Kommetjie

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean side of the Cape Peninsula, Kommetjie is a primarily residential coastal suburb. In addition, the village is at the end of a magnificent long, sandy beach that stretches southwards from its neighbours, Noordhoek and Chapman’s Peak Drive. 
History

The name of the village derives from the Afrikaans term, “kom,” which means “small basin,” as Kommetjie is located around a small natural cove that resembles a basin. It’s believed that early inhabitants used this basin as a fish trap. The shallow waters and dense kelp forests are an ideal breeding ground for Cape Crayfish, which attracts many recreational fishermen from all over the region to the area of Kommetjie, Cape Town.
 
Due to its natural features, for many years Kommetjie has been the place for picnics and holidays. Decades ago, visitors from surrounding areas such as Wynberg, Noordhoek and Fish Hoek would travel to Kommetjie to camp amongst the Milkwood Trees for the day or even several weeks at a time. 
 
Although the people of Kommetjie celebrated its hundred-year mark in 2003, this anniversary only marks the beginning of human inhabitation, with the first home built in 1903. However, Kommetjie has a rich history dating back to before the first house.  
 
Once people decided to live in Kommetjie, the streets were named after its first settlers. These street names include the following:

• De Villers
• Van der Horst
• Seeliger
• Benning
• Van der Poll 
• Kirsten

 
The 1960s marked modernisation in Kommetjie. The residents of the village made provisions for electricity and water, with a great amount of the water used for the houses coming from Wemmershoek Dam and Ou Kaapse Weg. Even so, the lifestyle of the residents living in Kommetjie proves that they have no plans to turn the village into a bustling business centre, as they enjoy the endless holiday atmosphere. 

Things to see and do in Kommetjie 

Long Beach, where the rocky reefs create powerful waves, is a popular spot for surfing and is known as one of the top surfing beaches in the world. Locals can enjoy wonderful walks along the stretch of the beach towards the Kakapo Shipwreck, which ran aground in 1900. 
 
A variety of plant and animal species, many of which endangered, call Kommetjie home. The area is particularly renowned for its Milkwood trees, bird watching, baboon troops and Baboon Monitors, who patrol the village constantly.

As small as the village might be, there are still many activities to do, which include the following:

• Bird watching: Visit either the Kom area, Bird Island, or the Longbeach where you can appreciate birds such as the African Black Oystercatchers, White-fronted plovers, and Herons. 
• Cycling and mountain biking: A thrilling way to experience the Cape Point Route, cycle along the coast and explore the amazing scenic ride. 
• Diving: Although the water temperature is very cold, diving into the deep blue sea is one of the many popular things to do when visiting the area to better explore the ocean.
• Fishing and crayfish: An activity that attracts many people to Kommetjie every year, try recreational fishing or cray fishing.
• Slangkop lighthouse: A special part of Kommetjie, visit the Slangkop Lighthouse to witness the ocean and mountain. The Slangkop Lighthouse on the southern side of the village can be seen from the Ou Kaapse Weg mountain pass.
• Surfing: One activity not to miss, Kommetjie is known as the epicentre of high-performance surfing in the Cape Peninsula. Head down to the West Coast of the Peninsula, in between Cape Town and Cape Point, where the perfect waves for surfing are generated. 
• Walking and hiking trails: There are many trails and hikes to choose from in Kommetjie. These trails include The Kom Cat Walk, The Bokramspruit, and The Block House Hike where you get to experience beautiful sunsets, indigenous flora and a view of Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay. 

Kommetjie community 

There are approximately 1 200 homes in Kommetjie. Kommetjie’s population adds up to around 3 000 residents, which include a large retired community, who enjoy the quiet and tranquil setting of the village. The unique way of life, the village’s close proximity to Cape Town and the exceptional primary education attracts younger families to the area.
 
An important aspect of the community is their attitude toward the surrounding natural environment and animals such as tortoises, porcupines and genets. This applies to the vegetation and animals inhabiting the land and sea. This explains why the Kommetjie community considers recycling as a serious matter. 
 
With that said, the Kommetjie community believes in working together, which is evident by the work they do through their voluntary association, Kommetjie Residents' and Ratepayers' Association (KRRA). The purpose of the association is to fund community projects such as the following:

• Alien invasive vegetation clearing
• Pathway building and maintenance
• Development proposals
• Baboon monitoring.

Safety in Kommetjie 

Due to low crime in Kommetjie, the village is considered as a safe place to visit and to stay. Even so, Kommetjie does have a neighbourhood watch, Komwatch. Komwatch’s purpose is to protect the residents and visitors of Kommetjie, which includes upholding the village’s low crime status.  

Amenities 

Kommetjie boasts a number of small enterprises that include a petrol station, convenience store, a laundromat, computer business, video shop and a variety of restaurants and coffee shops.

In addition, Kommetjie’s amenities include: 

• Longbeach Mall
• Kommetjie Primary School
• Capella House
• Ocean View Secondary School
• Imhoff Waldorf School
• Ocean View Community Health Centre
• Ocean View Sports Complex
• Ocean View Clinic
• Home Grown Kids Montessori Pre-School
• Ocean View Day Hospital
• Kommetjie Village Veterinary

Transportation in Kommetjie  

Even though there aren’t trains running directly to and from Kommetjie, there are Metrorail trains running from its neighbour Fish Hoek. In addition, residents can choose to use Golden Arrow buses as a mode of transport.  

Property investments 

The stylish properties face the north of the village, most of which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. These properties are in high demand in the Kommetjie property market, as they have spectacular views of Chapman’s Peak and the Sentinel in Hout Bay. While the original beach houses around the seashore have been passed down through the generations, there are still affordable family homes and vacant plots available in the areas set back from the coast.
 
All coastal areas in Cape Town have seen substantial growth in recent years and it can be expected that buyers investing in this area will be assured of an excellent yield in years to come.

Kommetjie property price  

The average price of property in Kommetjie stands at R4 145 402, however, there are houses at lower prices, starting from R750 000. Even so, amongst Kommetjie’s properties, the village has several sea-facing homes priced over a million rand that are perfect for property investment. 
 
While some see Kommetjie as just a village, it’s evident that it has so much to offer its residents. Whether you looking for a family home or a property investment, consider Kommetjie’s community attractions, and it could be what you’re looking for.