Picturesque Simon’s Town in False Bay has been the base of the South African navy since 1957. It was named after Simon van der Stel, who visited this sheltered little spot around 1687.

Simon’s Town’s naval history is best absorbed by joining one of the interesting Historical Walks that take place every Tuesday and Saturday morning. The walks begin near the railway station and end at the Martello Tower on the East Dockyard, taking in the Simon’s Town Museum, the South African Naval Museum, and the Warrior Toy Museum. The Simon’s Town Museum is housed in The Residency, believed to be the town’s oldest building.

Between Simon’s Town and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, the M4 passes through charming settlements that offer safe swimming and snorkelling in a number of protected bays such as Froggy Pond, Boulders and Seaforth. The big granite rocks after which Boulders is named provide excellent shelter when the southeaster blows.