Chapman’s Peak Drive between Noordhoek and Hout Bay is renowned as being arguably the most spectacular marine dive in the world. The 9km route has 114 curves and bends and follows the rocky coastline with stunning views in both directions. The de Noordhoek Hotel is located at the southern end of the marine drive in the Noordhoek Farm Village. This stunning marine drive is currently closed for maintenance but is hoped to reopen later this year (2009). The route was initially opened in 1922.
There is a relatively easy hiking trail just behind the de Noordhoek Hotel at Silvermine. Drive up to the top of Silvermine and park in the parking lot at Silvermine West. This easy walk starts and finishes at the Silvermine Reservoir. It follows a jeep track all the way. There are well-appointed braai areas around the Reservoir, and you can braai or picnic after your walk (your car is just 100m up down a boardwalk) – and enjoy a dip in the stunning water of the Reservoir. Starting from the parking lot, stroll up the boardwalk to the Reservoir. Cross to the other side by walking across the wall. From there continue up the hill on the jeep track. The track runs up the hill around a bend, and at the top you will reach a cliff overlooking Noordhoek with beautiful views to Noordhoek Beach, Kommetjie, and Slangkop Lighthouse in the distance. Continue back along the jeep track, and eventually the trail lead you back down to the Reservoir.
The Cape Peninsula is riddled with spectacular hiking trails, and the De Noordhoek Hotel is without doubt the best base from which to tackle some of these trails. Kleinplaaas Dam is an excellent trail, but how do you get there? Drive to Simon’s Town on the Main Road. As you pass the Gemstone Factory, turn right up the hill on the M66. At the top of the hill a road leading to the left is sign-posted for the Just Nuisances grave, and the Navy Military base. Less than 100 metres further and on the right is the sign and the start of the trail. Take the turn-off mentioned, and immediately on your left is an area under some huge Blue Gum trees where you can park your car.
If you’re traveling to Cape Town for the Good Food and Wine Show, which is to be held on the last three days of May, what better place to stay than at the De Noordhoek Hotel. This year the show will be more interactive than ever, giving you more opportunities than ever to sample, taste and buy the best products available as well as the once in a lifetime experience to cook ‘hands-on’ with Ainsley Harriott as well as other top BBC celebrity chefs. Go along and try your hand in a modern kitchen setting. The best local as well as celebrity BBC chefs will be performing in this interactive area and you will be given the opportunity to experience hands-on cooking focusing on the latest international trends.
The de Noordhoek Hotel is surrounded by the Table Mountain National Park, which encompasses the exceptionally scenic Table Mountain Chain stretching from Signal Hill in the North to Cape Point in the South and the seas and coastline of the peninsula. The narrow finger of land with its beautiful valleys, bays and beaches is surrounded by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the West and the warmer waters of False Bay in the East. It has within its boundaries two world-renowned landmarks – majestic Table Mountain and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. The Park is recognised around the world for its extraordinarily rich, diverse and unique fauna and flora – with rugged cliffs, steep slopes and sandy flats – is a truly remarkable natural asset.