches in Cape Town are the Clifton Beaches. There are 4 Clifton Beaches and they are just 10 minutes’ drive from the city center. The beaches are covered in soft white sand and each caters to a different demographic.

Clifton Beach 1 is adjacent to luxury apartments and attracts a lot of locals and holidaymakers. Clifton Beach 2 is also open to everyone and you will see a range of people on the sand. Clifton Beach 3 has a younger crowd and is the most lively of the four. The last beach is ideal for families and is very family-friendly while being extremely popular.

Regardless of the beach you head to, the Clifton Beaches are ideal for sunbathing and relaxing on the sand. There are few activities and people-watching is the most common pastime.

Boulders Beach

If you are looking for something a little different from Clifton, you should head to Boulders Beach. This beach offers the soft sand of all the others, but the sea is slightly warmer. It is also home to a colony of African penguins.

These penguins are endangered and visitors can watch them strut between the granite boulders on the beach. Boulders Beach is 40km south of Cape Town and is just beyond Simon’s Town. This beach is great for the whole family and you will be able to swim safely in the sea. You can also stop here on your way to or from the Cape Point Nature Reserve.

Camps Bay

After the Clifton Beaches, Camps Bay is probably the best-known of the Cape Town beaches. It draws holidaymakers and locals making is a great place to visit. From the curving crescent of the beach the Twelve Apostles range of Table Mountain, the beach offers an environment that everyone loves.

There are times when the wind picks up on the beach, but you can head to the restaurants and bars that surround the beach for seafood. This idyllic beach can get busy during peak seasons and is not the best option for people wanting seclusion.

Muizenberg

If you are traveling with the family, you need to head to Muizenberg. This is the ultimate family beach and a favorite for surfers. You will often see locals with their dogs and families enjoying a day in the sun.

The water here is warmer and the beach has Blue Flag status making is very safe to swim. If you want some surfing lessons, this is the place to go as there are a number of companies operating from the beach. You can also relax around the colorful Victorian bathing boxes.

Blouberg

If you want a bit more action while on the beach, you should head to Blouberg. This coastline offers a few beaches from Dolphin Beach to Big Bay. It is also the best place for anyone who wants to kite or windsurf.

If you want to kitesurf, Big Bay is the best destination and the host of many international competitions. Small Bay is better if you want to enjoy the water with the family on a less popular beach. You can also get some great pictures of Table Mountain from these beaches.

If you are heading to Cape Town, you need to take some time for the beaches. There are a lot of great beaches around the city center and you do not have to travel far to get the experience you want.