The Area > Cape
Point and Surrounding Areas
Muizenberg
The beach is flat and the sea safe for swimming, the area closet
the mountain is called surfers corner, as it is popular surfing
spot. The waves are ideal for novice surfers and the venue for
a number of surfing schools.
The name Muizenberg come from the Dutch phrase Muijs zijn berg
meaning “Muijs’s mountain”, Wynand Willem Muijs
was a sergeant who from 1743 commanded a military post on the
mountain overlooking the beach.
This seaside village was once a cattle farm use by the Dutch
East India Company in 1670.The British defeated the Dutch in
the battle of Muizenberg in 1795 and the Cape then became a British
Colony During the next 150 years this suburb became a popular
holiday destination for the wealthy gold and diamond magnates.
There were seven large hotels, which unfortunately no longer
exist, but some beautiful Edwardian and Victorian style homes
can still be seen. The oldest building in South Africa is “ Het
Posthuys”, built in the 1670`s and is situated on the Main
Road. It is well worth a visit. Close by is also the holiday
cottage of Cecil John Rhodes which is now a Museum and a National
Monument.. Quite a few private residences along the road between
Muizenberg and St James are National Monuments and some of architectural
interest; for example, “Yokahama” (a private residence)
is a house built of paper mache and wood.
The village is undergoing a surge in redevelopment and urban
renewal focused mainly around the beach area
St James
This seaside suburb is mainly a residential area and named after
the St James Roman Catholic Church in 1858, which served the
Filipino fisherman of Kalk Bay.
In the early 1800`s, whaling became a profitable business and
Danger Beach was used for hauling in the carcasses. Jacob’s
Ladder (previously known as The Steps) was a popular whale-spotting
site.
Kalk Bay
The history of Kalk bay is extremely interesting. From 15th
May to !5th August each year from 1742 onwards, the Dutch East
India Company used Simon`s Bay as a winter stopover for their
ships It was extremely difficult to get supplies to these ships
due to the inadequacy of a proper road. At Clovelly and Sunny
Cove the mountain reached the sea and the quick sands of Fish
Hoek and Glencairn obstructed oxen transport.
Subsequently Kalk Bay became a mini port for the Dutch. All
food requirements as well as anchors, masts, sails etc were sent
by ox wagon to Kalk Bay, transferred to barges which then took
the goods to the ships, including construction materials needed
for the building of Simon’s Town. The returning ox wagons
then took lime (Kalk) and fish back to Cape town for the slaves.
After 1795,the British took over the Cape and a proper road was
built to Simon’s Town.
By 1820, whaling became very enterprising in Kalk Bay as it
was banned in Simon’s Town. Residents complained of the
smell, as it was most unhygienic and unacceptable. Kalk Bay was
one of the three main whaling stations in the Cape. However,
the whaling boom was short lived as this led to the almost extinction
of the female Southern Right Whale who had come to calve in the
warm waters of the False Bay Coast.
In the mid 1840`s, a Filipino crew was shipwrecked at Cape Point
and they settled in Kalk Bay. They enjoyed the climate and fishing
was abundant. They also convinced other Filipinos who crewed
the American sugar ships in Simon’s Bay to join them whereby
they would be provided with shelter and fishing gear. Thus the
Filipino community grew. However, when America took possession
of the Philippines in 1898, many returned home. Only about 60
families remained and still have descendants in the village today.
Later, many emancipated slaves from Batavia, Java and Malaysia
settled in Kalk Bay and fishing became their life skill. From
1955 onwards fishing stock became reduced due to “over
fishing”. Today the harbour still operates on a small scale
and one is still able to purchase fresh fish off the boats on
a daily basis. The village has a bohemic quality and boasts many
bric a brac and antique shops, perfect for browsing, as well
as a number of fine restaurants.
Michael J Walker
Kalk Bay Historical Association
Glencairn
Glencairn is named after Glen Cairn in Scotland.
Simons Town
Named after the Governor of the Cape, Simon van der Stel, who
recommended that the Dutch East India Company use the town as
a Winter Harbour!
