We will be open at 9:00 am. Call 020 7590 0610
Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Cape Town’s Kalk Bay

An alternative side to Cape Town

Article content

16 March 2020 by Rui Ribeiro

You’ve been to the top of Table Mountain, shopped your way along the V&A Waterfront and toured infamous Robin Island. But what’s next? Kalk Bay in greater Cape Town is a small village with a big personality and an ideal stop for those that want something a little different from their South Africa self-drive. As one of the last remaining fishing communities on the Western Cape, and with an eclectic mix of inhabitants that includes both weathered fisherman and famous musicians, there’s a feeling of ease in its bohemian environs.

The train to Kalk Bay, Cape Town
The train to Kalk Bay, Cape Town

As you head beyond the main road and the train line that connects Cape Town to Simon’s Town, you’ll arrive at the bay itself. Full of brightly painted boats fading in the sunshine, the aroma of fresh fish lingers in the air; far from being unpleasant, it’s a comforting reminder of the realness of the place.

Kalk Bay harbour, Cape Town
Kalk Bay harbour, Cape Town

Time here passes slowly and it’s possible to while away many idle hours in pavement cafes, art galleries and co-op shops, where local designers have come together to sell jewellery, clothing and craft. If you spend the night, set your alarm to watch the sunrise, perhaps walking the coastal path to nearby St James where brightly coloured beach huts overlook a sandy bay and rock pools teeming with life. And don’t forget to stroll along Kalk Bay’s harbour wall to watch fishermen returning with their hauls and women cleaning and preparing the catch of the day; if you’re lucky you might even spot seals playing in the surf.

Seals at Kalk Bay, Cape Town
Seals at Kalk Bay, Cape Town

Like much of the greater Cape Town area, Kalk Bay has its fair share of excellent dining options. For a breakfast to remember, try the atmospheric Olympia Café with its faded frontage and friendly staff. And, after a day at the beach, a scoop of rose-scented Turkish delight ice cream from the popular Ice Café is hard to beat. For dinner, you might head to the Brass Bell; something of a Kalk Bay institution, its famous hake and chips and portions of Cajun grilled calamari are only matched by its delightful seafront setting. Or, if you’d prefer a fine dining experience, the acclaimed Harbour House restaurant combines exceptional seafood – think sautéed smoked paprika calamari and grilled Cape crayfish – with first-class service and views to match. 

Explore our Cape Town holidays

Related offers

Aerial view of Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa

Highlights of South Africa

16-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,275 pp incl. flights

This is the perfect introduction to South Africa. A spectacular drive along the Garden Route will see you link Cape Town’s beachside charms with the country’s finest vineyards before ending with an all-inclusive Big-Five safari.

Southern right whale, Hermanus

South Africa: Cape Town, Wine & Whales

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £3,430 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Early booking offer – Save up to £450pp
Book by: 29 November 2024

Turn out from Cape Town’s welcoming charms, golden-sand beaches and iconic skyline to taste your way through South Africa’s finest vineyards in the endlessly rolling Winelands before discovering the world’s best land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa's West Coast Discovery

11-day tailor-made self-drive from £2,950 pp incl. flights

Special
offer

Free night at Bushman's Kloof during May-Aug – Save up to £340pp
Book by: 31 January 2025

Pair the headline acts of Cape Town with some off-the-beaten track luxury in Paternoster and the spectacular Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Reserve.

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Cape Town, Kruger & Victoria Falls

11-day tailor-made holiday from £5,150 pp incl. flights

Discover the icons of Cape Town, the world-famous wildlife of Kruger National Park and epic Victoria Falls on this spectacular Southern Africa adventure.

Selati Camp, Sabi Sand

Cape to Kruger by Rovos Rail

14-day tailor-made rail holiday from £8,585 pp incl. flights

Travel in sheer opulence aboard Africa's most luxurious train as you swap Cape Town’s beach-framed urban sophistication for a Big-Five safari on an all-inclusive private reserve.

One&Only Le Saint Géran

Luxury Cape Town, Kruger & Mauritius

15-day tailor-made holiday from £8,570 pp incl. flights

Discover city greats, the Big Five and white-sand beaches in style, enjoying everything from an all-inclusive safari to indulgent dining and stays in southern Africa's finest properties.

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0610 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

Visit us in our London office

Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
  • Established for over 50 years
  • Tailor a holiday to your precise requirements
  • Personalised quotes and documentation

Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

  • Dedicated personal consultants
  • Free airport lounges on qualifying bookings
  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
  • Full financial security: ATOL & ABTOT protected