With only 40 mintues between Cape Town’s city centre and Noordhoek, it’s probably one of the closest, most remote countryside villages to escape to for a weekend.
1. It’s incredibly close to Cape Town
With only 40 minutes between Cape Town’s city centre and Noordhoek, it’s easy to get there before the day is over on a Friday and you can stay until at least lunch on Sunday before you need to start thinking about heading back. The town is small and has a peaceful, countryside feel to it – ideal for unwinding. It’s also a great excuse to drive Chapman’s Peak. It costs R33 for a normal car, so bring along some cash. If you’re not willing to pay this, take Ou Kaapse Weg, a road easily underestimated for its beauty.
2. You can ride horses on the beach
You might’ve stared at the romantic horse riders with envy as they stroll along the beach while the sun sets. But it’s surprisingly simple to experience this for yourself. The Dunes stables offer 60 – 90 minute rides from the stables on Noordhoek’s main beach down to the shipwreck and back. It costs R350 a person and the guides know their stuff, so even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, you’ll be able to ride one of these. Tel 021-789-1723, www.horserides.co.za.
3. The accommodation is great
Noordhoek accommodation ranges from hotel stays to self-catering houses, so you can take your pick. One particularly great place for couples or groups of four, however, is The Shakk. It’s a cosy self-catering cottage just up the road from The Dunes and around the corner from The Red Herring – a popular local dining spot. The cottage has a balcony with beautiful views of Chapman’s Peak and a Weber braai on which to cook up a storm. Book it here. For other accommodation options in Noordhoek, visit Getaway Accommodation.
4. There’s farm village
The Noordhoek Farm Village is a great place to spend an afternoon. Enjoy a slice of cake at Café Roux, a drink at The Toad in the Village or some great fresh produce at the Foodbarn. Stock up on fresh goods, buy an ice cream or stroll through the arts and crafts shops. The kids will have fun in the play area while you do all of this.
5. There’s a very long beach
Aptly named Long Beach, the main beach in Noordhoek stretched as far as the eye can see, around the peninsula and all the way to Kommetjie. It offers great surf, sunbathing and dog walking and since the town is so small, it rarely becomes crowded. If you’re in the mood for a bit of a walk, make your way down the beach to the rusty old shipwreck.
*Photos courtesy of Johan Strydom
