Simon's Town Area Guide

Simons Town is situated on the shores of False Bay on the South Peninsula. It is an hour’s journey from Cape Town by car or by train and it definitely is well worth the excursion. This famous train ride hugs the coast and offers an absolutely unique experience, with spectacular views of both mountains and sea. The trip is certainly a fitting introduction to the fascinating charm of Simons Town, showcasing Western Cape property at its finest.

Geographically situated on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula, Simons Town was named after Governor Simon van der Stel, who in 1687, recommended it as a winter anchorage haven to the Dutch East India Company, as it was more sheltered than the tempestuous Table Bay. In 1814, the British Royal Navy took over Simons Town as its South Atlantic Station, and this arrangement remained intact until this base was handed over to the South African Navy in 1957. Simons Town remains an important functional naval base to this very day. Simons Town property is steeped in history; there are 21 buildings in St. Georges Street that are over 150 years old; Admiralty House was the first building to be erected in the year 1720. Historical interests include the Simons Town Museum, the SA Naval Museum, the West Dockyard, the Warrior Toy Museum and Jubilee Square, where a sculpture of ‘Able Seaman Just Nuisance’ is to be found. This statue was commissioned in remembrance of an unexpected legendary figure - a Great Dane, who befriended an officer, and was the Navy mascot during World War II. Rising dramatically above the harbour up the mountainside, Simon’s Town is rich in historical, architectural and natural beauty, offering something of interest to every visitor.

Simons Town real estate in South Africa is diverse in style, size and design, with most homes built in a manner to optimise sea and mountain views. Styles vary between authentic Victorian homes, Cape Cod and Cape Vernacular holiday homes, glitzy modern concrete and glass homes and Canadian type log cabins. Individual property stands in Simons Town vary as well, with the price of land relative to proximity to the beach, sea and mountain views.

Many a property in Simons Town has easy access to the beaches, which offer idyllic bathing conditions with protection from the wind, be it Long Beach, Seaforth Beach or Boulders Beach. The last, situated a few kilometres to the south of Simon's Town, is reputed to be amongst the finest beaches in the Cape, and is internationally renowned for being home to one of only three South African colonies of African (Jackass) penguins.

Owners of property in Simons Town also have the advantage of being able to enjoy the special events that take place on their doorstep, such as the world famous Cape Argus Cycling Race, The Bi-Annual Navy Festival and The Penguin Festival. It is easy to see why Simons Town property is sought-after; here you can find restaurants offering some of the finest cuisine in the Western Cape, delightful cafés with views of the harbour, shops providing a diverse range of goods from antiques, to clothing and crafts. There is also a diverse range of activities available in Simons Town such as: boat charters, sailing, sea kayaking, ski boat angling, professionally managed deep sea fishing, and whale watching charters. Visitors are truly spoilt for choice. For those who prefer more restful activities there are stunning scenic walks towards Cape Point and for the sportsperson golf, bowls and squash are on offer.

Highlights and attractions

Boulders Beach

Boulders Penguin Colony in Simons Town is home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins. This colony is one of only a few in the world, and the site has become famous and a popular international tourist destination.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km South West of Cape Town, lies Cape Point. Located within the southern section of Table Mountain National Park and declared a World Heritage site, as part of the Cape Floral region. The park encompasses 7750ha of rich and varied Fauna and Flora - a nature enthusiast's paradise. Rugged rocks and sheer cliffs tower more than 200 metres above the sea and cutting deep into the ocean, provide a spectacular background for the park’s rich bio-diversity. The natural vegetation of the areas – fynbos – comprises the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms.