Destination of the Day - Muizenberg

With the International Kite Festival happening in Muizenberg this weekend (23 – 24 October 2010) Muizenberg simply has to be the destination of the day!

The International Kite Festival is a feast of colour and action and starts daily 10am – 6pm. Entry is R15 for adults and R5 for kids and is happening at Zandvlei. You can do much more than just watch kites blowing in the wind as there is kite flying, kite making, food stalls, kiddies rides and a craft market.

But I digress. Muizenberg is back! With secure new retail and residential developments on the beachfront and a buzzing Surfer’s Corner – Muizenberg is the place to be (especially this weekend)

Known as a hot spot of surfing culture in Cape Town, Muizenberg is a holidaymakers paradise with a gently sloping beach (which goes for miles and miles) and child friendly waves. The ocean water is warmer than those “trendy Atlantic seaboard” beaches. Muizenberg is distinctive for its colourful bathing boxes and yes you CAN hire one!

Behind the beach itself there are fresh water swimming pools, putt-putt mini golf, water slides (the well know SUPERTUBE) and jungle gyms. The beachfront is busy not only with surfers and potential surfers but restaurants, an artesian bakery, coffee shops and great holiday accommodation.

You won’t be bored in Muizenberg! Obviously Surfing is one of the key activities but also at the beach you can go kite surfing, landsailing and stand up paddling. Lessons are available for beginners or advanced levels, all genders and all ages! It’s not uncommon to see 60 year olds in a surf lesson with 6 year olds!

From the beach is a scenic coastal walk to Kalk Bay – gently undulating and right on the waters edge. For more energetic hikers, start on Boyes Drive for hikes in Table Mountain National Park and up to the Kalk Bay Caves. Guided hikes are available if you’re not sure where you are going and the guides impart wonderful knowledge of the geology and flora of the region so you can go home with more knowledge in addition to your spectacular scenic hike!

At Zandvlei – canoeing and sailing are popular activities and of course kite flying –Zandlvlei is the venue for the International Kite Festival. There is very easy access to two world class golf courses – Westlake and Steenberg.

Muizenberg is also home to grand architecture and fascinating museums. Millionaires Mile was so called as Muizenberg was the hotspot for the mining magnates and tycoons from the turn of the century. Herbert Baker designed many of the homes, many of which have recently been refurbished. The Oppenheimers, the Sonnenburgs (founder of Woolworths); Robert St Leger (owner and editor of the Cape Times) and tobacco tycoons all had homes in Muizenberg.
Perhaps one of the most well known and recognised is the Venetian style Palazzo that is now Casa Labia which was built in 1929 and has just undergone a 2 year restoration and reopened a as a Cultural Centre. Great events, a fabulous Café and the Africa Nova Boutique.

Check out Rhodes Cottage Museum (the cottage where Cecil John Rhodes died in 1902). Summer hours are from 10h00 – 16h00 and well worth a visit for anyone interested in Rhodes or Cape History. There is a fabulous indigenous mountainside garden so do step out the cottage into the grounds. Also in Muizenberg is Het Posthuys Museum. First mapped in 1687 this is one of the oldest buildings in South Africa! It was initially used as a look out post for enemy ships entering False Bay. It also functioned as a storage place for naval goods, an ale and eating house and a private residence. It is run by the Muizenberg Historical society who run regular events and talks. And finally the Battle of Muizenberg Open Air site – marks the site of the Battle of Muizenberg on 7 August 1795 which led to the first British Occupation of the Cape. Please note that the South African Police Services (SAPS) museum is still closed.

The Muizenberg Village area is a charming precinct with narrow streets, Victorian buildings and an interesting shopping area around Palmer Road. The area has been upgraded and now houses bohemian style shops, bars, restaurants and boutiques. Take note of Muizenberg Railway station (particularly if you come by train!) which is a magnificent Edwardian Style building with an impressive clock tower. It opened in 1913!

If you’re staying in the Muizenberg area – why not book a seat at the Masque theatre – which is an active community theatre which was founded in 1959 and still going 50 years on! The current production from 22 – 30 October is Neil Simon’s GODS FAVOURITE.

Muizenberg is easily accessible by car or by train and is 25 km from Cape Town City Centre and 30 km from Cape Town International Airport.

IMAGES:
1. Muizenberg Beach Front - Myles Spolander - Corner Chat
2. Muizenberg Beach Huts - Peter Haarhof- Photographic Day Tours3. Muizenberg Supertube and waterslide
4. Muizenberg Synagogue - Google Images

Contact Cape Point Route for any Muizenberg Accommodation, or information on activities, attractions,and restuarants on the Cape Point Route