The South Africa Guide

Simon’s Town, also often referred to as Simonstown, is situated in the Western Cape Province of South Africa at Simon’s Bay which is an inlet on False Bay.  The name Simon’s Town is derived from Governor Simon Van der Stel. The harbour itself was used because of its protection against the winter gales that made Cape Town harbour unsafe before docks were built. However it was only in 1742 that Simon’s Town became an official harbour and resulted in a village developing.

During the British occupation its strategic value was fully recognized and it was used as a naval base. Eventually large developments began and in 1814 when the navy decided to station a squadron permanently in Simon’s Town, Admiralty House was built and the base remained under the control of the United Kingdom until in 1957 it was officially handed over to the Union of South Africa department of Defence with the provision that the United Kingdom retained the right to use it when necessary, both in wartime and peace.

Today Simon’s Town remains a naval town but it is also a tourist centre and a busy commercial area with a thriving leisure craft industry. The picturesque local beaches like Seaforth and Foxy are popular for their seclusion and Boulders beach has excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

By far the most popular place for visitors to Simon’s Town is the heart of the town, known as the historic mile which boasts a large selection of interesting buildings many of which have been around since Simon’s Town was founded more than 150 years ago. Visitors can tour the Old Residency which is now a museum and visit the South African Naval Museum.

There is a statue of a Great Dane dog on Jubilee Square. His name is Able Seaman Just Nuisance, RN who is the only dog ever to have been enlisted in the Royal Navy. Other places of interest in Simon’s Town are the Dutch East India Company hospital which was constructed in 1764.

Other attractions in the area are:

Boulders Beach just a few km south of Simon’s Town where in 1985 a colony of African Penguins chose to make their home and where you can swim with the penguins.
Mineral World which is South Africa’s largest gem stone factory where you can have fun at the Scratch Patch, filling small bags with beautiful gemstones from the many thousands that cover the floor.

Beautiful Simon’s town with its stunning views, lovely coffee shops and good restaurants can offer excellent holiday accommodation including Hotels, Self Catering B&B’s as well as camping and places for backpackers.