Fish Hoek

There is much for the visitor to do and see in Fish Hoek. Photo courtesy Ian Junor.

Fish Hoek is a quaint coastal town set between ocean and mountain at the mouth of the Silvermine River on the False Bay side of the Cape Peninsula. This is one of the few original villages along the Cape coast that has retained its former character, and it is home to many small and interesting shops.

The bay lies in the shadow of the Kalkbaaiberg and Elsie’s Peak headlands, which are dotted with homes that take advantage of wonderful views of the bay. The long, white, sandy beach at Fish Hoek is one of the safest on the False Bay coast, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. During whale-watching season, whales and their calves frequent these waters.

The beautiful village of Simon’s Town lies nearby, close to the world-famous African penguin colony of Boulders Beach. Numbering about 3 000, these endearing black-and-white birds are highly endangered. Their colony site actually comprises two interconnected beaches – Foxy Beach and Boulders Beach.

There is much for the visitor to do and see in Fish Hoek, starting with the Clovelly Golf Club. The course, which dips up and down the contours of sand dunes, offers golfers scenic views of the coastline along False Bay. Located in the pristine and tranquil Silvermine Valley, this short-layout course is famous for its superb greens. One of Cape Town’s top golf courses, Westlake, is situated beneath the mauve slopes of the Silvermine Mountains. This is a physically undemanding 18-hole, par-72 course flanked by tall trees that line many of its fairways.

A diverse range of other activities is available at Fish Hoek, including shark-cage diving, abseiling, wildlife safaris, kloofing and fishing charters. The bay-like curve of Fish Hoek beach stretches from Clovelly Station to the north, past the mouth of the Silvermine River to a small lighthouse. The Silvermine River Wetlands is a protected area to the north-east of Fish Hoek where the Silvermine River runs into a fynbos wetland filled with birds and which is home to the endangered leopard toad.

Jager’s Walk is a lovely route for a sightseeing stroll as it runs over the rocks to the south. A longer coastal walk will take you all the way to Simon’s Town.

If history interests you, be sure to visit the Fish Hoek Valley Museum, +27 (0)21 782 1752 (http://www.fishhoek.com/museum.html), which features a display of prehistoric items relating to the Fish Hoek Man, who dates back 12 000 years. The museum arranges guided walks of the area, specifically to Peers’ Cave, where the skull of the Fish Hoek Man was discovered. The museum provides information about Peers’ Cave, the local archaeological site, local history and the surrounding environment.

Talks on Peers’ Cave and local history, and walks to the cave, can be arranged for groups of up to 20. Donation of R5 per person for entry. Children may visit free of charge.

The museum is open from 09h30 to 12h30 from Tuesday to Saturday and can be opened at other times by arrangement.