Macassar, Cape Helderberg

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Western Cape Destinations

Macassar, Cape Helderberg

Lying on the wind-blown rugged coastal road that takes one from Cape Town to Somerset West the long way - along the coast - is the beach of Macassar, more or less across the road from the Helderberg suburb of Macassar on the Cape Flats.

The beach, which lies on the eastern side of False Bay, has virtually no protection from the Cape Peninsula. Waves break directly on to the sand, which means they’re big and particularly popular with wind and kite surfers. On the right days, when the weather is good, there are few places to equal the beach’s beauty - particularly during the week, when only fishermen mar the impressive landscape.

Macassar’s history is closely tied to the Strand as it is from here that its first inhabitants came. The kramat (shrine) of Sheik Yussaf of Bantam, in Macassar, is one of the South African Muslim community’s holiest places. The Sheik, who was exiled by the Dutch in 1694, made Macassar his final resting place although his followers, who were mainly fishermen, found the sea off Macassar rather uninviting and moved further along the coast to Strand’s Mosterds Bay.

The Macassar Dunes Nature Reserve, in Baden Powell Drive, forms part of the vital coastal dune system, one of the biodiversity hotspots of the Western Cape. These dunes have been under enormous threat from conflicting activities, including cattle grazing and 4X4 vehicle use.

But tensions between conservation and development are being tackled and work within local communities has created various projects, such as an annual weedbuster day, where primary school children learn about alien invasive plants, water conservation and fynbos and come to appreciate the natural resource right on their doorstep.

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Macassar Reviews

average visitor rating: 5/5" Macassar in Cape Town must be visited, It has an NGO's ,e.g. The Macassar Environmental & Nature Conservation Society & Coastal Forum est.2002 who are making ..." - cedric wayne hendricks, cape town

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Featured Attractions in (or near) Macassar

Cape Care Route

The Cape Care Route, situated in and around Cape Town, offers those who take it a chance to experience the 'other' side of Cape Town, and the creativity and innovation that have come out of the more depressed communities in the Mother City. Designed by the City of Cape Town ... more information

Helderberg Nature Reserve

Set on the southern slopes of the Helderberg mountains, this 402 hectare reserve is a beautiful escape with breathtaking views, sef guided walks, a spectacular bird life and a great spot for picnics. What started off as a wild flower garden was then proclaimed a reserve in 1960 to ... more information

Somerset Mall

Somerset Mall offers 204 stores and everything it takes to give families from Somerset West through to Mossel Bay a safe, fun-filled entertainment environment, alongside a superior browsing and shopping experience. Somerset Mall provides the perfect mix for a good life. Find spoiling and surprises with ... more information

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Things To Do in Macassar

Sheikh Yusuf Kramat

Where: Faure
How much (per person): Free

Sheikh Yusuf Kramat is a sacred shrine worshipped and visited by many Muslim people. A Kramat or shrine is where the holy men of Islam or ‘A ... more information

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Also see Things To Do in Cape Helderberg or check out Things To Do in Cape Town and Western Cape to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.

South Africa is one of the most diverse and enchanting countries in the world. With eight world heritage sites, a multitude of game reserves and national parks, over 1350 ha of national botanical gardens, and exotic combinations of landscapes, people, history and culture, South Africa offers the traveller a unique and inspiring experience. Enjoy your stay in Macassar!
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