The dizzying and exhilarating drive to the crest of Chapman’s Peak is scarce preparation for the wholly unexpected sight of the gorgeous and quite spectacular Noordhoek beach far below. And as one makes one’s way down it becomes quickly apparent that this is no ordinary beach. Situated no more than 35 km’s from the city this is a gloriously long and wide sandy beach hemmed in by the villages of Noordhoek and way to the south Kommetjie. Noordhoek –which means ‘north corner’ in Dutch – is a small scattered village with a large horse-owning population and inevitably, the magnificent beach has become a popular gallop and rendezvous for riders.

At the southern end of the beach can still be seen the wreck of the steamship “Kakapo,” which ran aground in 1900. Apparently the captain, spying Chapman’s Peak, swung his ship hard to port in the mistaken belief that he had rounded the Cape of Good Hope! And that was that!

Apart from the majestic Chapman’s Peak Drive, Noordhoek may also be accessed via Ou Kaapse Weg, a mountain road which cuts through the Silver Mine Nature Reserve now part of the Table Mountain Nature Reserve.

Before you move on, and if you are a rider, hire a horse and go for an exhilarating gallop on Noordhoek beach!