Most visitors to Cape Town take the opportunity to drive the route known as ‘ The Cape Peninsula’ a scenic route that includes the Cape of Good Hope Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point, and the breathtaking views over False Bay.
- Stop and photograph the Penguins at Boulders Beach
- Watch the brightly coloured Fishing Boats come and go at Kalk Bay Harbour
- Stop and have your sandwich stolen by a Chacma Baboon ( not something we recommend ! )
- Shop for antiques in Simon's Town - steeped in Naval History
- Walk to the Lighthouse on the Cape Peninsula
- Between July and November watch out for Whales in False Bay
The Cape Peninsula is one of the most scenically spectacular areas of Cape Town. Anything from 30 minutes to 1 hour from the centre of Cape Town. From the Cape of Good Hope northwards, False Bay is fringed by 30km, almost continuous, stretch of beach. Visit a number of old, established and attractive seaside centres including Simons Town, Fish Hoek, Muizenberg and Kalk Bay.
There is lots to see and do in the Cape Peninsula. Its definitely worthy of at least a days tour to go and explore the area. See our Cape Peninsula Tour which is a scheduled or private day tour, or self drive the area for yourself.
Simons Town is a seaside town steeped in Naval History, it was founded by and named after the energetic Cape Governeur Simon van der Stel in 1687. The harbour provided a valuable anchorage during the British colonial era, and after the British formally took over in 1814 , served as the Royal Navy’s main South Atlantic base.
Its still a naval town, but not exclusively so.
Visit the Boulders Beach which is a breeding colony for the endangered African Penguins. One of the most memorable residents of Simons Town was Just Nuisance, the beloved Great Dane who befriended British Sailors during World War II . During his lifetime he was formerly ranked as an Able Seaman, on his death he was buried with full military honours, on a hill overlooking the town. A bronze statue of the dog stands in Jubilee Square.
Fish Hoek is an endearing seaside town, whose claim to fame is that it’s a “dry town”. When the original farm was sold the land was sold with the condition that there would be no bottle stores, off licenses, bars or pubs for a 100 years. When the 100 years had passed, the local council reelected to keep this tradition. Today alcohol can only be purchased in certain restaurants when accompanying a meal. In our opinion Fish Hoek’s most famous ‘son’ is David Ryan (our Managing Director) who was brought up and went to school in Fishhoek. His family still live in Fishhoek and can often be found at the beautiful Clovelly Golf Course!
Cape Point’s chief drawcard is unquestionably the massive and spectacular headland at the top of the Peninsula. Cape Points cliff’s fall sheer for about 300 metres to ocean, in whose turbulent waters you can glimpse shoals of tuna and snoek, sporting dolphins and seals and , occasionally a Southern Right Whale. Birds are quite plentiful too – albatross, petrel, gannet and gull wheel and cry in the air around Cape Point. The Cape Point Park is home to a variety of animals. Many people believe that Cape Point is the Southern most point of Africa, this is in fact incorrect, the Southern most point of Africa being Cape Agulhas along the Garden Route.
Noordhoek beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in Cape Town. Relatively undeveloped many locals have been known to walk their dogs along the beach throughout the day. Take a picnic and watch surfers and kite surfers in the barrel of a wave. Noordhoek Farm Village has a variety of great place to eat, including the Food Barn which is owned and run by esteemed chef Franck Dangereaux
Travel towards Hout Bay and you will find the Chapmans Peak Drive. Thanks to major repairs Chapmans peak drive has regained its place as one of the regions finest scenic routes. Winding precariously along the mountain for 10kilometres, the heart stopping toll road twists its way to reveal some magnificent views.
