Deep South Guide

The Deep South of the Cape Peninsula is a very special place. This area encompasses Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Scarborough, Cape Point, Smitswinkel, Miller’s Point, Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg (the last two have so many places to check out that they get their blogs of their own!). The vibe in this part of Cape Town is so vastly different to other areas. The pace is slow, the beaches have an untouched beauty about them, the vibe is laid back, feet are sandy and bare, menus are plant-based, children are home-schooled and the coffee is good. Welcome to the other side of the lentil-curtain! There is an absolute abundance of lovely things to do in each of these neighbourhoods. There is no way you would be able to do everything I am going to list in one day trip. Pick and choose the bits you’re keen to try out and save the rest for another day.

Kommetjie

Have a coffee at Good Riddance Coffee Co.

Good Riddance made it onto my list of Cape Town Cafes That’ll Give You All The Bali Vibes and that’s because it really does feel like you’ve stepped into a Bali cafe. The decor is great, the coffee good, they have all sorts of yummy vegan treats on offer and you may even get a cuddle from a fury friend while you sip on your coffee.

Check out the Slangkop Lighthouse

While you’re in Kommetjie, why not check out the Slangkop Lighthouse. Fun fact- it’s the tallest lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere. There’s a nice boardwalk path that takes you on a little walk along the Atlantic ocean and past the lighthouse.

Scarborough

Scarborough is probably the ultimate Deep South spot, being the epitome of the other side of the lentil curtain.

Have a coffee at the Sunshine Cafe

If you aren’t too keen on the Kommetjie coffee stop then grab your morning cuppa from the Sunshine Cafe in Scarborough. This cafe is so happy with a cute yellow VW Beetle outside. There is only one table to sit at so this is more of a takeaway coffee spot. So why not grab your cuppa and head down to Scarborough beach.

Spend some time at Scarborough beach

Scarborough beach is a lovely spot to spend the morning. The water is chilly but oh-so fresh. There are also some lovely rockpools to explore.

Cape Point

Stop at the Veld and Sea Good Hope Gardens Nursery

Veld and Sea is a definite must on your Deep South tour. They have so many amazing foraging workshops and pop-up dinners to choose from (read all about my coastal foraging and spring flower foraging experiences here). If you don’t have time for a full tour then still make sure you stop and check out the Good Hope Gardens Nursery. They have such an amazing selction of indigenous plants. They are closed on weekends and public holidays (as this is usually when the Veld and Sea workshops run) so make sure you plan your visit accordingly.

Stop for tea and scones at The Scone Shack

The Scone Shack has become a bit of an institution of late. This little farm has been churning out fresh warm scones and homemade potjie pot jam for about 2 years now. It’s recently popped onto everyone’s radar and for good reason! The scones are so authentic and absolutely divine! The farmyard is host to ducks, geese, chickens, rescue dogs and of course a selection of cute little pigs. It’s a really wonderful spot for kids and has a lovely big dam open for swimming and swinging.
Open Wednesday – Sunday, 9.30am – 5pm PLEASE NOTE: They will be closed 26th July – 1st October for their winter break.

This is the perfect mid morning snack or lunch spot on your Deep South tour.

Visit the Cape Point National Park

Cape Point National Park is one of the famous spots for tourists visiting Cape Town. This is the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula (not Africa, Cape Agulhas gets that title). It is a lovely day trip spot where you can check out the Cape Point lighthouse, have glorious views over Diaz Beach, have a swim at Buffels Bay and drive around viewing ostriches, baboons and Cape Mountain zebra. The entry fees are as follows:

1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024	Adults (12+ years)	Children (2 – 11 years)
South African Citizens and Residents	R100	R50
SADC Nationals	R200	R100
International (non-South African) Citizens	R400	R200

* Children: Cape of Good Hope ages 2-11

**In order to qualify for the local rate, South Africans must produce their ID, driver’s licence or passport. Electronic copies (i.e. a high quality picture on your phone) is also suitable.

