Kommetjie is a small seaside hamlet on the exquisite Atlantic coastline, at the western end of the Cape Peninsula. The area formed around a natural, circular tidal pool known as Die Kom (the basin). Historically, the tidal pool was used by South Africa’s original inhabitants, the Khoisan people, to trap fish. The Cape Clawless Otter is sometimes seen frolicking in Die Kom.
Kommetjie is rural and unspoilt The occasional baboon troop from the surrounding Nature Reserves can be seen wandering through the town..
Kommetjie is reached via the scenic Chapman’s Peak drive from the north, the old Cape road crossing the mountains from the east or through Fish Hoek in the south.
Things to do
Surfers from all over the world flock to surf the waves at Kommetjie’s Long beach, as surfing conditions are excellent throughout most of the year. Cape Town’s top- ranked female surfer Tanika Hoffman favours this surf spot, need we say more?
The kelp forests in the shadow of the lighthouse attract divers collecting their quota of crayfish (rock lobster). Please note that a permit is required to catch shellfish and only during the ‘open’ season between November and April.
The white, cast iron Slangkop Lighthouse was built in 1919 and is the tallest lighthouse along the South African coast. Open to the public on week days, climb the 145 steps to the top if you’re feeling fit.
Hire a bicycle and cycle to Cape Point, Africa’s most south-westerly point. The route follows the magnificent coastline, passing the small picturesque villages of Scarborough, Misty Cliffs, Witsand and Sweetwater.
Kommetjie is regarded as a prime marine birding hotspot.
The historic Imhoff Farm has two onsite restaurants , a deli, a nursery, several African jewellery & clothing traders, camel rides for all ages, horse riding on the farm and a snake park. There are many other activities to pursue, make a day of your visit.
Climb Slangkop (snake head) to see the old WWII radar station and for glorious views of the lighthouse and coastline.
Hike along the beach from Kommetjie to Noordhoek Beach. The SS Kakapo shipwreck of 1900 is 3km along the trail. The duration of the hike is roughly 4 hours.
Take a tour of the nearby residential area of Ocean View, where Cape Town city residents were forced to settle during the apartheid era. Sample typical cuisine and listen to the old-timer’s stories.
The annual Kommetjie Festival (KomFest) is normally held at the start of crayfish season. Scheduled events include a fun run, talent shows and various races arranged on the water. Beer tents, food stalls, unusual crafts and live bands ensure that the festival is well attended.
Stop off at the Compass Bakery factory shop, supplier of confectionery to one of South Africa’s major chain stores. Purchase some goodies at low, factory prices.
Where to Eat
The Green Room is a laidback café and bar lounge serving tex-mex type snack foods. For something unusual, try the Larnie Salami Sarmie (posh salami sandwich)! Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.
Blue Water Café is located at the Imhoff farm under trees and overlooking a wetland. The ingredients are organic and the produce sourced directly from the farm. Expect fresh and exciting fare.
Also located at Imhoff Farm is The Pickled Fish. As the name implies, the menu is filled with tantalising and unique fish dishes.
The lovely shaded outdoor area at Espresso.kom is quick to get you into a relaxed mood. There is an enclosed children’s play area, free Wi-Fi and dogs are welcome. An unusual offering is a deliciously-loaded picnic basket for the beach!
Another family-oriented restaurant is Fisherman’s Family Restaurant with its relaxed garden setting and children’s play area. The food is hearty surf & turf along with a nice selection of wood-fired pizzas. Live music on Sundays.
The Lighthouse Pub & Grill is well-known for its Monday braai (barbeque) evenings. Great pub grub served under the trees or indoors alongside the fire.
Night Life
Espresso.kom restaurant has a lively Friday night ‘chill-out zone’ event between 5pm and 7pm. Cocktails are served with tapas dishes or scrumptious snacks.
A local musician, Bill Knight, has opened his home to lovers of folk music. The Cottage Club is open twice a month and soup is served while you listen to soulful tunes.
If you want to hit the clubs, take a taxi into Cape Town city.
Where to Stay
In keeping with the tranquil surroundings, accommodation in Kommetjie includes unique, luxurious guest houses, B & Bs, self-contained apartments and beach houses close to the beach or located higher up the mountain.
Transport
Air : The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 48km from Kommetjie.
Car Rental : Cape Town has many car rental agencies; however, car rental bookings can be organised online.
Taxis : DriveWise offers shuttle services between Cape Town, Cape Point and the airport.
Kommetjie is a 45 minute drive from the centre of Cape Town.
Did you know?
Around Kommetjie there are still groves of the protected white milkwood tree – many over 100 years old – with their umbrella-shaped crowns, making the trees a popular spot for shaded picnics up against the water.
The Kommetjie area was only electrified in the 1960s.
During World War II a defence structure was manned on Slangkop hill above Kommetjie. One of the local ladies was instructed to deliver furniture to the soldiers and she promptly drove the truck up to the peak. The soldiers were amazed because they had been lifting all goods from the road using ropes and pulleys!
Kommetjie falls into a Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the town has a fairly strict building code.
St Norbert’s church in Kommetjie has a fascinating history, here’s just a snippet: one member of the Norbertine Order assisted by one labourer built the entire church atop the Rubbi family tombs. The Rubbis were a prominent Cape family in the 1940s.
