Smitswinkel Bay, False Bay

The secluded Smitswinkel Bay (also known as Smitswinkelbaai) lies hidden beneath the curve of the road that takes one to Cape Point Nature Reserve from Cape Town, a small bay reached only with some effort on foot, for it lies at the bottom of a steep cliff.

It’s the last place you reach before the nature reserve, and most people miss it, only aware of the bay out of the corner of their eye. Not only is it on the bend of the road but you cannot see the beach and the houses from the road, unless you stop, park at the little parking area to your right, and cross the road for the view (and what a view!).

If you think it looks difficult to reach the bottom at least there is an obvious foot path from the viewpoint past the ramshackle beach houses, to the bay. Back in the old days, Smits (as it’s known by those who live here) was reached only by boat.

A few people have weekend homes here on the mountainside. The occasional person actually lives here. But it has remained very much undeveloped, and the houses ungentrified, largely because of its lack of accessibility and because if the residents had their way Smitswinkelbaai would be part of the nature reserve alongside.

There is no such thing as a street light here (why would you, if there are no roads?) and paraffin lamps and gas stoves predominate. Some people have either solar water heaters or solar panels on their roofs. And residents carry their gas canisters down on their backs. As they do their luggage and groceries.

Down the bottom is one of the prettiest beaches in the secluded bay, granite boulders littering the shoreline. It’s not really a swimming beach, although children have a whale of a time, and fishing is popular. When the tide comes in, you virtually have to leave the beach, for there is not much sand to begin with.

Bear in mind the uphill on the return and think twice before taking very young children, or the elderly, to the bottom, unless you’re prepared to carry them back.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options

Things to do in the area

Noteworthy attractions

Find accommodation in Smitswinkel Bay

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / False Bay Accommodation / Smitswinkel Bay Accommodation

Smitswinkel Bay as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Smitswinkel Bay property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Destinations
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.