WHALE WATCHING IN CAPE TOWN: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!

There has been quite a few whale sightings here in Simon's Town and we are always very excited to see these beautiful mammals in our surroundings. www.capetown.travel has listed a All you need to know and what to expect whi...

THE 2019 CAPE TOWN BUCKET LIST

www.capetown.travel has set a bucket list of all the must-see places when you visit Cape Town! Let's see what they recommend!   Another year has come to an end, and here at the Cape Town Tourism offices, we’re r...

Winter-Warmer Special at Mariner Guesthouse

We are making Winter even better at Mariner Guesthouse with our Winter-Warmer Special. Warm up by our fireplace while enjoying a complimeraty sherry and our breathtaking sea views of False Bay. Book directly with us...

World Ocean Day 8 June 2019

Come along if you're in Simon's Town next weekend. We're taking part in a local beach clean-up in support of World Oceans Day with Cape RADD and #cleansimonstown.   But here is more information about World O...

Seals of South Africa

The seals of South Africa : Seals belong to the order Pinnipedia of which there are 33 species worldwide. These fall into two categories. Fur seals – Otariidae – or sea lions, have external ears and hind limbs th...

Top 10 Simon’s Town Restaurants.

Are you planning a wonderful stay in Simon's Town at Mariner Guesthouse and need some inspiration to the best dining this gem of a town? Here are the Top 10 Restaurants according to Afristay.com:   It might ...

Mother’s Day Special at Mariner Guesthouse

Spoil your mom, granny or wife this month with a few nights at 4-star Mariner Guesthouse in Simon's Town. All "moms" stay for free for the month of May, so you basically get 50% off when sharing a room! Enjoy some of w...

St George and the Dragon Festival – 27 April 2019

Fun for the whole family in Simons Town at the St. George and the Dragon festival organised annually by the Simon's Town Business Association on a Saturday towards the end of April. Come join in some medieval...

Two Oceans Marathon 2019

The 50th consecutive Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will remain on the traditional route via Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay and Constantia Nek (unless deemed unsafe by authorities in which case the Ou Kaapse Weg route (prior to...

How to survive Load Shedding

Load shedding. Power cuts. Rolling blackouts. Call them what you will, they’re a reality and Eskom has warned they’re here to stay for most of 2015. Load shedding is about Eskom balancing the power scales; it need...

53  ACTIVITIES FOR KIDs

The school holiday is almost here and there’s plenty to do with your children – indoor and outdoor, dry or wet, with animals, adults and other kids – in the city or in the suburbs.   Our super cool suggestions for ...

Cycle Tour: Where To Watch – 10 March 2019

The world's biggest timed cycle race – the Cape Town Cycle Tour – turns 41 this year and is expected to be as big as ever. Last year, during the height of the water crisis, the Cycle Tour Trust bought two-million li...

Just Nuisance: Much More Than Just A Dog

The legendary tale of Cape Town’s most famous great dane There are many stories of extraordinary animals (especially dogs) that have left their paw prints in history, touching the hearts of those who lived among them...

Just Nuisance Birthday Celebrations

We're looking forward to the annual Just Nuisance Birthday Celebrations! Book your accommodation for weekend of 30 March 2019 and get 10% discount at Mariner Guesthouse! Read more below about the history of Just Nuisance a...

Simon’s Town Walking Tour

Discover the history of Simon’s Town with social historian and author Joline Young. She explains how it was initially Khoi and San land that was subsequently shaped by colonisation, slavery, war, and Apartheid. She touc...

20 Lekker Picnic and/or Braai Spots in Cape Town – 2019

Let us set the scene. So you’re lucky enough to find yourself in magnificent Cape Town, and all you can think of is sea, and sand, and mountain, and greenery, right? You want to experience the beauty of the city in a rel...

Valentine’s Day 2019: Things To Do in Cape Town + The Winelands

  From rose-garden picnics and wine pairings to laidback lunches and a six-course feast, share the love this Valentine’s Day. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but actually – if you strip away t...

Things You Have to Do in Cape Town Before You Die

Things you have to do at least once (or every once in a while) as a visitor and local This is our essential checklist of 59 things to do in Cape Town, for locals and tourists, adults and kids. THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN C...

Guide to the 7 Travel Photo Trends in 2019

Times are changing and people nowadays put emphasis on saving time and money when they want to take a good picture. At the same time, people are also getting more educated on using a camera and they know what it takes to ...

Cape Town Cycle Tour 10 March 2019

The Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on 10 March 2019, be sure to make your booking NOW at Mariner Guesthouse to avoid disappointment! Follow this link to make your booking today: https://goo.gl/HGD2tH History of Cape Town...

Cape Town voted the greatest city on earth

It comes as no surprise that Cape Town was voted as the greatest city on Earth in the Telegraph Travel Awards survey for 2018, making this the sixth year in a row that the Mother City has claimed the top spot. The Tele...

Hydro-bike in Simon’s Town

  Get up close and personal with the thriving ocean life of Simon’s Town as you glide over the water on a hydro bike with Cape Town’s first ever water-biking tour. Cape Town Water Bikes offers guided as well ...

Know your beach flags

Summer is here and the festive season has kicked off on a high note! Everyone is enjoying a relaxing day at the beach and your local life guard is at his/her post, keeping an eye on everyone's safety! A beach flag is blow...

School’s out! The 40 Best Things To Do with Kids in Cape Town in 2019

Keep the little ones entertained with these fun activities in and around the Mother City. Whether it’s action-packed obstacle courses, educational exhibitions, animal antics or outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage...

Christmas in Cape Town

Cape Town may be some distance from Santa’s workshop in the North Pole, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the Christmas holidays here. Sure, you’ll have to trade in the snow for some soft white beach sand,...

What do TGCSA Star Grading’s Really Mean?

So proud of our great team who consistently work hard, always with a smile, to ensure that our house is clean and tidy and our guests comfortable and looked after. We received our 4-star grading for the 9th year in a ro...

KILLER WHALES (ORCAS) OFF THE SOUTH AFRICAN COAST

Following a report that killer whales were sighted at Miller’s Point earlier in the morning, we couldn’t resist heading out in search of them, albeit 2 hours later. The area where they were spotted is one of their fav...

History of the SA Navy

The South African Navy's earliest beginnings can be traced to the Port Elizabeth Naval Volunteer Brigade that was raised in 1861, but seems to have merged with a volunteer artillery unit in the following year. On 30 April 1...

Survival Tips for Cape Town Summer

Clear, blue skies and long, warm evenings is a standard feature of Cape Town’s long summer that stretches from as early as October and into March. It’s the sort of summer that you’d think wouldn’t require much pre...

South Africa’s Marine Big 5

Conversation about Africa's Big Five centers on the 5 most iconic species of the continent: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. But did you know that the vast ocean surrounding the southern tip of Africa is ho...

Penguin Festival in Simon’s Town 10 Nov 2018

Book your accommodation now for the annual Penguin Festival in Simon's Town on Saturday, 10 November, to celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day! Get 10% discount on Bed & Breakfast: give reference - "Penguin Festiva...

9 Things to See and Do in Muizenberg Beach

        [caption id="attachment_4645" align="aligncenter" width="780"] Muizenberg is a small town outside Cape Town and one of South Africa’s best kept secrets. A largely untapped tourist spo...

South Africa’s new visa rules – here’s everything you need to know

South Africa’s government will overhaul its visa rules by the end of next month to promote tourism and make it easier to do business, as part of a package of measures aimed at reviving an economy that’s mired in reces...

TOP 10 HERITAGE SITES IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has many historical, cultural and natural destinations that merit preservation for future generations. First Car Rental has put together a list of South African heritage sites, some of which have been decla...

