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EEver dreamt of taking to the waves and feeling the exhilarating thrill of carving through water, wind in your hair? Surfing is a popular pastime for locals in the Cape, and the most well-known surfing beach in Cape Town is Muizenberg Beach.
It is also the perfect place to learn to surf. This is not only because it is situated on the Indian Ocean side of Cape Town, so its waters are a bit warmer, but also because it has a sand bottom and gentle rolling waves, perfect for beginner surfers. There are a number of surf schools to choose from, including Gary’s Surf School, the oldest surf school in the country. Muizenberg’s old-style beach pavilion and the iconic, boldly-coloured Victorian bathing “boxes” or huts will make you think you have stepped back in time into a bygone era.
Did You Know?
MMuizenberg is a Blue Flag beach, which means it gets top marks for safety, recreational facilities and eco-consciousness.
Surfing
Experience the thrill of riding your first wave. The expert instructors from Sunscene Adventures will have you up and riding in no time.
Contact: +27 21 783 0203 or +27 83 517 9383
Cost: Falls into price group R201 to R500 per person.
SStand up paddle board
Stand up paddle (SUP) surfing or boarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. It’s safe, fun, healthy and super easy to learn. It’s easier to learn than surfing, and anyone can do it, and be up and “walking on water” within half an hour. With Stand Up Paddle Boarding Specialists, you can learn how to paddle surf or board on Muizenberg Beach.
Contact: +27 21 510 0503
Cost: From R250pp (one-hour intro lesson and paddle)
Hiking
The Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the Table Mountain National Park, and is an important conservation area for indigenous fynbos vegetation. Entrance to the reserve is at the top of Ou Kaapse Weg, where a small fee is charged. Sandstone cave systems can also be found in the reserve, and there are rock climbing routes on the Muizenberg side as well.
When: Daily from 07h00 to 18h00 during the summer (October to April) and from 08h00 to 17h00 during the winter (May to September).
Contact: +27 21 701 8692
Cost: Falls into price group R1 to R100 per person. Confirm with the provider.
Why drive?
Add to the adventure and go by train—enjoy stunning views from the seat of a railway carriage. The suburban rail service that serves the suburbs along the line from Cape Town to Simonstown is an inexpensive and relaxing way to travel and see so many of the coastal attractions from a unique perspective. Although it is an interesting trip for adults, children will delight in such a journey from the surfer’s paradise suburb of Muizenberg to Simonstown.
While you can purchase train tickets at Muizenberg station; Cape Town's Metrorail Southern Line Tourism Route offers a hop-on hop-off ticket from Cape Town through the suburbs of Observatory, Newlands, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Fish Hoek stations for R30 for a one-day ticket, or R50 for a two-day ticket. If you purchase the hop-on hop-off rail ticket, you will also receive a map showing all the attractions of each of the suburbs within a 2km walking distance.
TTake a stroll
Grab an ice-cream because this easy stroll is suitable for everyone. Staying on the seaward side of the railway line, it starts at Muizenberg Station, hugging the coastline until St James; and Danger Beach. The promenade offers excellent opportunities for whale watching and spotting ocean birds. Kids love exploring in the rock pools at low tide. On the other side of the line is an interesting urban walk, the Muizenberg Historical Mile. It is worthwhile taking a stroll along this route to see many interesting old buildings rather than taking the train back.
Duration: One hour
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3km
You are spoilt for choice in this awesome part of Cape Town. Start your day with a delicious coffee and croissant at Knead and watch the surfers enjoy the waves before heading off to one of Muizenberg’s great lunch spots. We suggest the following, Tiger’s Milk Restaurant and Bar, Harbour House, Olympia Café, Live Bait and Brass Bell.
When the sun sets, there are fun tourist attractions in the village and some great places to stop for a bite to eat.
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