Scarborough is a picturesque coastal town located near Cape Town, South Africa. It is a small coastal village located on the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape province of South Africa. Scarborough is a small village, and as such, it has limited infrastructure and services. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres south of Cape Town and is known for its beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, and laid-back atmosphere.
It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the ocean and the Cape Peninsula National Park, which covers much of the surrounding area. The area now known as Scarborough was originally inhabited by the indigenous Khoi and San people, who lived in the region for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The first European to explore the Cape Peninsula was the Portuguese navigator Bartholomeu Dias, who sailed around the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. Scarborough itself was founded in the late 19th century when a group of British settlers established a farming community in the area.
A Serene Escape on the Cape Peninsula
Scarborough and Misty Cliffs are two of Cape Town’s most serene seaside villages, nestled between mountains and ocean on the Cape Peninsula. Known for their raw, untamed beauty and peaceful atmosphere, they offer a true escape from the city. In Scarborough, there is no sense of urgency.
Stepping into that village is akin to entering a parallel universe where life moves abnormally slow. People, conversations, and moments all seem to move at a weaker pace, providing time to check each one out with leisure. No matter what happens in the rest of the world, Scarborough is always peaceful and beautiful.
Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities
Scarborough is best known for its stunning beaches and natural attractions, which draw visitors from all over the world:
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- Scarborough Beach: Scarborough Beach is the main attraction in the area and is renowned for its unspoiled beauty and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is long and wide, with soft sand and crystal-clear water, and is surrounded by rugged cliffs and hillsides covered in fynbos vegetation.
- Cape Point Nature Reserve: The Cape Point Nature Reserve is a vast wilderness area that covers much of the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including baboons, antelope, and ostriches, as well as many species of birds and reptiles.
- Boulders Beach: Boulders Beach is located just a short drive from Scarborough and is famous for its colony of African penguins. The beach is sheltered by large granite boulders, which create a series of small coves and sheltered bays.
- Misty Cliffs: Misty Cliffs is a small coastal village located just north of Scarborough. It is known for its dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the coastal road, or explore the area on foot, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the rugged coastline.
- Scarborough Wetland: The Scarborough Wetland is a small nature reserve located in the heart of the village. The reserve is home to a variety of indigenous plants and animals, including several species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.
- Olifantsbos Beach: Olifantsbos Beach is located within the Cape Point Nature Reserve and is known for its wild, untamed beauty. The beach is long and wide, with soft sand and crystal-clear water, and is surrounded by rocky cliffs and hillsides covered in fynbos vegetation.
- Good Hope Nursery: The Good Hope Nursery is a small, family-run business that specializes in indigenous plants and seeds. The nursery is located in Scarborough and is known for its wide variety of indigenous plants, many of which are rare or endangered.
- Kommetjie: Kommetjie is a small coastal town located just north of Scarborough. It is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent surfing conditions, and laid-back atmosphere.
The beaches are quiet and unspoiled, perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply soaking up the sun. Outdoor lovers can enjoy coastal hikes with panoramic views, explore rock pools at low tide, or walk the scenic trail between the two villages. Witsands Beach is a favourite for kite surfers, and nearby shipwreck trails offer a touch of history and adventure.
POV SURF | Best Waves From SICK 6 HOUR Session @ Scarborough
Community and Climate
Scarborough is a small, close-knit community, with a population of around 1,500 people. The majority of residents are of European descent, with a significant number of South Africans of mixed heritage also living in the area. Scarborough is a close-knit community, with a strong sense of community spirit and a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. The town is known for its artistic and creative community, with many artists, writers, and musicians living in the area.
It enjoys a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The weather in Scarborough is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in cool breezes and a refreshing atmosphere. Summers in Scarborough are generally mild with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time for beach activities and water sports. The weather patterns in Scarborough can be characterized by its unique microclimate, often experiencing more wind and slightly cooler temperatures compared to other areas of Cape Town. This makes Scarborough a haven for surfers and kiteboarders who can take advantage of the consistent winds that sweep across the coastline. The town is blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year, ensuring pleasant and enjoyable outdoor experiences.
Dining and Landmarks
Scarborough is known for its iconic rock formation, the Camel Rock, which resembles a resting camel overlooking the ocean. Adjacent to this unique landmark is a charming restaurant named The Camel Rock. This delightful establishment takes its name from the rock formation and offers a welcoming atmosphere for diners. The restaurant showcases a diverse menu, featuring a range of culinary delights, including fresh seafood, delectable grills, and local favorites. The Hub is a restaurant that has gained popularity for its exceptional dining experience. The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambience, complemented by friendly service. The Hub offers a menu that showcases a variety of dishes, catering to different tastes and preferences. After a day out, grab a relaxed meal at The Hub or enjoy sundowners on a deck with views of the Atlantic.
Surfing Heritage
Surfers in Hilltop Road are dialed in. As a Durban transplant to Hilltop Rd, I learned to quickly suit up if I saw John Grendon strolling through the car park with one hand balancing his homemade surfboard on his head. John and his siblings Robert and Jane are Scarborough’s surfing royalty. They were catching crayfish and body surfing here as kids before surfboards reached these shores.
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“I remember Robert had the idea of taking an inner tube and stuffing it in a mielie sack and catching the dumpers. We also used to drive to Muizenberg to catch waves at the back line with our flippers,” John says. The first board to hit these waters was inspired by one of Jane’s boyfriends who would join the family for weekends here.
“He had the patience for the technical stuff. I wasn’t too good at that. “It was made out of marine ply. The ply was 8 feet long but the board was 10 foot by four inches so there was a join at the 8 foot mark top and bottom. It had ribs going cross-ways. It was quickly followed by a second board with the mistakes of the first ironed out.
“Then I made my own by forming wood. It was more an ironing board than surfboard but if they had a fin and the wave was steep enough you could get a ride. Shortly thereafter epoxy resin became commercially available and John used it to laminate all his polystyrene boards from then on. He used them to pioneer waves in Scarborough and in the Cape Point Nature Reserve, including a break named Mary’s after his ex-wife.
Surfing Scarborough was very different then. John remembers: “There were no wetsuits or leashes. The big deal was not to get wet because of the cold. You paddled on your knees, would catch one on the back and ride to the beach. If you did that three or four times in an afternoon, that was a good surf. Robert, whom John remembers as the better surfer, lives in Fish Hoek and is confined to a wheelchair. Jane has some championship titles under her belt and still lives in Scarborough but wont be caught surfing. The family’s Scarborough surfing tradition continues, however, in one of the most exciting and innovative longboarders to emerge from South Africa’s shores.
Over the years many surfers have joined John at the Beach Break, Point and Car Park.
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