Running from Muizenberg to Cape Point, False Bay is one of the largest bays along the South African coastline.
The water this side of the Cape is warmer and occasionally, you will find surfer’s heads bobbing up and down as they catch a few waves. I explored the area in an arty and colourful minibus with Kiff Kombi Tours.
Views of the deep blue. Image by Ondela Mlandu
The word ‘kombi’ is the South African slang word for a minibus and the word ‘kiff’ means cool or awesome. By simply being exposed to a vibrant culture or a picturesque location travelling has the power to ignite many brilliant ideas. The same concept applied to South African-born and Australian-raised Drew Campbell when he and his partner Sophie Bagheri were in Bali in a VW ‘kombi’.
When the couple decided to move to South Africa, they launched Kiff Kombi Tours, which takes you on unconventional tours. Here’s why this kombi stands out from the rest: It isn’t just colourful, but the different personalities you find on the kombi, make the six-to seven-hour day trip so worthwhile. Why spend so much money on a lonely trip along the Peninsula, when you can simply hop on for R750 per person? Kiff Kombi Tours allows you to listen to some of the best South African tunes, get chauffeured around (lovely for catching the beautiful views we often miss when in a car), includes lunch and all entry fees for the National Parks. Plus, you can save a few rands on fuel or hiring a car if you aren’t from the Cape Town area.
This is what my day with them entailed.
1. Exploring the surfer’s hub, Muizenberg Beach
These colourful cloakrooms were used in the 60s for the locals to change before taking a dip. Image by Ondela Mlandu
The sandy beach in Muizenberg is wonderful for water adventures and is famous for kitesurfing, swimming and surfing. Muizenberg Beach is considered a good area for the entire family, as it’s child-friendly and also has a water slide for the children to enjoy. In the 20th century, Muizenberg was the most fashionable and exclusive seaside suburb. Alongside the pavilion are coffee shops and restaurants as well as Surfing Schools where you can hire a surfboard and wetsuit from R100. The water this side of town comes from the Indian Ocean, making it much warmer to swim in and more prone to sharks. Don’t be afraid, there are shark spotters who keep guard and will alert you if there is anything in the water.
2. A stroll around the fishing village of Kalk Bay
Some Kalk Bay celebrities just relaxing. Image by Ondela Mlandu
Kalk Bay, also known as Kalkbaai in Afrikaans is a fisherman’s paradise. You arrive in disbelief and feel as if you’re in a totally different time and place in the world. There is a much slower pace in Kalk Bay with an array of quirky shops, offering arts and crafts, curio shops and vintage bookshops. The harbour is picturesque and you can smell the fresh fish caught by the fishermen. Locals are polite and you can enjoy a fish and chips meal from Kalky’s at the harbour.
3. Discovering historically-rich Simon’s Town
Love is all around. Image by Ondela Mlandu
Simon’s Town is filled with history. It’s also home to the South African Navy. A historical street, you simply can’t miss in Simon’s Town is the cobble stone street of St George’s. St George’s street has buildings as old as 150 years old. Nestled along the street are cottages, coffee shops and the historical Simon’s Town Museum. At Boulder’s Beach is where you can find the cutest African penguins and if you are lucky enough, you can find them swimming alongside you.
4. Swimming with the population of Smitswinkel Bay
This small bay is only accessible by foot. Image by Ondela Mlandu
When you take a drive along the M4 from Simon’s Town to Cape Point Nature Reserve, be on the lookout for a little bay with houses. If you blink, you could easily miss it. The secluded bay is called Smitswinkel Bay. The bay is only accessible by foot or boat. If you have a vehicle, you can park it on the M4 with the residents’ cars and take a 15-minute walk down the path leading to the beach. Snorkelling, fishing and a picnic will make for the perfect adventure. There are private homes on the bay, however, they have no electricity or cellphone reception.
5. Sharing Cape Point with baboons
The lighthouse on top of Cape Point; A Harley motorbike on Chapman’s Peak. Image by Ondela Mlandu
From the lighthouse, Cape Point has some captivating views. This is where you can expect to find many baboons too. The Cape Point Lighthouse was built in 1859. It’s up to you whether or not you prefer to do the fifteen-minute walk up or ride the funicular in just three minutes to get to the top. Be cautious when carrying food or you may be an easy target for the baboons. The lighthouse is a surrounded by serene beaches and you will have many photo opportunities.
6. Cruising the iconic Chapman’s Peak
The colourful kombi that was my chariot for the day trip. Image by Ondela Mlandu
Chapman’s Peak boasts 180-degree views and the drive winds on for nine kilometres with numerous curves. Chappies, as it’s also known, connects Hout Bay and Noordhoek. This Atlantic seaboard has magnificent views of the ocean and skyline. It’s advised you drive slowly on this route, in case you want to stop to admire the views.
