Staying in Cape Town's South Peninsula with Kids: practical travel guide

If you're planning a family trip to the South Peninsula (Fish Hoek, Simon's Town, Glencairn, Noordhoek and the surrounds), you probably have a handful of practical questions before you even get to the fun part. Here are some answers to the questions we get asked most!

Do you need a rental car?

Yes, mostly. The South Peninsula is made up of a string of small coastal suburbs along one main road, so if you're staying in Fish Hoek and want to visit Cape Point at your own pace, you'll need your own transport. That said, if you stay somewhere central, Fish Hoek or Simon's Town for example, you can walk to beaches, restaurants and shops without a car at all (or catch the TukTuk), and just Uber for the day trips further out. WITHOUT A DOUBT if you are having a glass of wine or 2, please cool an uber. That's what we do and its awesome!

Is the South Peninsula safe for families?

The South Peninsula is one of the safer parts of Cape Town for families, and it's a big part of why so many locals raise their own kids here. As with anywhere, normal precautions apply: don't leave valuables visible in a parked car, stick to well used paths and beaches, and check current conditions for hikes before heading out. Most of our guests report feeling comfortable walking around Fish Hoek, Simon's Town and Kalk Bay during the day. As for me and my family: I feel safe going out in the day alone with them to malls, beaches etc. Just make sure there is a crowd at the beach or recreational activity for extra care.

Travelling by time of the year?

December to February (summer): Hot, dry, windy and the busiest months. Best swimming weather, but book accommodation early and expect higher rates, longer travel times and crowds.

March to May (autumn): Quieter, still warm, and the sea is often at its warmest of the year in April. A good sweet spot if you can travel outside school holidays. My favourite time of the year often referred to as the "Secret Season".

June to August (winter): Rain and wind are more likely, but this is also whale season, with whales visible from the coastline right through to November. Rates are lower and the area is far quieter. Good for families who don't mind packing layers and building in some indoor backup plans. We get some phenominal winter days!

September to November (spring): Wildflowers, whales still around into November, and the weather starts warming up before the summer crowds arrive.

Are the beaches safe for younger kids to swim?

Fish Hoek and Glencairn are generally the favourites with families with older children. Surfing, boarding etc is well enjoyed here. Beaches in Simons' Town are generally more sheltered and very calm including Longbeach, Waters Edge, Boulders Beach and windmill. These are great for much younger children. Noordhoek and kommetjie beaches are great for surf lovers and pros!

How far is everything from the South Peninsula / Simon's Town?

From Simon's Town, Cape Point Nature Reserve is around 25 to 30 minutes. Boulders Beach penguins is minutes away depending on where you stay

Cape Town Central is about 45 minutes away but you can also take a Blue Metrorail train which is not only fun but very cheap (and safe!) You can take the train and then catch a MyCity Bus to Table Mountain, The Waterfront, Camps Bay etc. Leave early to make a day of it!

Self catering or hotel for families in the South Peninsula?

For most families (and for us personally), self-catering wins. A proper kitchen

means you're not paying restaurant prices for every meal, especially breakfast, and a washing machine on site is genuinely useful on a trip longer than four or five days with kids. You also get more space to spread out, which matters when everyone's tired after a beach day and needs somewhere to decompress that isn't one shared hotel room.

Do we need to book activities in advance?

Boulders Beach, Cape Point Nature Reserve etc has an entry fee payable on arrival and they get VERY busy in peak season, so arriving earlier in the day helps you avoid queues. Smaller attractions like the Scratch Patch and Higgeldy Piggeldy Farmyard don't require advance booking. Activities like kayaking with penguins or boat tours etc, do require booking / planning in advance.

Are there rainy day activities for families in the peninsula?

Yes. The Save Our Seas Shark Education Centre, the Scratch Patch and Cave Golf,

the Submarine Museum, and the Warrior Toy Museum are all indoor or under-cover options in Simon's Town and Kalk Bay. Pair one of those with a sweet stop and you've got a full rainy afternoon sorted without needing sunshine.

Got a question we haven't covered here? We've lived in the South Peninsula for 25 years and manage properties across Fish Hoek, Simon's Town, Glencairn, Murdoch Valley and Kommetjie, so if you're planning a trip and want a straight answer, get in touch and we'll help you plan it properly. superhosts@aircnc.co.za