If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town, Muizenberg Beach should be high on your list of places to visit.
Muizenberg Beach is one of Cape Town’s blue flag beaches and is located along the False Bay coastline. Famous for its warm, shallow waters with temperatures peaking in the range of 19 to 21°C (66 to 70°F) around January and a minimum range of 14 to 16°C (57 to 61°F) in July.
Also read: 6 Cape Town beaches to enjoy on a windy day
Shallow waters and long stretches of white sand make it the perfect beach to take a refreshing dip or simply relax and soak up the sun. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours, providing extra peace of mind.
The Muizenberg Pavilion is popular with families as it offers a water slide, an outdoor swimming pool and a putt-putt (mini-golf) course.
Muizenberg Beach, famously known as Surfer’s Corner is considered the birthplace of surfing in South Africa. The beach has gentle, consistent waves, creating the perfect surfing conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools and rental shops line the beachfront, offering lessons and gear for all skill levels.
The iconic, bright and highly photographed beach huts found on Muizenberg Beach add a splash of colour to the shore and are perfect for a memorable photo backdrop.
Muizenberg Beach has a shark-spotting programme in place, trained spotters keep an eye out for sharks from elevated vantage points. If a shark is sighted, an alarm is sounded, and swimmers are safely guided out of the water. This system makes Muizenberg Beach one of the safer beach options for peace of mind while swimming.
Muizenberg boasts a lively beachfront with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual fish-and-chips meal or a more upscale dining experience, you’ll find plenty of delicious options just a short walk from the shoreline.
The beach is conveniently located just a 25-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre and is easily accessible by train, making it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists. The public transport to the beach is affordable and offers scenic views, with the train route providing beautiful coastal scenery.
A leisurely scenic walk along the seafront boardwalk (from Muizenberg to St James) offers visitors the chance to enjoy the shoreline and rock pools, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a frolicking whale from June to November.
Good to know:
- Best time to visit: The summer months (November to March) for the warmest weather and water temperature.
- What to pack: Sunscreen, swimsuits, hats, and a camera for capturing the colourful beach huts.
- Safety: Stick to designated swimming areas where lifeguards are present.
Be sure to include Muizenberg on your Cape Town itinerary!
Also read:
Video: Scientist encounters a paper nautilus octopus on Muizenberg Beach
Picture: Rockefeller / Unsplash