Holidays in Cape Town:

There are many wonderful accommodation options in Cape Town. While many people still opt for the five star Hotels and Guest Houses offered around the city, other people, especially the locals, are looking for other options when it comes to weekend holidays.

The “downturn” in our local economy has given rise to some out-the-box holiday ideas. While looking for a weekend break that would fit our pocket, we stumbled across Chapman’s Peak Campsite in Noordhoek.

Chapman’s Peak Campsite, Noordhoek

Chapman’s Peak Campsite, nestled among the oak trees off Chapman’s Peak drive, is a peaceful, serene, farm-style smallholding, perfectly suited to a weekend getaway, 30 min from Cape Town city centre. Bring your tent or caravan and relax on the lush green grass with mountain views that make you feel you’re far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Awake to the sounds of the resident peacocks, some hadieda’s and a flock of geese on patrol. Some cows keep the grass trimmed in the kiddies play park while pigs do what they do best in the pen below. A family of horses wander around in the field amongst the tortoises, and a collection of birds make for an interesting welcome on a meandering path up to the campsite office.

Along with well kept ablutions, the campsite offers a communal scullery, laundry and swimming pool and an electrical point per site.

Things to do in Noordhoek, Cape Town

Within walking distance is the quaint Noordhoek farm village with some interesting restaurants, coffee shops, gift and craft shops, and a playground for the kids. 5 minutes drive takes you to Long beach with its teal-blue sea and white-hot sand. After some sun and surf, pop in at the Cocobean for a light lunch, the Chocolate Moose for some confectionary or the Trading Post for some interesting gift ideas.

Long Beach Mall offers some easy take out meals as well as some fantastic service at the Ocean Basket restaurant.

The obvious choice for a Sunday drive would be the famous Chapmans’ Peak Drive, to take you around the scenic route to Hout Bay for lunch at the Chapman’s Peak Hotel.

For a fantastic sunset, drive past Kommetjie and up the pass above the Lighthouse. Don’t forget to take along a warm jacket! On your way way home, warm up with a drink at the British Bulldog in Kommetjie. Or, make a day of it and visit the game reserve for a game drive.

20 minutes in the other direction takes you through Fish Hoek to Kalk Bay. Main rd affords you a couple of hours exercise, with art shops, coffee shops and the Harbour to visit. Make sure you’re there early enough to get some fresh fish from the locals or in time for lunch on the rocks at Kalky’s.

There are many ways to spend your holiday in Cape Town, so if you choose hotel accommodation, B&Bs or the outdoor experience of camping, we are sure you will have a relaxing, rejuvenating experience during your Cape Town tour.