The Cape Peninsula is a place that offers some superb year-round attractions, from its stupendous beaches and dramatic scenery to some of the best hiking in the world. Pack your bag for adventure because exploring this majestic region offers plenty of fun and excitement.
Take a drive around Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak is definitely one of the most scenic drives in the world. It’s an oceanic drive that links Hout Bay with Noordhoek and is sure to amaze you with its stunning views. The road is definitely an adventure as it was gently cut out of the cliff. The stretch is also a beautiful place to go on a long-distance cycle because of the sea breeze and the winding turns. The rugged beauty of Chapman’s Peak Drive has been attracting travellers for years; a breathtaking part of the Atlantic Seaboard that is also home to many hidden gems and scenic vistas that you will not want to miss.
Grab something to eat at the farm village
The farm village in Noordhoek is a gem just waiting to be discovered by passers-by. With loads of great restaurants, you’ll definitely find something to eat. It gets even better, the farm village hosts live music at dinner time. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why Noordhoek Farm Village has become a hotspot in Cape Town! The village is not only big and beautiful but also boasts a range of shops, a fully functional restaurant, bakery, green grocer and all-round shop. It’s the perfect place to bring the family or meet friends for lunch. While you’re there, make sure you sample some of the goodies at the incredible Franck Dangereux Bakery which is situated on the first floor of Village Connect. This bakery is unmissable and definitely won’t leave you disappointed. Imagine that freshly baked bread smell when you walk through the door.
Go to Noordhoek beach along the Cape Peninsula
The way in which Chapman’s Peak drive finishes with Noordhoek beach will leave you amazed. A place to relax on the white sands of this wild beach. Come prepared to swim, tan, read, have a picnic or even surf on the right side. Making its way through the sand dunes, Noordhoek Beach reaches out to meet the ocean lapping at its shore, eventually resting on a spacious beach protected from the elements by Chapman’s Peak and Slangkop Lighthouse. This stretch of sand is usually empty or only occupied by one or two other bathers enjoying the pristine beauty, leading it to be nicknamed ‘the lonely beach’.
Take Cape Peninsula-type photos at Kalk Bay Harbour
With a very laid-back atmosphere, this quaint fishing village will have you coming back for more photos of the fishermen doing their thing, and the Cape Fur seals. This place is a photographer’s dream. There’s also little coffee shops and arts & craft stores to peak your interest. It’s also one of the last natural harbours on the Cape Peninsula. Here, there’ll be no ocean liners or cruise ships docking as this charming refuge remains untainted by mass tourism. It’s just fishing skippers and sailing hulls that bring in the catch of the day.
Surf the waves of Muizenberg
Muizenberg’s surfing spot is what makes surfers from all over the world want to stay. It’s one of the oldest and best spots to surf with some of the best waves around. Kite-surfers also love Muizenberg when the wind picks up. The Muizenberg Beach is the home of South Africa’s best known surfing competitions including the National Surfing Championships held every year in September and the Kellogs Surf Splash, a competition for amateurs held annually by the Phillip’s Surf Association every January. It is also one of the best places to learn how to surf.
Take in the sun with the Penguins
Boulder’s Beach has a beautiful colony of African Penguins and the town is quite famous for it. With thousands of penguins doing their thing on the shores of this beach, you’ll have to stop and take a few photos. While claiming to be very laid back, these oilies are actually quite the lovers. On their two-year migration round the Cape, these speckled splotches can be a little hard to find. Therefore one of the best ways to see and appreciate them is to visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town where you can get up close and personal with them.
Get some of the best fish & chips on the Cape Peninsula
After taking some photos and enjoying the sun with the penguin colony, stop at the Salty Sea Dog in Simon’s Town to savour the best fish & chips ever! It is quite reasonably priced and gives you a view over the harbour.
Go on a hike in the Cape Point Nature Reserve
Take a whole day to go and visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve with hundreds of hiking trails, beautiful views and complete wilderness that surrounds you and the animals of the park. Expect to see buck, ostriches, baboons and more while hiking past the beautiful fynbos and beaches.
Enjoy the sunset at Platboom beach
Take in the final moments of the sun’s rays on Platboom beach where you can spot baboons playing in the sand. You’ll have to leave the park before it gets dark so make sure you know what time the sun will be down. But before all good things come to an end, enjoy the serenity of Platboom and its isolated wildness.
Are you planning to spend a week in Cape Town, South Africa, and want a trip around the Cape Peninsula as well? Would you like to visit penguins in Boulders Beach, or go hiking in Scarborough? Then click here for more information and everything you need to know in order to book a Cape Peninsula tour with us. https://africantraveldesk.com/tour-category/cape-peninsula-tours/ or give us a call at + 27 21 201 1130