Towns and suburbs

Scarborough

Scarborough is a village consisting of about 400 houses on the Atlantic coast

History of Scarborough

Scarborough is a village consisting of about 400 houses on the Atlantic coast. It is the last built-up stop before Cape Point. It is surrounded by nature reserves, the Cape Peninsula National Park and the Baskloof Nature Reserve. On one side is the sea, and behind it are rugged rocky hills scattered with milkwood trees.

In April 1996, Scarborough was officially declared a conservation village. This status means the area is protected from overdevelopment and managed to limit its environmental impact. The designation requires residents and developers to prioritise ecological sustainability, preserve surrounding natural landscapes, and avoid further environmental degradation.

Closeby is Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs is a small coastal village located between Kommetjie and Scarborough. The area is so named for the regular mist that rolls in from the sea, which often covers the cliffs and coastline in a thick fog.

There were a few early residents. Those who settled in Misty Cliffs in the early 20th century lived in basic conditions. They had to fetch water from nearby rivers.. This lack of infrastructure and the remote location kept the village small and largely undeveloped.

During World War II, Italian prisoners of war were housed in the area. They were employed in road construction between Kommetjie and Scarborough. The temporary camp where they were is what is now Misty Cliffs. The road they worked on is still part of the current route, and “Old Camp Road” is believed to be named after the POW camp.

Misty Cliffs saw limited residential development even as the southern peninsula became more accessible. However, the community has maintained a strong conservation focus. Much of the land in and around Misty Cliffs is protected. The local homeowners’ association has consistently promoted environmental protection. Development is tightly controlled to preserve the area’s natural character.

Misty Cliffs is also known for rock climbing, particularly at Main Crag. There are traditional and sport climbing routes , but access is limited.

The postal code for Scarborough is 7975 (boxes only)

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Useful Numbers

  • Police: Closest , Ocean view-021-7838306, 021-7838308 Simons Town-021 786 8646
  • Traffic department: Fish Hoek Traffic Service-0860 103 089
  • Fire: Simons Town Fire Station-021 400 3908
  • Water: 0860103 089
  • Electricity: 0860103 089
  • Ambulance: 10177
  • Post office; Simons Town- 021 786 2114
  • Library: Simon’s Town Public Library-021 786 1553
  • Closest hospital; False Bay Hospital-ER-021 782 1121
  • Pharmacy; Simon’s Town – 021 786 2133
  • SPCA: Cape Of Good Hope 021 700 4140
  • The City of Cape Town Public Emergency Communication Centre is available 24/7 For all life or property-threatening emergencies, call 021 480 7700 from any phone or 107 from a landline or report online at https://bit.ly/3o4Ji3K

 

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