From Pinelands To Simons Town - Train Ride Adventures

The most notable train ride in Cape Town would have to be the Southern Train Line, which runs from Cape Town city centre all the way to Simons Town village. Here are some of the places you can go, and the things you can do along the way.

There are many ways to travel in Cape Town; cabs, taxis, buses, car and trains. Whichever form of transport you choose, you are guaranteed a lovely scenic journey, as Cape Town is famous for the stunning mountains and breath-taking coastal roads.

Riverlodge Backpackers is conveniently located right opposite Pinelands train station, making it easy for one to explore Cape Town and the surrounding areas at an affordable price. The most notable train ride in Cape Town would have to be the Southern Train Line, which runs from Cape Town city centre all the way to Simons Town village. This route will take you through various quaint neighbourhoods where you can hop-on, hop-off at your will. The best part of this route is driving right alongside the beautiful False Bay ocean, where you can keep your eyes out for frolicking whales while admiring the breath-taking view.

Here are some of the places you can go, and the things you can do along the way.

Observatory

Observatory is a quirky suburb in Cape Town which is known affectionately as 'Obs'. It is best known as a student neighbourhood and thus has a vibrant entertainment scene. There are numerous restaurants and bars as well as 'alternative' shops which one can explore. Here you are sure to run in to hippies, hipsters and funky kinds of people.
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Activities: CityRock for indoor climbing, Maboneng Township Arts to see the showcasings of local artists and crafters, Observatory Swimming Pool, South African Astronomical Observatory and Trenchtown restaurant for an awesome vibe and delicious food.

Newlands

Newlands is an upmarket suburb of Cape Town located at the foot of Table Mountain. It is best known for its beautiful forest, rugby stadium and cricket stadium.

Activities: Catch a rugby game at Newlands Rugby Stadium, explore the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, hike through Newlands Forest, swim in Newlands Swimming Pool, and indulge in the most exceptional homemade ice-cream in a number of unique and exciting flavours at The Creamery.

Claremont

Claremont is a suburb of Cape Town which is situated about 9 km south of the city. It is predominantly a residential area, however it's rapidly booming commercially. It's a great area to do some shopping and has various options when it comes to dining. There is also a great nightlife with various bars and clubs which many youngsters frequent. 

Activities:
Splurge out at Cavendish Square Shopping Centre which is an award-winning shopping mall, marvel at the picturesque park and exotic trees in Arderne Gardens, enjoy cocktails, drinks, music and good food at Oblivion, try out scrumptious burgers at Hudsons and have a  blast with tenpin bowling, laser quest and arcades at Stadium on Main.

Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a beach-side suburb of Cape Town, where your train ride views start to get exceptionally beautiful. It is considered to be the birthplace of surfing in South Africa and still  maintains a rich surfing culture. Muizenberg has a fine, long beach and above this village there is a line of steep cliffs that are very popular as a venue for rock climbing.

Activities: Blue Bird Garage Market every Friday evening, surfing/running/boogy-boarding/kitesurfing on the beach, hiking on Silvermine Nature Reserve, listen to music at the Melting Pot and whale watching from Boyes Drive.

Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a fishing village on the coast of False Bay which lies between the ocean and sharply rising mountainous heights. There are several caves located in the mountains above the village. Kalk Bay is home to the tiny but locally famous surf spot named "Kalk Bay Reef" and Southern right whales come here during whale seasons, and are often seen playing or resting very close to shore. Kalk Bay is known for it's quirky vibe and is a favourite spot for tourists to visit.

Activities: Brass Bell for food, drinks and live music, Kalk Bay Harbour to buy fish, walk around and explore, Kalkys for delicious sea food, Cape to Cuba for a lovely selection of cocktails and cuban-styled food, spend the day on one of the beaches and hikes up the mountain.

Simons Town

Home to the South African Navy, Simons Town is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been an important naval base and harbour. Simons Town is renound for the African Penguin colony that lives on the beaches and people love to walk the main road for its assortment of shops, coffee shops and restaurants.

Activities: Visit Boulders Beach or Foxy Beach to mingle with the penguins, take a stroll through all the little shops, go for a kayak trip from the harbour through False Bay's ocean, go for a cruise from Simons Town to Cape Point and visit the statue of Just Nuisance.

The Southern Line has more than the above-mentioned stop offs, but Observatory, Newlands, Claremont, Muizenberg, Kalk Bay and Simon's Town are considered the most note-worthy (in our eyes, anyway). Make it a day's outing to go along this train line, get some shopping done, marvel at the wonderful views, and have fun!

If you're staying with us at Riverlodge Backpackers, Pinelands train station is opposite us, on the other side of Alexander Road. Ask them about the southern line, and explore to your heart's content!

Written by Saskia Carelse
(All photos sourced from Google Images)

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