Entry is free with a Wild Card.

If you are a tourist visiting Cape Town I would recommend joining a tour if you’d like to visit Cape Point. Most tours include a stop at Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony which is another must-see while in Cape Town. I would recommend this tour with GetYourGuide: From Cape Town: Cape of Good Hope and Penguins Guided Tour.

 

Smitswinkel

Take the 20 minute walk down to Smits

Smitswinkel is a beautiful beach just before Cape Point National Park on the False Bay side. There is a parking place off the M4 just after you drive round the corner from Cape Point. From there there is a steep zig-zag footpath to get down to the beach. The walk takes 15 – 20 minutes. Smits is popular for freediving, diving and spearfishing. If you’re looking for more freediving recommendations in Cape Town then check out my Cape Town Freediving Guide.

Miller’s Point

Swim in the gorgeous Tidal Pool

The Tidal pool at Miller’s Point is just glorious! It is big and has stunning views across the whole of False Bay. There is even a camping site there which I am definitely keen to try out next summer!

Simon’s Town

Go for a freedive at Windmill Beach

After the famous My Octopus Teacher documentary was released on Netflix (which won an Oscar!) there has been a massive surge in people trying out freediving. Windmill beach is probably the most accessible spot for beginner freedivers and snorkellers to check out the Kelp Forests (which have recently been named one of the seven wonders of the world!). You’ll need a wetsuit, some fins, a mask and snorkel as a bare minimum. If you’re going to be diving down then a weightbelt and weights is also essential. You’ll see anemones, starfish, pyjama sharks, nudibranches, puffadder shysharks, jellyfish and maybe even an octopus if you’re lucky! Windmill is a marine protected area with a no-take zone policy so be sure not to pocket any pretty shells or do any fishing! If you’re looking for more freediving recommendations in Cape Town then check out my Cape Town Freediving Guide.

Visit the penguins at Boulder’s Beach

Boulder’s Beach is another classic on the tourist Deep South tour. First time visitors to Cape Town will flock to Simonstown to check out the penguins. Whether you’re a newbie tourist or a Cape Town local, it’s always a treat to see the penguins. Fortunately SanParks has recently adjusted their fees for both Cape Point and Boulders to make it much cheaper for South African locals to visit the parks. The entrances fees are as follows:

1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024	Adults (12+ years)	Children (2 – 11 years)
South African Citizens and Residents	R45	R25
SADC Nationals	R95	R50
International (non-South African) Citizens	R190	R95

Noordhoek

The final stop on our Deep South tour of Cape Town is Noordhoek.

Watch the sunset at the Hoek

Sunset at the Noordhoek end of Long beach is a must on your Deep South trip. End off a beautiful day spent exploring the peninsula with a sunset on the beach.

Grab a beer and a pizza or burger at The Aegir Project Brewery

To finish off your lovely long day of exploration why not check out the beers, pizzas and burgers at Aegir Project. Aegir Project is a local brewery with some of the best craft beers around. You can do a beer tasting and grab some of their delicious Neapolitan-style, sourdough bases, hand stretched to order.

The Deep South of Cape Town has so many wonderful hidden gems to explore. I hope this comprehensive guide has been helpful in planning your next day out adventure! Muizenberg and Kalk Bay also form part of the Deep South Area but both have so many amazing things to do there. Check out my Kalk Bay and Muizenberg blog posts here.

For more Cape Town adventures why not check out my blogs on Tandem Paragliding in Cape Town, Best Sunset Spots in Cape Town, Best Tidal pools in Cape Town, Sea Kayaking with Atlantic Outlook or Seal Snorkeling with Animal Ocean.

If you want to spend more time in the Deep South why not book a stay on this side of Cape Town? Check out these gorgeous studio apartments in Noordhoek or these ones with a stunning sea view. Check out this gorgeous Penguins View Guesthouse in Simons Town to be a stone’s throw away from the penguins at Boulders or book a stay at Boulders Beach House.

Browse Booking.com for countless accommodation options: