What is Simons town known for?
Simon’s Town is known for it’s gorgeous beaches, rich history, and the colony of African penguins that call it home. Quaint buildings line the historical mile from the train station to Jubilee Square, against the backdrop of mountains with innumerable picturesque hiking trails.
What is Simonstown used for today?
The building has a long history having been used as a hospital, post office, school, customs house, police station, jail and magistrate’s court. Simon’s Town Museum collects and exhibits the cultural history of the people of Simon’s Town and their connections to the Dutch East India Company and the Royal Navy.
How did Simon’s Town get its name?
Simon’s Town, named after Simon van der Stel the first Governor of the Cape Colony, has been an important navy port (first for the British Empire, and now for the South African National Navy) since its foundation in 1680. Simon’s Town is well-known for penguins and the Navy, but also for one very special pooch.
Who made Simons Town?
Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town Simonstad | |
---|---|
Province | Western Cape |
Municipality | City of Cape Town |
Established | 1680 |
Named for | Simon van der Stel |
Does South Africa have a navy?
Today the South African Navy is one of the most capable naval forces in the African region, operating a mixed force of sophisticated warships, submarines, patrol craft, and auxiliary vessels, with over 7,000 personnel; including a marine force.
What language do they speak in Simon’s Town South Africa?
Simon’s Town
Simon’s Town Simonstad | |
---|---|
First languages (2011) | |
• English | 18.5% |
• Afrikaans | 68% |
• Xhosa | 3.5% |
Is Western Cape safe?
The whole of the general Western Cape region of South Africa is well trodden and received over 3 million visitors in 2019. Some parts of Cape Town’s city center, as well as the suburbs, are relatively safe; malls, business districts, and tourist areas have a high-security presence.
Why is False Bay called False Bay?
Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 first referred to the bay as “the gulf between the mountains”. The name “False Bay” was applied early on (at least three hundred years ago) by sailors who confused the bay with Table Bay to the north.
Is False Bay warm?
The ocean water in False Bay (on the eastern side of the peninsula) is around 5-8°C warmer than the ocean water along the Atlantic Seaboard (on the western side of the peninsula).
Why is False Bay warmer?
False Bay is exposed to southeasterly winds in summer and its waters are approximately 6 °C warmer than those of Table Bay, owing to the influence of the warm Agulhas Current.
What’s better Cape Town or Johannesburg?
Johannesburg offers more when it comes to game reserves and inner city entertainment, whereas Cape Town offers wondrous coastal walks and mountain treks that are impossible to experience anywhere else.