Just Nuisance Grave and Viewpoint
Visit the grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance, a WWII Great Dane mascot, and enjoy breathtaking bay views from a historic viewpoint.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Just Nuisance Grave and Viewpoint
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Visit the grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance, a WWII Great Dane mascot, and enjoy breathtaking bay views from a historic viewpoint.
"The climb is worth it for the incredible views and the touching story of a canine hero."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 343 steps to the top require good footwear. Locals use it for exercise!
🐒 Baboon Alert!
Keep an eye out for baboons and give them space. They are common in the area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Just Nuisance's Grave
Top of the historical walk
The final resting place of a beloved Great Dane mascot, marked with a plaque and a landmark cross.
Panoramic Bay Views
Viewpoint next to the grave
Breathtaking elevated vistas of the bay, offering a stunning perspective of the coastline.
Historical Naval Signal School
Adjacent to the grave
Explore the grounds of the former SA Navy Signal School, adding a layer of military history to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Climb and the View
Preservation and Security
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 343 steps to the top require good footwear. Locals use it for exercise!
🐒 Baboon Alert!
Keep an eye out for baboons and give them space. They are common in the area.
📸 Capture the Views
The elevated viewpoint offers stunning photo opportunities of the bay.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting on a warm day, bring water for the climb.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 343 steps to the top require good footwear. Locals use it for exercise!
🐒 Baboon Alert!
Keep an eye out for baboons and give them space. They are common in the area.
📸 Capture the Views
The elevated viewpoint offers stunning photo opportunities of the bay.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if visiting on a warm day, bring water for the climb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique story of Just Nuisance and the spectacular elevated views of the bay, making the climb worthwhile. However, some note the deteriorating condition of nearby historical buildings and the missing plaque from the grave, which detracts slightly from the overall experience.
"A local treasure, well worth the 343 steps to get up to the viewing point. Folk use it for their daily exercise. It offers awesome elevated views of the bay, with the grave and landmark cross. Give way to baboons.."
Jonny Pearce
"It was great to find a quick route to his grave. It was just sad to see how the buildings are going to wrack and ruin and that the bronze plaque has been "removed" from its pedestal."
Andrea Petersen
"The Grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance is perched at the top of the historical walk and situated in the old SA Navy Signal School which appears to be no longer in use.
There are some security stationed here to prevent further copper cable theft.
The grave is well-marked and open to the public and there is also a bench – I imagine to sit and contemplate the sacrifice, heroism or futility of war.
Just Nuisance was a great dane mascot who served at the HMS Afrikander in Simon's Town, from 1939 to 1944.
The dog attained the rank of Able Seaman and died on 1 April 1944, aged seven years."
Duncan Alfreds
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The viewpoint is located in Simon's Town, accessible via a windy but generally good road. Parking is available nearby, and from there, you'll ascend approximately 343 steps to reach the grave and viewpoint.
While not directly serviced by public transport to the very top, you can take a train or bus to Simon's Town and then arrange a taxi or enjoy a walk to the base of the steps.
Take your time and pace yourself. It's a popular spot for local fitness enthusiasts, so you'll likely see others making the ascent.
The road is described as good but windy, so drive carefully. Security is present in the area.
No, the final approach to the grave and viewpoint is via a set of stairs. Driving is only possible to the vicinity of the historical walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Just Nuisance's grave and the viewpoint. It is a public space accessible to all.
The viewpoint is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor public space, there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best visited when there's natural light.
No booking is required. You can visit spontaneously.
The site is located near the old SA Navy Signal School, and while it's open to the public, security is present to deter theft.
Visitors are advised to be respectful of the memorial and the surroundings. Be aware of local wildlife like baboons.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities are the grave itself, the landmark cross, and the panoramic views of the bay from the elevated viewpoint.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the scenic views. Weekday mornings can offer fewer people for unobstructed shots.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's a memorial site, so respectful photography is encouraged.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local aviation rules before flying a drone in this area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views, while a standard lens works well for the grave and surrounding historical elements.
🎫 ℹ️ Onsite Experience
You can visit the grave of Able Seaman Just Nuisance, enjoy the spectacular elevated views of the bay, and explore the historical grounds of the former SA Navy Signal School.
A visit can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how long you spend enjoying the views and exploring the site.
There is a bench at the grave site for contemplation. Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned as being at the immediate viewpoint, so plan accordingly.
Just Nuisance was a Great Dane mascot enlisted in the Royal Navy during WWII, known for his morale-boosting presence and unique naval career.
The climb involves approximately 343 steps, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues. The viewpoint itself is at the top of this climb.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look out for local wildlife, particularly baboons, but always maintain a safe distance. The panoramic views from the top provide a great opportunity for family photos and to discuss the importance of memorials and animal companionship in history. Remember to bring water and snacks, as facilities at the top are limited.
🚶♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts & Hikers
Combine your visit with a longer exploration of Simon's Town's historical sites or coastal paths. The well-maintained (though steep) steps make it a consistent and accessible fitness spot. Remember to wear appropriate athletic shoes and stay hydrated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Just Nuisance
His journey to enlistment was quite remarkable. Initially a free-roaming dog who befriended sailors and naval staff, his habit of boarding trains and traveling to Cape Town led to warnings from the rail agency. To prevent him from being put down, his neighbours appealed to the navy, resulting in his official enlistment, which granted him free passage on trains.
Sadly, Just Nuisance's active service was cut short by an accident in 1943, leading to paralysis. He was honorably discharged and, after suffering, was put down in April 1944. He was buried with full military honors, a testament to his special place in the hearts of those who served alongside him.
The Viewpoint and its Surroundings
Adjacent to the grave are the grounds of the historical SA Navy Signal School. While some reviews mention that the buildings are in a state of disrepair and that the bronze plaque from the grave has been removed, the historical context adds depth to the visit. Security personnel are present, partly to prevent theft of materials like copper cables from the old structures.
Visitors often use the steps as a form of exercise, making it a spot frequented by locals. The combination of a unique memorial, historical remnants, and breathtaking scenery makes this viewpoint a memorable stop for those exploring Simon's Town.
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