Simon’s Town Heritage Day celebrations

We're counting down to Heritage Weekend! There will be lots to do and enjoy in Simon's Town from 22 - 24 September. Stay over for a few days at one of our fantastic accommodation establishments and be part of the celeb...

City of Cape Town relaxes water restrictions, tariffs to Level 5

We are thankful for all the rain these last few weeks. Our dams are now 70% full! Even though the region's water restrictions will be reduced to Level 5 from 1 October, these are still quite strict and we will continue wi...

Go Zip Line in Cape Town

The time to be adventurous is now and Cape Town has so many exciting activities to offer! We recommend visiting www.saforestadventures.co.za and book yourself on one of their Zip line adventures here in Cape Town!  ...

42 Things To Do In Cape Town Under R200

1. Acrobatic, juggling, trapeze, comedy … family fun at the Zip Zap Dome Cost: Enjoy a full 80-minute show with South Africa’s mind-blowing talent for R100. From its iconic high-tech dome next to the C...

12 interesting facts about Cape Point

  Cape Point is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, but many people who visit here are unaware of the secrets and fascinating facts that have helped to make this unique rocky promontory what it is today...

TOP 10 LOCAL FAVOURITES COFFEE SPOTS IN CAPE TOWN

The Cape Town coffee scene is bursting at the seams and locals can now join barista courses and learn how to roast and prepare their perfect cup of coffee. There are many coffee spots in Cape Town that all offer something...

Woman’s Day Special

Happy Woman's Day! Treat yourself to a night or two with us at Mariner Guesthouse in Simon's Town. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with the backdrop of the ocean and mountains of False Bay, take a leisurely walk through our quain...

7 Things You Should Know Before You Go Whale Watching

Did you know that South Africa is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching? And you can even see whales as you walk on the coast paths or enjoy a meal at a restaurant with an ocean view! How cool is that...

White Shark Cage Diving Tours with Sharkbookings.com

Great White Shark cage diving in Cape Town and Gansbaai, South Africa is the number 1 for most on their bucket list! This is one of the greatest experiences that you will ever experience being only inches away from a Gre...

Winter Special at Mariner Guesthouse

A warm welcome awaits with our complimentary home-made Hot Chocolate – wonderful for a fire-side winter-warmer! 20% discount on all bookings for 2 adults sharing a room, minimum 2 nights’ stay. Rates from R 590 per person...

Mandela Day 18 July 2018

WHAT IS MANDELA DAY? “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelso...

Winter Special – 20% off and complimentary soup & sherry

We are looking forward to a few great events in Simon's Town over the next few months: 1, 8, 22 July: Steam Train from Cape Town to Simon's Town 29 June: Cheese & Wine 28 July: Christmas in July with Cat Simoni 31 ...

Spend a morning in Simon’s Town

One of South Africa’s oldest towns and Naval base, Simon’s Town (sometimes misspelt as Simons Town or Simonstown) is a picturesque and historical town where many happy memories are waiting to be made just 35km outside Cap...

The best travel cameras

Going somewhere? Capture more than your phone can with the best travel cams There’s no arguing that the smartphone has become the favorite camera for everyday casual shooting. But when you’re venturing hundred or thous...

Basic Safety Tips for Kayaking

[caption id="attachment_4501" align="alignnone" width="720"] Caucasian man is kayaking in sea at Maldives[/caption] There are basic safety rules that all boaters should follow: As with all recreational activities, there is ...

What is happening in Simon’s Town?

St Georges Festival JUBILEE SQUARE – SIMON’S TOWN 28 APRIL 2018, 16:00 – 21:00 The Simon’s Town Business Association (STBA) will be hosting its fifth annual St George’s Festival. Following last year’s suc...

Certificate of Excellence 2018

Thank you for all the positive and encouraging reviews from hundreds of happy guests over the years! We are proud of being awarded this "Certificate of Excellence" for 5 years running and joining the TripAdvisor Hall ...

10 THINGS THAT ARE BETTER DURING WINTER IN CAPE TOWN

If summer in Cape Town is for swimming, sundowners, and soaking up the sun, then winter is for red wine, crackling fireplaces, and roasted marshmallows. You probably prefer one or the other, but we’re here to make a case fo...

39 Things To Do in Simons Town

Cape RADD South Africa’s shoreline is absolutely bursting with marine life in massive variety, and Cape RADDoffers visitors the opportunity to explore this life and learn more about it with their bespoke courses. Base...

The Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town 2018

From leisurely rambles to invigorating hikes, Cape Town has something for everyone. Whether you’re after a windswept coastal wander, a mountainous hike with spectacular views, or a leisurely amble through one of t...

Spending one week in Cape Town

Spending a week in Cape Town? Here's how to make the most of it. A week is a good amount of time to spend in Cape Town. It’s long enough to take in the big attractions, but also focus on your own ...

What is Freedom Day all about?

27 April commemorates the day in 1994 when the first democratic election was held in South Africa. Today, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day to mark the liberation of our country and its people from a long period of co...

Simon’s Town Secret Season

          “Simonites” who live in this unique and attractive town will affirm that the best times of the year in Simon’s Town are the early and late winter months. The...

Mariner Guesthouse Winter Special

Visit the Cape Peninsula during our "secret season" (moderate temperatures, great sunsets, no crowds...) and take advantage of our Winter Special: 20% off B&B with complimentary Soup & Sherry by our fireplace. (April...

SIMONS TOWN BEACHES & POOLS

Boulders Beach Enjoy a day lazing at Boulders Beach and see the world famous penguin colony. Take a dip in the warmer waters of the Indian Ocean and find yourself swimming with the Penguins. Just remember this area i...

WHALE WATCHING IN CAPE TOWN: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW!

South Africa may be known for its Big Five, but the marine wildlife is just as impressive! Every year, southern right whales take a vacation in Cape waters, treating Cape Town locals to a display of breaching, fluking, spouti...

Cape Town Dive Festival 2018 Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th April False Bay Yacht Club, Simon’s Town

Dive festival during the day and St George's Festival Night Market later. A great weekend to look forward to at the end of April. Stay over and get 20% off at Mariner Guesthouse: info@marinerguesthouse.co.za / 021 786 4528. ...

Shark Cage Diving Safety Tips

For the adventure seekers, a little excitement and thrill is always on the cards when planning their activities on their vacation. If your  vacation is in South Africa, then shark cage diving might be on your list of ...

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

Part of the Table Mountain National Park that extends from Signal Hill in the north all the way to Cape Point in the south, the Cape of Good Hope is not the southern tip of Africa, despite lying at the south-west corner...

Garden Appartment

Book your stay in our beautiful Garden Appartment. It consists of two bedrooms with an interconnecting door. One bedroom has a King-size bed (or 2 Twin Beds) and the other has bunk beds, leading to a separate shower-ba...

Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 31 March 2018

We look forward to welcoming our Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon visitors to Simon's Town. Remember, all participants in local events get 10% discount when staying at Mariner Guesthouse: info@marinerguesthouse.co.za /...

Mountain Bike Trails in Cape Town and surrounds

With its breathtaking mountain ranges and rolling hills, Cape Town and its surrounds is a mountain biker’s heaven. Near countless trails dot the landscape from Table Mountain to Stellenbosch, Paarl and beyond offering s...

TOP REASONS TO VISIT SIMON’S TOWN

One of the most underrated gems on the False Bay coast is Simon’s Town. This fishing village lies at the very end of the peninsula, close to Cape Point. It’s the last stop on the Cape Town southern railway line. It’s ho...

