Since we moved to Fish Hoek, Cape Town 2 years ago, I’ve been saying the words “hidden gem” a lot. So much that my 8 year-old son has asked me to stop saying it. “Mom, don’t say hidden gem again,” he complains as we reach the beacon at a ridge top, or walk along a shady path ringing with cicada song.
You should never give away your real hidden gems, for obvious reasons. So here are 5 places that you may already know of, but need a reminder of how amazing they are.
- Elsies Peak ridge beacon.
It’s a fairly easy 45 minute hike up to the beacon, with views over the Fish Hoek valley and Kalk Bay and one side, and Glencairn and Simonstown on the other. You can even see Noordhoek and Kommetjie once you reach the beacon.I used to go up by myself but sadly it seems more prudent to go in a group these days.
2. Windmill beach
A little cove in Simonstown, wonderful for snorkelling or lazing in the shade of the rocks. We even had a visit from a pair of penguins one day.
3. The bike track
It’s difficult to describe exactly where this is. It’s near the sports field in Fish Hoek. A great place for kids to cycle on a technical track. Frequent falling off is fine, there are vygies everywhere that provide a soft landing.
This is not hidden at all, but deserves a mention because it’s fairly recently refurbished and is a very relaxing spot, with excellent social distancing spacing. Sitting on the deck gazing at the blue sea, it makes me think of what I imagine an old-world seaside hotel feels like.
5. Woolly’s tidal pool
Between Kalk Bay and Clovelly, this really is hidden. It’s the quieter, less trendy version of Dalebrook. Be careful where you stand, there are sea anemones and urchins on the rocky bottom.
