Scarborough hideaways

Scarborough is a seaside village on the Atlantic side of Cape Town's Southern Peninsula, with Misty Cliffs and Kommetjie to the north and the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park on its doorstep. From the city, follow Ou Kaapse Weg and the M65 through Kommetjie and on along the coast. Kommetjie is about 40 minutes to an hour from the city centre outside peak traffic, so allow a little longer for Scarborough. Weekday rush hours add time.

Yes, but pick your day at Scarborough Beach. The long white beach faces the open Atlantic, so the waves are often sizeable and rip currents can be strong. Save your swim for calm days, stay within your depth and keep children close. The City of Cape Town advises swimming only where lifeguards are on duty, between the red and yellow flags. The water is bracing too: upwelling typically keeps the sea on Cape Town's Atlantic side between about 10°C and 15°C. For gentler fun, wander over to the rock pools.

Yes. Wesgro lists Scarborough Beach among Cape Town's good spots for intermediate surfers, and on windy days kitesurfers take to the water off its long stretch of white sand. Paddle out and you'll feel the full force of the open Atlantic, which is exposed and cold here, so bring a wetsuit. Check the surf and wind forecast before you head out and treat the rip currents with respect.

Very close. Scarborough sits on the edge of the Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park, and the M65 runs on from the village towards Cape Point. Inside the park, ride the Flying Dutchman funicular or walk up to the lighthouse, and look out for eland, bontebok, red hartebeest and zebra. A daily conservation fee applies. Swimming isn't allowed at Diaz Beach because of strong rip currents, and baboons are attracted by food, so keep yours locked in your car.

Yes. A baboon troop that ranges through the neighbouring Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park can visit Scarborough, and the City of Cape Town asks residents to stay alert to visits. The City advises never feeding baboons, keeping food out of sight, closing windows and doors when baboons are nearby and keeping dogs under control. If you meet baboons on the road, Cape Town Tourism advises slowing down, closing your windows, locking your doors and staying in your car.

Scarborough has a couple of village spots for meals and supplies. Settle in for a meal at Camel Rock Restaurant on Main Road, or browse the Village Hub on Watsonia Lane, where a café, a deli and a grocery shop sit under one roof. Scarborough is a small village, so for a bigger shop, stock up at Longbeach Mall in Noordhoek on your way in from Cape Town. Book ahead for meals in December and January, the busiest months on the coast.

Scarborough is a year-round seaside escape. Summer, from about November to February, brings long, warm days, with January temperatures in Cape Town typically between 17°C and 28°C. January is peak season, so book well ahead. March and April bring the shoulder season, and May often has calm, windless days. June to August are the coldest and wettest months. From July to November, watch for southern right whales just offshore from the raised coastline at neighbouring Misty Cliffs.

Yes, Scarborough suits families who love the outdoors. Children can explore the rock pools on Scarborough Beach, while the sea itself is best kept for calm days and close supervision. On Plateau Road, along the route to Cape Point, the Cape Point Ostrich Farm runs guided tours that follow the ostrich from egg to adult. Further afield, the African penguins at Boulders in Simon's Town make an easy family outing. In an emergency, dial 112 from a mobile phone or 10111 for the South African Police Service.

Scarborough is a small village on the edge of the Cape of Good Hope section, and a hideaway here lets you slip into its barefoot pace. Nest into Amongst The Trees, a bungalow for four overlooking the Scarborough shoreline, or Synergy Tree House, which sleeps four among gnarled trees and rocks with ocean views. Casa Sanchia, a beach house rich in character, sleeps eight, while Baskloof House, with its '70s architecture, sleeps four in two bedrooms.

Yes. Seaside Sanctuary, a house overlooking the Atlantic in Scarborough on Cape Town's Southern Peninsula, is available for film and photography shoots only. Its look is relaxed coastal boho chic. Frame your shot against the ocean views from the heated 6m pool, set with loungers and beach umbrellas, then move to the open fireplace in the courtyard or the outside shower. Shoots on public property, such as beaches and roads, need a permit from the Cape Town Film Permit Office, and the City advises booking early for the busy October to April season. Send us your brief through Perfect Hideaways Shoot Locations.

To book a hideaway in Scarborough, send an enquiry or call the Perfect Hideaways team on +27 21 790 0972 (Monday–Thursday 8.30am–5pm, Friday 8.30am–4pm SAST). Book early for December and January, the busiest months on the coast. Our reservations consultants can match you with the perfect hideaway. Through our bespoke travel service, we also craft custom itineraries for our guests, shaped around their own dreams and desires.