Love is in the air in Simon’s Town

This coming week is the week of Love. To celebrate One Three Six Restaurant Simon's Town will offer a free glass of wine and 10% off your meal when dining with your better half. - This special will run from 6pm on Monday,...

Ocean Adventures in Cape Town

The Mother City is surrounded by two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – so you can bet we have plenty of adventurous activities to offer on the open water! Everybody knows Cape Town has some of the best beaches in t...

Save like a local

Cape Town and surrounding areas are in the midst of a very serious drought and water restrictions are in place. Emergency plans by ourselves and the City of Cape Town Municipality have been implemented to alleviate the pressu...

Save like a local: how visitors can help during Cape Town’s water crisis

Cape Town is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in recent history, which has led to a serious water crisis. The region is severely water-stressed, and this has an impact on both locals and tourists. The Theew...

Best fish and chips in Cape Town

Cape Town is renowned for its fish & chips shops, with a number of these emporiums of deep fried deliciousness achieving near-legendary status among locals and visitors alike. Ask anyone in Cape Town and they’ll tell yo...

2018 Cape Town Cycle Tour

Book your accommodation with us in Simon's Town for the Cape Town Cycle Tour Week: 3 - 12 March 2018. Ask for your 10% discount when you enquire if you or your group are participating! ?? (Cape Town, 15 January 20...

The 2018 Cape Town Bucket List

Another year has come to an end, and here at the Cape Town Tourism offices, we’re ready to stride into 2018. When you live in one of most beautiful cities on earth, it’s not hard to find ways to make your future more e...

Level 6 water restrictions – here is what it means

LEVEL 6 WATER RESTRICTIONS The City of Cape Town has implemented Level 6 Water Restrictions, effective from 1 January 2018 until further notice. But what does it all mean? Well, a whole lot. RESTRICTIONS APPLICABLE...

Animal Encounters for Kids in Cape Town

Keeping kids entertained during the holidays is a difficult job. Experienced parents know that when kids are kept inside too long they start to get a little crazy. If the only experience your little ones have with animals...

The Best Secret Beaches in the Cape

Don't fancy sharing your patch of sand with hundreds of other sunseekers? Check out our pick of lesser trodden beaches, tipped by those in the know. With temperatures set to soar for the next few months, we thought it wa...

Major fresh water resource discovered in the Western Cape

An unprecedented discovery of a fresh water resource has been found in Beaufort West, in the Western Cape, the Department of Mineral Resources said in a statement on Wednesday. The resource was discovered by the Council fo...

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?

Wondering what to do for New Year's Eve? Cape Point Vineyards is 20 minutes drive from Simon's Town and is planning an evening to remember! NEW YEARS EVE FEATURING DJ RENE THE FRENCHMAN Cape Point Vineyards in conjunc...

Have a SUN SAFE Summer

It’s natural to want to get out in the sun during warm summer days. It should also be second nature to take steps to protect your skin from the sun when you go outside. Ultraviolet (UV) rays – from the sun and ot...

10 top places to play golf in Cape Town and surrounds

Splendid natural surrounds, cool ocean breezes and rolling hills make for the perfect setting for a good game of golf. So it’s little wonder that Cape Town and the breathtaking regions that flank it are home to some of ...

Top 10 things to do with kids this summer in Cape Town

The end-of-year holidays are a great opportunity to spend time showing your children some of the wonderful things Cape Town has to offer. There are theatre productions and exhibitions, and activities ranging from learning to ...

7 Great Things to do in Cape Town This Weekend

Our pick of seven of the best events and things to do in Cape Town from Friday, 17 to Sunday, 19 November 2017 Pick any weekend of the year in Cape Town and you’re bound to find a host of events planned throughout our hip ...

Ten most Insta-worthy spots in Cape Town

We’ve summed up the 10 most Instagram-worthy spots in Cape Town to add to your itinerary. As Cape Town is unbelievably photogenic, it was a tough job, but somebody had to do it. 10. Robben Island This world heritage site ...

