Schusterskraal v3.2
A short stroll along a popular sandy beach, rocky shoreline and around a milkwood dune forest.
The area has many ideal spots for an evening glass of your favourite drink while watching the sunset (SE winds and cloud cover permitting!)
To reach the Cache: Park at the large parking area at S 34 11.948 E 018 22.336 and head south down the beach which is frequented (depending on the time and prevailing conditions) by numerous dog-walker and other muggles, including picnickers, sun-bathers, surfers and (a few) brave/crazy swimmers. There are many tracks around the area but the two approaches described below would probably cause the least potential damage to the sensitive dune vegetation.
Approach 1 (Dry Season):
Carry on past the end of the sandy shore, entering the TMNP Schusterskraal area and along the rocky shore to a corner of the trail close to an anonymous monument (of a boulder?!) and the Table Mountain National Park border fence and signboard at S 34 12.252 E 18 22.200. Turn left here and continue approximately 250m to a sandy/grassy/shrubby clearing. From here find any convenient route to the cache area.
The cache, a camo-taped preform tube, is hidden alongside a small sandy trail heading up into the milkwood forest from the lagoon area.
The spot has a great view north to the beach and beyond. Although the area is very popular, this spot should be relatively secluded, however as always you should be ready for muggles and adopt suitable antics as necessary!
To return, either retrace your steps or continue east following the TMNP fence around the edge of the white milkwood forest to a grassy picnic area. Turn north here to head back across the grass and further north along the tar road towards the parking area. To return via the beach use the wooden boardwalk on your left after the picnic area at S 34 12.128 E 18 22.470.
Approach 2 (Wet Season):
If you want to avoid wading through cold water, use this during the winter wet season when the seasonal Schusters stream cuts across the end of the beach. It is also an alternative return to Approach 1 above.
About two-thirds the way down the beach head east towards the dunes and the start of a boardwalk at S 34 12.116 E 18 22.396 which runs along the edge of the stream flowing down from the valley (Garstland se Kloof) and through a wetland area (Schoesters-Brandvlei). Brand = burning, vlei = inland body of water (Afrikaans).
At the end of the boardwalk, turn right (South) and over the bridge to a grassy picnic area. Skirt the corner of this near the public conveniences and head west until you reach the clearing mentioned above from where you can take any suitable route to the cache. To reach the rocky beach from the clearing simply carry on west along the jeep track for a further approx 250m.
kraal (Afrikaans) = a rural village, typically consisting of huts surrounded by a stockade; an enclosure for livestock. The location name on current maps is Schusterskraal but the bay where the beach is located is called Schuster’s Bay. I haven’t yet been able to find out who Schuster was – but s/he obviously had some local influence!
Note: this is the third manifestation of the cache which has been muggled or otherwise lost at each of the previous two locations. It is hoped that this latest site will be somewhat more secure!!
Scarborough just beyond Kommetjie on the M65, is one of the few suburbs of Cape Town that is still far from the madding crowd, despite proximity to the city and a recent property boom that has sent properties prices soaring. It is a conservation village with a random scattering of houses and beach homes embedded on the slopes of Platberg overlooking the thundering Atlantic waves. Although the largely self-employed musician-writer-artist residents have been joined more recently by more affluent computer programmer/advertising executive types, its easygoing lifestyle remains intact. It location next to the Cape Point Nature Reserve guarantees little future development and its rustic charm is further enhanced by the fact that it has some of the best fishing and surfing on the peninsula. Body boarding, kite surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and crayfishing are all highly rated here, and the beach has some awesome sunsets and windswept walks. There are a couple of restaurants and small shops, but Simon’s Town, Noordhoek and Fish Hoek are all easily accessible if more is required.
Scarborough Beach is broad and sandy and has a point break popular with surfers and body boarders. Take care if you decide to go for a swim - there are a few rip currents just off the beach. It never gets too crowded but can be busy in summer, especially over the December holidays when the village comes alive with visitors. On windy days (common!) the beach is great for kites and kite surfing as there is lots of room to manoeuvre.