Muizenberg and Kalk Bay.

Muizenberg is a small town on the Cape Peninsula, in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is one of the oldest Dutch towns in the area, added to its position overlooking False Bay on the Indian Ocean side of the SA coast, its history and culture have been shaped by trade from passing ships and an old railway.

Starting out as a military fort for both the Dutch settlers and the British, it has slowly been transformed by its wealthy neighborhood, the hillsides in Kalk Bay, dotted with beautiful villas. Now, Muizenberg has a strong surfing culture and community owing to the warmer, less turbulent waters of the Indian Ocean.

For a person who lives in Stellenbosch, Muizenberg is almost the exact opposite.

Where Stellenbosch is majorly painted in washes of white, steeped in deep wine culture, and the environment largely characterized by the subdued academic atmosphere of the University, Muizenberg is a riot in color and activity and therefore exudes a relaxed, laid-back vibe. It has one of the most glorious scenic drive routes, by the sandy coast approaching the town and up through the rocky mountain ranges overlooking the bay and beaches where people often take hikes.

I've been to Muizenberg a couple of times with my family. It is on its way to Simon's Town and Cape Point and the nature reserves there. We ALWAYS make an excuse to stop here, either to browse through the antique shops or take a coffee break at Kalk Bay, a distance from the beaches and the surfers.

The beautiful tiles on the walls of the shops add to the cheerful bohemian feel of Kalk Bay.

What to look out for in Muizenburg

• Surfers

• The cool cafes and shops. Try Lekker Kalk Bay for their food and coffee and Ice Cafe for delicious ice cream.

• The architecture

• Antique shops everywhere you look

• The scenic drives

• The hiking and skydiving

From Muizenberg,

Pat.