Noordhoek

Noordhoek is a seaside town between Kommetjie and Chapmans Peak on the Cape Peninsula. Its shoreline and its long, wide, sandy beach stretch south to the neighbouring village of Kommetjie. Near the southern end of this beach is the wreck of the steamship Kakapo.

Understand
The Kakapo ran aground in 1900, when the captain mistook Chapmans' Peak for the Cape of Good Hope and put the helm over to port.

Noordhoek is a small scattered community of houses, often with sea views and has a large horse population as riding on the long sandy beach is common. Many artists live in Noordhoek.

By car
From the airport follow the N2 south-west towards Cape Town. Turn on to the M3 south and follow it to the end. Turn right onto Steenberg Road (M42) and then left onto Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) which goes into Noordhoek. Follow the road over the mountain. After about 7 km, turn right into Silvermine Road.

From Hout Bay follow Chapman's Peak Drive (M6).

See

 * Noordhoek beach is a spectacular beach on the peninsula. It is 7-km long and unspoilt by commercial development.
 * Chapman's Peak provides a majestic backdrop to the peaceful village.
 * Cape Point Vineyards has a vineyard that produces some of South Africa's best white wines.

Do

 * Walk or ride a horse along the spectacular 7-km white sand beach. You can walk south to Kommetjie, passing the rusty wreck of the Kakapo, shipwrecked in 1900.
 * Visit the many painters, sculptors and potters who create their art in this beautiful valley.
 * There is a huge variety of birds to watch in the area. From black eagles to several species of sunbird, wetland and sea birds.
 * The Western Leopard Toad is indigenous to the area and an endangered species. You will see them jumping across the road in the mating season (August/September).
 * There are many beautiful walks in the Sivermine Mountain Range, which is part of the Table Mountain National Park. there are also several geocaches in the area.
 * You can hire a mountain bike in the Noordhoek Farm Village and follow the trails in the Silvermine Mountains.

Buy

 * Shop in the Noordhoek Farm village.
 * Arts and crafts in the Noordhoek Farm Village in Village lane, between Chapman's Peak Drive and Silvermine Road.

Eat

 * Toad in the Village (formerly The Nag's Head) is an English-style pub with good food and beer. Also located in the Noordhoek Farm Village. It is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
 * Cafe Roux (also in the Noordhoek Farm village) serves delicious lunches under the oak trees. Features live music and the occasional evening braai (barbeque) in the summer.
 * The Red Herring on the corner of Beach and Pine Roads serves good pizza as well as traditional South African fare.
 * Thorfynns at Monkey Valley has great views over the beach and good seafood. Don't expect a quick meal.
 * The Noordhoek Cafe is in the Noordhoek Garden Emporium, on the corner of Noordhoek Main Road and Katzenellenbogen Road. Enjoy coffee, cakes and light lunches in a shady garden atmosphere.
 * Long Beach Mall, just down the road in Sun Valley (corner of Buller Louw Drive and Sunnydale Road) has a Spur, Ocean Basket, Mugg & Bean, Wimpy, Kentucky Fried Chicken, O'Briens, Fresh Stop and Macdonalds as well as a few other coffee and sandwich shops.
 * Long Beach Mall, just down the road in Sun Valley (corner of Buller Louw Drive and Sunnydale Road) has a Spur, Ocean Basket, Mugg & Bean, Wimpy, Kentucky Fried Chicken, O'Briens, Fresh Stop and Macdonalds as well as a few other coffee and sandwich shops.

Drink

 * The Toad in the Noordhoek Farm Village is the local English style pub with good beer.
 * Skebangas in the Red Herring restaurant in Beach Road is a lively local pub, noisy, boisterous and great fun. Enjoy the spectacular views of the ocean from their deck
 * 10 minutes drive over Ou Kaapse Weg is the start of the Constantia wine route.