What is happening in Cape Town this November

The Constantia Gift Fair The Constantia Gift Fair will take place from the 8th till the 12th of November 2017 R 30 Entrance Fee for Adults, Children are free of charge   The Constantia Gif...

Care for some SUSHI?

Here are the list of the restaurant's in Simon's Town you absolutely have to try if you are a sushi lover: Sushi Yama Asian Kitchen Restaurant Address: Shop 1, Glen Cairn Centre, Birkenhead Rd, Glencairn, Cape To...

7 Reasons You Should Visit Robben Island, South Africa

Robben Island is not any ordinary island in the sea but has a long history of political imprisonment with the great leader Nelson Mandela being one its most famed political prisoners. 1. Easily Accessible From Cape Town ...

A Train Ride to Remember

  WHERE? Depart from Foreshore in Cape Town and travel by train to Simons Town WHEN? Please enquire for train ride dates. Booking well in advance is essential as the rides are booked up months in advance. Sun...

What does 87 litres of water a day mean?

With immediate effect, the City of Cape Town will be taking a number of new actions to drive down water consumption. This includes the institution of Level 5 restrictions and a further increase in pressure management. But ...

Oktoberfest at Barley & Biltong

Celebrate Oktoberfest with friends and family at the Barley & Biltong Emporium at Spice Route Destination with a selection of German faire, CBC beer and enjoy the live Oompah band. Prost! The Barley & Biltong E...

The Best Ice Cream Spots in Cape Town

What would summer be without ice cream? Uneventful, right? This season, you don’t have to settle for supermarket varieties – artisanal and all-natural gelato joints are popping up all over the Mother City. We dish the ...

Celebrate African Penguin Awareness Day at our 15th annual Penguin Festival in collaboration with SANParks (Table Mountain National Park). Certain to appeal to everyone from kids and foodies to birders and conservationis...

The Best Braai Spots in Cape Town 2017

Nothing says easy-going summer vibes like the sound of sizzle and the waft of smoke. Fire up the barbie! Whether you call it tshisa-nyama, a barbecue or a good ol’ braai, cooking meat over the coals with friends i...

SA National Parks Week 2017: Enjoy free entry at all national parks this week

Tourism Month is in full swing, with the South African National Park (SANParks) once again opening its doors for free for South African National Parks Week from Monday, 18 September until Friday, 22 September. The in...

FBYC Spring Regatta

15,16 and 17 September Bigger, better, more competitive and more fun than ever before!   Sponsored by Harbour Bay, supported by Intasure, this 3 day festival of sailing is False Bay Yacht Club’s premier re...

What do Level 5 restrictions mean for you?

Water crisis in Cape Town! As the province moves into the spring and summer seasons with little prospects for rain, the City of Cape Town has announced tougher water restrictions by raising the water consumption alert ...

CAPE TOWN MARATHON (17 SEP 2017)

An annual Mother City highlight, the Cape Town Marathon heads into the CBD for a quick-paced run through iconic streets and past historic buildings on Sunday, 17 September 2017. This yearly marathon is best known for its flat...

What’s on in Cape Town this September

September is almost here and the first month of Spring does not disappoint with all the amazing events lined up for everyone to enjoy! There is something for everyone to do, young and old. Have a look and mark your favorite ...

2017 Cape Town HOMEMAKERS Expo

THIS YEAR’S CAPE HOMEMAKERS EXPO IS A TRIBUTE TO YOUR HOME – ON AT THE CTICC FROM 31 AUGUST TO 3 SEPTEMBER The 2017 Cape HOMEMAKERS Expo will celebrate this year’s theme A Tribute to Your Home with an impressive ...

Why should you visit Simon’s Town?

One of South Africa’s oldest towns and Naval base, Simon’s Town (sometimes misspelt as Simons Town) is a picturesque and historical town where many happy memories are waiting to be made just 35km outside Cape Town. ...