During the 1800’s the Naval Base was responsible for the
care of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was exiled to the Island of St
Helena.
Admiral Lord Nelson himself is also said to have come ashore
from his ship to be nursed through an illness in the late
1770s, on the first of his two visits, long before the British
occupation.
During the Anglo-Boer War
(1899 – 1902
) the Royal Navy was responsible for the care of the Boer Prisoners-
of- War in
Bellevue Camp, which is now a golf course. During World
War II, more than 300 ships underwent repairs in the harbour
and Selbourne
dry- dock. The base was handed over to the South African
Navy from the British in 1957.
The heart of the town is known as the “Historic Mile” with
Jubilee Square, which overlooks the yacht basin being the focal
point. The architecture in Simon’s Town reflects a distinct
British influence. “The Residency” was built in 1777
and is today the Simon’s Town Museum. The Heritage Museum
depicts the forced removal of Islamic families from the area
and is worth a visit as is the SA Naval Museum. The Toy Museum
on St. George’s Street has a fascinating collection
of model trains, cars and other toys of the past.
The Church of St Francis is the oldest existing Anglican
Church in South Africa. The Roman Rock Lighthouse,
built in 1861,is
the third oldest lighthouse in the country and the
only one built on a rock.
Simon’s Town also has a variety of restaurants and coffee
shops. If you are more adventurous then use Simon’s Town
as a base to go deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, diving or sailing.
Simon’s Town also boasts some magnificent beaches. Boulders,
Sea forth, Longbeach, Fisherman’s Beach and Windmill
Beach are all ideal for families.
(Simon’s Bay and Simon’s Town – an
historical perspective by Dr Boet Dommisse)
Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is of particular significance as it is home to
the African Penguin, previously known as the Jackass Penguin,
for its braying sound it makes when on land. The beach is magnificent
and although situated in the midst of a residential area it is
one of the few sites where these birds can be seen at close range.
From just two breeding pairs in 1982 the colony has grown to
about 3000 in recent years. Their diet consists of mainly anchovy
and pilchards. Although they breed throughout the year, the main
breeding season starts in January. They have lifelong partners
who take turns in incubating the eggs and in feeding the young.
(Encounter South Africa)
Broad Outline of Annual Penguin life cycle at Boulders Beach
January - Juveniles moulting and adults feeding up for breeding
season.
February to August – Breeding Season
September to October
- Penguins spend much time at sea, feeding up for moulting.
November
to December – Moulting Season, spend more time
on land.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
No, Cape Point is not the most Southern tip of Africa!
Stormy History of Cape Point
In 1488, Bartholomeu Dias was the first to sail around the Cape.
On his return, in stormy weather, he stopped at the most south – western
tip of Africa and named it the Cape of Storms. The King of Portugal
later named it the Cape of Good Hope.
In 1497, Vasco Da Gama sailed around the Cape on his way to
India. Today various shipwrecks and stone crosses bear witness
to this treacherous sea route.
On the hillside above the beach stands a replica of Vasco Da
Gama’s cross, marking the spot where the Portuguese explorers
came ashore.
Cape of Good Hope
This is the Southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula whilst
the lighthouse is above Cape Point.
The Light House
The lighthouse used today is the second the second light house,
built 286 feet below the first which was erected on an iron tower.
Normally in clear weather, the light could be seen from a distance
of 63 Kilometres or 36 miles, however because of its height above
sea level it was often enveloped in mist and cloud. the new one
was built lower down. The foundation stone laid by Sir Thomas
Prince on 25 April 1914. The light was lit by Miss Thurl Cooper,
daughter of H C Cooper, the designer and builder of the lighthouse.
The power of the light was the original paraffin vapour mantle
burner of 500 000 candelas. This was increased to approximately
19 000 000 when the light was electrified on 1 September 1936
and the character changed to group flashing three every 30 seconds.
The lamp was replaced by a 1.5kW lamp which reduced the candlepower
to approximately 10 000 000 c.d. This is the most powerful light
on the South African coast
The Funicular
Who was (or is) the Flying Dutchman?
