Original oil painting by Chesney Bradshaw of the historic Kent’s Building, Muizenberg (1915) – once a draper’s and boarding house, now a vibrant hub of cafés, shops, and The Commons.
Whenever I go to Muizenberg, I get a good feeling. I can’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe it’s because I started my surfing life there. Yes, I lived closer to Fish Hoek beach, but Muizenberg’s long, gentle rollers were perfect for learning.
There’s nothing quite like coming out of the water on a sunny summer’s day, stretching out at Surfer’s Corner to dry off, and watching the action on the waves. Back in the day, I’d sometimes end the afternoon at the Empire Bioscope – a Friday-night treat – and if I was feeling flush, I’d even stay for a double feature. It was a whole culture in itself.
By the 1980s, Muizenberg was showing signs of decline. The beachfront felt neglected, some buildings fell into disrepair, and the area became a hangout for people down on their luck. But Muizenberg never lost its magic. Gradually, people began to see its potential again. Today, the beachfront is looking fantastic – full of energy, dotted with restaurants, cafés and surf shops. Finding parking is still a challenge, but that’s part of the price you pay for popularity.
A little further back from the sea, Palmer Road has become a creative enclave, home to artisans, small galleries and quirky businesses. It’s another reason to wander beyond the sand and waves.
And now, here are a few Muizenberg “Did You Know” gems for you:
• Battle of Muizenberg (1795) – This clash between the British and Dutch led to the British occupation of the Cape Colony. The British victory here opened the way to capturing Cape Town.
• Agatha Christie’s Surfing Adventure – The famous crime writer learned to surf at Muizenberg in 1924 while visiting South Africa with her husband. She later wrote about the thrill in her autobiography.
• The Empire Bioscope – Once a favourite cinema for locals and visitors. It’s no longer showing films, but its memory is part of Muizenberg’s colourful past.
• Iconic Beach Huts – The bright, Victorian-era huts lining the sand are one of the most photographed sights in the Cape.
• Birthplace of South African Surfing – Surfing took hold here in the early 1900s, and Muizenberg remains a top spot for beginners.
• Decline and Revival – After its slump in the late 20th century, Muizenberg has bounced back, becoming a lively seaside hub once again.
• Shark Spotting – A pioneering safety program uses trained spotters on the mountainside to keep an eye out for great white sharks and warn beachgoers.
• The Muizenberg Pavilion – Once home to a swimming pool and dance hall, this historic building still anchors the beachfront.
• False Bay Coastal Park – Muizenberg forms part of this protected area, rich in wetlands and birdlife.
• Rhodes’s Cottage – The last home of Cecil John Rhodes, now a museum exploring his life and times.
• Surfer’s Corner Vibe – A laid-back, bohemian meeting point for artists, musicians, surfers, and coffee lovers.
