Kalk Bay, False Bay
The unpretentious bohemian fishing village of Kalk Bay lies between the mountains and the sea, just 25 minutes’ from Cape Town.
Home to one of the last remaining working harbours in South Africa, not only can you meet the returning boats for the catch of the day at noon, but the little cobbled streets, shops and restaurants make this an easy place to while away the time and forget the fast pace of city living. Antique stores, second-hand book shops, art galleries and a thriving theatre have given rise to a real sense of community in Kalk Bay.
Originally inhabited by shipwrecked seamen and deserters, the lively village takes its name from lime-burners, who used kilns to extract lime from sea shell deposits to use in building construction. The 72-seater theatre/restaurant, built in 1876, on Main Road is housed in the old Kalk Bay Dutch Reformed church - a national heritage and protected building.
The Simon’s Town train line stops right in Kalk Bay and there are four tidal pools for safe swimming. Continue on from here to Fish Hoek, or turn right sharply after driving through Kalk Bay from Cape Town, and head off up Boyes Drive for some spectacular views and whale watching.
Additional Reading
For more in depth info about Kalk Bay, see our articles at • Quaint and Vibey Kalk Bay. • Catch your Breath in Kalk Bay. • Kalk Bay and Tribeca.
Travellers' Reviews
5 Reviews from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
So as much as we love staying in Fish Hoek when we visit Cape Town, we never miss a visit to kale bay. So many quirky shops, laid back atmosphere, great restaurants, and it’s just a really cool little town. Don’t miss it, even if you just pass through and have a coffee at Olympia.
Simone (Norfolk)
Verified review
how do you review a place in one day. you cram in as much as you can even to the point of missing our flights ouch!! what a beautiful place it left a huge hole in me since we left i felt so sad to leave. Cape to cuba, olympia cafe, the shops, a little piece of heaven on earth cant wait to come back for a longer stay I'm hooked!!!
cam stuart-smith (margaret river western australia)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Contemporary Cottage
The Contemporary Cottage is located in a beautiful holiday home in Kalk Bay built in 1920 on the mountainside near the Harbour. The style and fit...
Dragon Tree Guest House
In the heart of Kalk Bay under the cooling shade of the iconic dragon tree, the Dragon Tree Guest House in Kalk Bay offers luxury self-catering a...
Baytree Apartment
Baytree Apartments offer guests comfortable accommodation in a holiday apartment in Kalk Bay. This lovely location has easy access to a range of ...
Sunny Windsor Apartment
Sunny Windsor Apartment is a simple, rustic, relaxing apartment within walking distance of the beach and tidal pools of Kalk Bay. Tucked away beh...
Majestic Two Bed Apartments
These luxurious apartments feature a spacious living room, a fully equipped kitchen and two en-suite bedrooms which are furnished with double bed...
Chartfield Guest House
Chartfield Guesthouse is nestled in this quaint seaside village where the pace and charm is reminiscent of a bygone era while every modern conven...
Whalers Studio and Cottage
Whalers Cottage and Studio offers Cape Town self catering accommodation dating back to the early 1900's situated in the historical fishing villag...
Baytree Beach House
Baytree Beach House offers accommodation in Kalk Bay in a house (sleeps 10) and a separate apartment. This marvelous location gives you easy acce...
Pineapple Cottage
Pineapple Cottage offers Cape Town self catering accommodation dating back to the early 1900's situated in the historical fishing village of Kalk...
Rosmead Apartment
Rosmead Apartment is a sunny, open and airy space that provides accommodation for five guests. Originally part of the Dutch Reformed Church, the ...
Majestic Three Bedroom Apartments
These townhouses in Kalk Bay have three en-suite bedrooms, spacious living rooms, a fully equipped kitchen and a small back garden. Original hote...
The Crow's Nest
The Crows Nest is a luxurious and spacious two bedroom apartment in Kalk Bay, in walking distance of the main road. The Crows Nest sleeps four gu...
Majestic Studio
Situated in Kalk Bay, within the secure Majestic Village, Majestic Studio is able to accommodate up to two guests. Here guests are within walking...
The Inn at Castle Hill
The Inn at Castle Hill is a characterful Edwardian villa overlooking the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay. The Inn at Castle Hill is ideally lo...
Kalk Bay Cottage
Located in the quaint seaside village of Kalk Bay, this recently renovated, historically significant cottage is perfectly situated for those who ...
The Majestic Apartment
The Majestic Apartments are located inside the revitalised old Majestic Hotel. Tenants of the one and two bedroom self catering apartments have e...
Things to do in the area
Cape Peninsula E-Bike Experience
Exploring a destination on a bicycle combines fun, fitness and a comfortable pace. Exploring Cape Town on an electric bike means even more fun an...
Cape Town Water Bikes
The beauty of False Bay really is something to behold. The chilly blue of the Atlantic Ocean is lined with the quaint little towns of Fishhoek, K...
Buy & Braai a Cape Fish
Chokka, Snoek, Red Roman and Yellowtail are all local Cape ocean fish that are the pride of fisherman and the prize on the grill. Kalk Bay Harbou...
Kalk Bay Theatre
The Kalk Bay Theatre is a 78-seater theatre / restaurant located in the old Kalk Bay DR church, built in 1876 and is a heritage protected buildin...
A Stroll in Kalk Bay Harbour
A family favourite for a lovely sunny afternoon is a nice stroll along Kalk Bay Harbour. Especially for young kids, it is a place where there is ...
Kalk Bay to the Amphitheatre Hike
Cape Town is known for its stunning vistas and magnificent landscape. A rather different side to the Mother City is showcased on the walk from Ka...
Kalk Bay to Boomslang Cave Hike
Start: Echo Valley signFinish: Echo Valley signDuration: 4 km, roughly 2 hours (but allow for stops and cave exploration)Fitness: easyOur tip: if...
Self Drive the Cape Peninsula
Self Drive the Cape Peninsula – two oceans in one day and one of the most beautiful drives, and easiest way to truly orientate yourself to the mo...
Danger Beach
Just outside the hustle and bustle of Cape Town are little towns that are bursting at the seams with charm and character. St James and Kalk Bay a...
Noteworthy attractions
Cape Town Beaches
The Mother City has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and something to offer everyone. It is no surprise that South Africa was one ...
Long Beach Mall
An outing to one of the most beautiful areas in the Cape would not be complete without a visit to the Longbeach Mall. Take a trip out this way an...
Cape Point
Bartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, was the first to sail around the Cape. This was in 1488. On his return voyage, which must have been pa...
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Part of the Table Mountain National Park that extends from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south, the Cape of Good Hope...
Silvermine Nature Reserve
The park straddles the mountain, from the winding Ou Kaapse Weg (Old Cape Road) on the Tokai, Constantia and Westlake side of the mountain, over ...
Clovelly Golf Club
Clovelly was designed to be secluded from the everyday noises of passing cars and local railway tracks to truly entrench your senses into your ga...
Westlake Golf Club
Against the amethyst slopes of the Silvermine mountains lies one of Cape Town's Premier Courses - Westlake. This easy to walk, 18 hole Par 72 gol...
False Bay Coast Beaches
Where? The western coast of False Bay, from Cape Point to start of Helderberg. Includes: Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Boulders. Go there for swimming, ...
Cape Point Wine Route
It was only in 1998 that the new Cape Point Wine District was declared and the Cape Point Vineyards are still relatively new on the tourist itine...
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