It’s an affectionate name for the funicular that will
take you up to the uppermost view site at Cape Point. (Actually,
the
old, retired diesel bus used to bear this name). The name is
derived from one of the Cape's most famous legends, of a ship
named the Flying Dutchman. In 1680, the vessel foundered whilst
rounding the Cape in heavy weather. The Captain, Hendrik van
der Decken, swore while his ship was sinking that he would
round the Cape if it took him to doomsday. Some believe that
he has
kept his word, as over the years the Flying Dutchman is said
to have been sighted on many occasions.
Scarborough and Misty Cliffs
This sought after residential area was originally a weekend
getaway venue for local Cape Townians and is now inhabited mainly
by those who like to live at the very outskirts of the city.
The lagoon at the mouth of the Schuster’s river is popular
especially in summer.
Kommetjie
A coastal hamlet with a tidal lagoon situated on the far side
of the Noordhoek beach. Its has two very popular surfing spots
the “Outer Kom” and Long beach which is considered
one of cape Town unspoilt beaches.
Slangkop Lighthouse
This lighthouse has been in operation since
4 March 1919. It is the tallest cast iron tower on the South
African Coast, 33
meters from the base to the balcony and is one of the four strongest
lighthouses in Southern Africa with a range of 33 sea miles.
The lighthouse became fully automated in 1979 and has since
been manned by a single Lighthouse Keeper. It draws its electricity
from Cape Town Municipality and has a standby diesel alternator
in the event of a power outage. It has a revolving electric light
that emits four flashes every 30 seconds.
Noordhoek
This means North Corner and describes the north corner of the
farm Slangkop. In 1857 the area was divided into six portions
and the farmers grew vegetables to supply the ships at Simon’s
Bay Harbour. Excavations of skeletons prove that Khoi nomads
previously occupied the area.
To the south and west is a
wonderful view of the Atlantic Ocean as well as a 7-kilometre
stretch of a beautiful white sandy
beach. Strong currents make the beach unsafe for swimming
but it is
popular for surfing and paddle skiing.
The wreck of a famous steamer, “Kakapo” still lies
high and dry on the beach.
The Noordhoek Farm Village is worthy of a visit. There are
2 restaurants and pubs, an antique shop, clothing, arts
and crafts,
a village farm stall and organic nursery, children’s playground
wine sales, an information office and is open 7 days a week.
Noordhoek has a quiet rural and rustic setting and horse
riding is a popular sport. It remains one of the Cape's
treasured destinations.
Chapman’ Peak Drive Chapman’ Peak Drive connects Hout Bay with Noordhoek and
is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. The
route is 9km long and includes 114 curves along the rocky Atlantic
coastline. The scenery is breathtaking and there are a number
of rest areas along the way where one can stop to picnic or simply
to admire the views.
The original road took 7 years to build, its highest point is
592 m (1 942 ft) above sea level and at the highest observation
point that is set on top of the sheer cliff face the swirling
seas are 160 m (525ft) below.
Due to a fatal rock fall in 1999, the road was closed for almost
3 years for upgrading. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive won
a civil engineering award for road design, beating another 8
international projects.
Chapman’s Peak Drive also offers some great hiking experiences
through the Silvermine Nature Reserve and the Cape Peninsula
National Park. Reference - Eyewitness Travel Guide, 2005 Dorling Kindersley
limited London.
Hout Bay
This important fishing centre derived its name from Jan van
Riebeeck reference to the wooded bay as “t’houtbaaijen” “Hout” meaning
wood. Much of the original forests are gone but as one enters
Hout bay from Constantia neck the remaining forests can be seen.
Snoek and rock lobster are the main fish types processed in
the factories in the harbour.
From the harbour, a number of operators provide regular cruises
to watch sea birds and the cape fur seal colony on Duiker Island.
Sunset cruises as well as game fishing expeditions are also offered.
The World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest bird sanctuary
in Africa and the second largest in the world. The walk-through
aviaries feature 450 bird species. |
