No visit to Cape Town is complete without a day tour along the coast all the way down to Cape Point, the most south-western edge of the continent.

Along the way, you will be rewarded by the most scenic and breathtaking mountain and ocean views, frequent stops at cute little beach towns, a diverse local wildlife and the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Muizenberg

colourful beach huts at Muizenberg Beach in South Africaa view at Muizenberg Beach in South Africa

There are two major reasons to stop at Muizenberg. Firstly the beautiful coloured beach huts. The second is only important if you love to surf or want to take a surfing lesson; Muizenberg is one of the main surfing hot spots along the Cape and known for its great waves.

Kalk Bay

kalk bay harbour in south africakalk bay harbour in south africa

Locals claim this is the best place for fish and chips along the whole Cape Peninsular. There are some nice little vintage shops and beach bars here as well. Alternatively, just enjoy the views of the brightly coloured boats lying in the little harbour. If you are lucky, you might also come across some sea lions sunbathing on the shore.

See the penguins at Boulders Beach

Aren’t they just too cute?

Penguins at Boulders Beach South AfricaPenguins at Boulders Beach South Africapenguins at Boulders Beach South AfricaPenguins at Boulder Beach South Africa

The most famous location to see the endangered African penguin close up. Although you can spot penguins directly at Boulders Beach, your best bet to view them in large numbers is to go to Boulders Visitor Centre at Foxy Beach. The 70 R entrance fee goes into a conservations scheme to support local nature and wildlife, so it’s totally worth spending.

Cape Point Nature Reserve

a beach at Cape Point National Park in South Africaa beach at Cape Point National Park South Africa

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cape Point Nature Reserve offers plenty of spectacular wildflowers and local fauna, including large numbers of baboons rooming the area. It is best explored by foot; there are many hiking trails leading you through the fynbos vegetation or along beautiful beaches.

baboons climbing a rock at Cape Peninsular, Cape Town, South Africababoons walking on the street towards Cape Peninsulara baboon climbing on a car at Cape Peninsular, Cape Town

Speaking of baboons, however, a word of warning. Be careful around them; they have learned how to open car doors (hence keep them locked), they climb on your car and they can get quite aggressive if they are smelling food. If you keep your distance, they are great to observe though.

Cape Point and Lighthouse

view from Cape Point, South Africaa panoramic view down from the lighthouse at Cape Pointthe lighthouse at Cape Point National Park in South Africa

At Cape Point, take the Flying Dutchman funicular up to the viewpoint below the lighthouse. From here a leisurely 30 to 45 minutes hike leads you down to the old lighthouse where you will have the most gorgeous views.

If you are hungry after all the exploring do during the day so far, head to the Two Oceans restaurant. The view from the terrace is truly breathtaking. Don’t be fooled by the name though. Cape Point is not where the Atlantic and Indian oceans collide. This would be at Cape Agulhas, which is also the most southern point on the African continent.

Cape of Good Hope

Any yes, this is a spot that you cannot miss at all. it will be difficult to get your picture taken with no one else around as there are usually large crowds. However, can you really go to Cape Point and miss this one? No, indeed.

Stop at Cape Point Vineyards for a wine tasting

cape point vineyards in South Africasign of Cape Point Vineyards, Cape Town, South Africacape point vineyards overlooking Noordhoek beacha view from the terrace of Cape Point Vineyards at Noordhoeak Beach

While you are around, it would be a shame to miss this gem. The award winning Cape Point Vineyards winery is located close to Noordhoek offering stunning views over the white sandy beach and nearby ocean.

The on-site restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Thursdays, they also host an excellent food market from 4.30 pm to 20.30 pm. Expect to find a number of the country’s best food vendors.

Chapman’s Peak Drive

a view at Noordhoek Beach, Cape Town, South Africaa view at Chapmans Peak Drive at Noordhoek Beach, South Africaa view at Chapmans Peak Drive, South Africaa view at Chapmans Peak Drive South Africaa view from Chapmans Peak Drive, South Africa

From Noordhoak, take Chapman’s Peak Drive back towards Cape Town. It is truly one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It’s only nine kilometres long but there are 114 curves along the drive and giant cliffs are dropping down to gorgeous white beaches!

Keep in mind that Chapman’s Peak Drive is a toll road. If you do not want to pay, you can also drive via Boyes Drive.

Hout Bay

a panoramic view at Hout Bay in South Africa

Located right at the end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, another small, picturesque harbour town is more than worth a stop as well. From here, you can also catch a boat ride to the Cape Fur Seal colony on Duiker Island. It’ll cost you R70.

Don’t miss Bay Harbour Market if you can, a favourite of locals and tourists alike. There are different stalls selling handcrafted products, art and jewellery; and there are also a lot of food stalls. The market is open on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday all day.

Constantia Valley

a view at Constantia Glen Winery in Constantia Valley in Cape Town, South AfricaBuitenverwachting winery at Constantia Valley in Cape Towna view of Groot Constantia winery manor house at Constantia Valley

End your day tour by driving along the Constantia Valley wine route back towards Cape Town. The wine route includes several of the most historic and renown wineries of South Africa, including Groot Constantia (the oldest one), Constantia Glen, Eagles Nest,  Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia and Steenberg.

Have you been to the Cape Peninsular yet?