Muizenberg Beach Cape Town | African Safari Blog

From the end of the nineteenth century till the 1960s, Muizenberg was South Africa’s premier seaside resort. Randlords built palatial mansions on the hillside and the seafront. Trains ran directly from Johannesburg without stopping in Cape Town. The town prospered and was architecturally very similar to many seaside towns on the south coast of England. At its height, there were about 50 hotels and guesthouses in the Muizenberg area.

From the 1970’s decline and urban decay set in. There were several reasons. The two most important were that; firstly, the hotel infrastructure was old and dated and secondly, the N3 motorway was built connecting Johannesburg and Durban in six hours. The lure of reaching your destination quickly to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in modern accommodation proved too much for old Muizenberg. The nadir was the year 2000 when pimps, hookers and drug dealers ran riot through the streets (and those were the good days!)

The situation since then has been transformative. Slowly and one by one, problems buildings have been fixed, squatters evicted, slumlords have sold up, and fresh new investment has come in. Law abiding and tax paying citizens have reclaimed Muizenberg.

The town is now the surf kindergarten of South Africa. The beachfront is being populated by surf shops and schools as well as an increasing variety of upmarket restaurants and coffee shops. Incredibly, in this town, there are no vacant commercial buildings. The two large empty lots remaining on the beachfront will be developed during 2013 with more shops, eateries and residential accommodation becoming available. The charm of the “village” area has been augmented by responsible new owners renovating the beautiful rows of Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco houses.

Whereas the hotel stock is still limited with only the upmarket boutique hotel Colona Castle available, an increasing number of guesthouses and backpacker lodges are opening. There is optimism and confidence in the air.

Uyaphi has been present in Muizenberg since 2008, and we are pleased to be associated with and be part of the upliftment of this charming seaside town.

On this good news story, we end the year and wish you all; our customers and our suppliers a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2013.

Muizenberg Beach Cape Town

Aberdare National Park Safari

White Water Rafting Uganda

Celebrating David Livingstone In Zambia

Design in Cape Town

Kurland Hotel Review

Cottars 1920s Camp Review

Best Baths in Africa

You can never be as relaxed as you are as in a bath. Now image that bath having one fantastic view out over the plains of Africa with wildlife and birdlife passing you by. That is what this page is all about, simply "The best Baths in Africa".

Star Beds in Africa

One of the newer and more exciting options safari lodges and camps throughout Africa are starting to offer is what is called a "Star Bed". Essentially a luxurious platform in the wilds overlooking a vantage point and open to the stars.

Kruger Family Friendly Lodges

These are our favourite lodges and camps in and around the Kruger Park that offer family-friendly facilities and activities. Most lodges say that they take kids but there is only a handful that have the facilities to keep them busy, these lodges offer daily activities, kids safari options and baby sittings options.

Best Spas in the Kruger

Life on safari is not always about game drives and walks 24/7, there should always be a bit of relaxation time, and this is where a Spa comes into play. Take a few hours off to indulge in a tranquil Spa treatment at one of these excellent lodges. All of these lodges offer in-house facilities and a broad range of treatments.

Africa's Most Luxurious Lodges

It might come as a surprise to many that some of the most luxurious and desired accommodation establishments on earth are found right here in Africa. This is our showcase of the most luxurious options that we have on offer.

Africa's Ultimate Bucket List

It has become very fashionable to compile a list of things to see and do before one meets their maker. Here at Uyaphi.com we already have our "Ultimate Bucket List" of things in Africa that we have to do and see.