The tiny exclusive suburb of Mouille Point overlooking Table bay, is a single road in width and runs alongside neighbouring Green Point. Mouille Point stretches from Three Anchor Bay to Granger Bay in the east. Tiny as it may be, this sought-after area is densely populated with upmarket high-rise apartments overlooking the sea with magnificent views.
Mouille Point lies on what was once a treacherous part of the coast where many shipwrecks occurred. The 1865 wreck of the Royal Mail liner, the Athens, is permanently visible close to shore on the eastern end of the suburb.
The well-known promenade with its sprawling lawns begins at Mouille Point and stretches 7km via Sea Point to Bantry Bay.
Things to do
Walk (or run) along the Promenade and stop off at the Serendipity Maze to find the centre of the labyrinth. Hidden behind the tall border hedges is the 3rd largest maze in the world.
Alongside the maze is a 9-hole Mini-golf course (we call it Putt-Putt).
Further along the promenade on the lawns is an outdoor Gym for all to use. The gym has become very popular over the years and is regularly visited by residents of a nearby home for the aged.
Visit the nearby Sea Point Pavilion Swimming Pools with filtered crystal clear seawater . The vast complex is flush against the seawall and consists of an Olympic size pool, a springboard diving pool and two splash pools.
Within walking distance is Cape Town’s top tourist destination, the The Waterfront Shopping Centre offering free WiFi, over 80 eating establishments, boat and helicopter trips and more than 450 stores.
Directly across the bay lies Robben Island, best known for the maximum security prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for over a quarter of a century. Catch the ferry at the V & A Waterfront’s Mandela Gateway to visit the island. Note: pre-booking is essential.
The Metropolitan Golf Course in Green Point borders Cape Town’s Stadium and the Biodiversity Park, what a setting! Non-members are welcome.
Take a tour of the Green Point Soccer Stadium and experience some of the excitement felt by South Africans during the 2010 World Cup.
Visit Camps Bay and join the crowds in one of the many sidewalk cafes to watch the sun set over Cape Town’s most popular beach.
During low tide, take a walk down to Mouille Point’s shores to marvel at the many creatures found amongst the exposed rock pools.
There are two Surfing Spots at Mouille Point: Off the Wall and Thermopylae, named after a ship that wrecked in these waters in 1899.
Where to Eat
Mouille Point is foodie heaven, filled with a worthy assortment of restaurants offering great food and all with excellent views over the bay. Here are some options:
Quaglino’s has a comprehensive wine list and the proprietors encourage sharing of dishes for all to enjoy the many interesting dishes on offer. A small kiddies menu is available.
Popular with the cycling crowd, Caffe Neo is ideally placed for ocean views and the Green Point lighthouse on one end and Cape Town’s stadium and Green Point biodiversity park on the other. Order a Meze plate or salad from the Deli counter.
Sotano offers Mediterranean-style dishes with the primary dish being a traditional Spanish Paella. Locals flock to the restaurant on Wednesday evenings to take up their 2 for 1 lamb burger special
Theo’s Grill & Butcher has been in the area since the 80s and offers good value meals. Purchase your meat from the onsite butchery. Open 7 days a week until late.
With a huge wraparound glass front, there are no shortages of views at Pepenero, a chic restaurant offering traditional Italian cuisine, seafood and meat dishes.
The Granger Bay Hotel School Restaurant setting couldn’t be more perfect: practically on the sea, the view over the bay and Robben Island is majestic. The Hotel School is a training ground for future culinary chefs hoping to impress you with their creations.
Part of a successful national chain, The Butcher Shop & Grill offers a large and varied menu with a perfectly cooked prime meat cut being their signature dish.
The exquisite décor at Dash restaurant compliments the classic, grand French-style dishes on offer.
Night Life
Sea Point suburb nearby has a cornucopia of clubs, pubs, restaurants and other late night venues.
A short taxi ride will take you into the city centre and a chance to experience Long Street’s vibrancy. You’re in Africa; why not listen to some African Beats? Mama Africa in Long Street offers traditional meals, drinks and live acts. Open 6 nights a week.
Ride the 40m high observation wheel at the V & A Waterfront in the evening for stunning scenes over Cape Town and the harbour.
Dizzy’s Café in Camps Bay attracts the student crowd thanks to their regular drinks and pizza specials. There is live music on some nights, Karaoke evenings on others.
Where to Stay
Expect stayovers in modern, well-equipped, secure and self-contained apartments, all with majestic sea views, in the Mouille Point area.
Transport
Air :The nearest airport is Cape Town International, 22km from Mouille Point.
Car Rental : Cape Town has many car rental agencies; however, car rental bookings can be organised online.
Taxis: Several metered taxi companies operate from Sea Point and Green Point. If you have the Uber app, order a taxi via your mobile phone.
Did you know?
The visible candy-striped lighthouse in Mouille Point is called the Green Point Lighthouse because many years ago a Mouille Point lighthouse existed where the Radisson Hotel is currently located. The lighthouse base still exists on the property.
The name Mouille is likely a distortion of the Dutch word ‘mol’ (or molje) meaning breakwater. In 1737 the Dutch East India Company Governor attempted to build a breakwater, however, the attempt failed due to lack of funding and enthusiasm. Later, the French built a battery here and supposedly named it Mouiller (anchor) Point Battery. Whichever is right, we don’t know, South Africans pronounce it “Moolee Point”.
A foghorn, known to local residents as Moaning Minnie, is used to warn ships when fog settles in the bay.
