Muizenberg to Kalk Bay Scenic Coastal Walk

Today I discovered another gem in Cape Town, the ocean walkway from Muizenberg to Kalk Bay via St. James beach. On the perfect, sunny winter’s day (with no wind) I went to Muizenberg beach to enjoy this scenic coastal walk. It was refreshing to the soul and the perfect way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Cape Town and the most picture perfect ocean views.

The walk is relaxing, not strenuous and proper walking shoes are not required unless this is your preference. For young kids, the walkway is only suitable till St. James beach as it is paved and there is access for a pram. From St. James the walk is not paved and only suitable for older children who can handle some rock jumping across boulders. If you would like to continue on to Kalk Bay with young kids there is a train station at St. James which is a convenient option as it will drop you in the centre of Kalk Bay and then you can take the train back to the start of the walk at Muizenberg station.

This is also a great route for whale and dolphin watching if you are lucky enough. The high season is between October and November, keep an eye out. The walk will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on your pace.

First we enjoyed some time on the beautiful, white sandy Muizenberg Beach, perfect for families and very popular with locals and surfers. Surfing lessons are available here if you are interested.

 

The walkway begins from Surfer’s corner on Muizenberg Beach. Follow the paved, concrete beach walkway to the end, past the car park below the train station. 

 

St James is rich in history with some original homesteads built between Muizenberg and St. James in 1883. Picturesque St. James beach with its colourful bathing huts and a tidal pool is small, lovely beach popular with families and locals.

 

From St. James beach there is no paved walkway. To continue on to Kalk Bay you walk behind the bathing huts along the paved path to the end and then go down a set of stairs and across Danger beach. Once across the beach there is some bouldering to be done, a few rocks to climb and you walk alongside the railway line. All relatively easy to navigate and flip flops will do the job, I managed in my Havianna’s. This part of the walk is only suitable for older children.

 

Once you past the second tidal pool (the first being at St. James beach) take the exit through the tunnel which leads you onto the start of Kalk Bay Main Road.

 

Retro Kalk Bay is a cool and quirky town, adding another dimension to the Cape Town experience. There are some great shops and antiques to be found. I absolutely love this part of my beautiful city. 

 

Stop at the Ice Café for ice cream, the chocolate ice cream was delicious.

If you walk through Kalk Bay to the end and head out to the harbour you will discover one of my favourite seafood restaurants, Harbour House.

A wonderful, picturesque walk I highly recommend. The scenic ocean views are spectacular. I have fallen in Love with Cape Town yet again 🙂