A scenic drive to Chapman’s Peak
Embark on a 40-minute journey south from the heart of Cape Town and you’ll find yourself on the mesmerising Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This route, with its road that clings to the almost sheer cliffs of Chapman’s Peak, offers a thrilling drive with the Atlantic Ocean’s depths stretching out below.
The drive connects Hout Bay to Noordhoek and is dotted with viewpoints that provide spectacular panoramas across Hout Bay.
For those seeking a unique way to explore, Cape Sidecar Adventures delivers an exhilarating ride along the Atlantic seaboard to Chapman’s Peak, making for an unforgettable experience.
Caryn Young from Adventure World NZ & the Aardvarks on Sidecar Adventure at Camps Bay
Encounter with Boulder Beach penguins
A mere 30-minute drive across the peninsula takes you to the picturesque setting of Simonstown, a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch at the Seaforth restaurant, where seafood is served against the backdrop of Seaforth beach.
A short walk away, Boulders Beach is home to a thriving colony of African penguins. They were once on the brink of extinction but concerted conservation efforts have seen their numbers swell to more than 3,000.
Visitors can observe these charming birds from a raised boardwalk, experiencing the unique sight of penguins amid the beauty of False Bay.
The Cape of Good Hope
Another 30-minute drive southward, the Cape of Good Hope unveils itself as a site steeped in maritime history and natural splendour.
Once thought to be the southernmost tip of Africa, this historic spot in the Table Mountain National Park captivates with its mix of warm and cold ocean currents.
The park offers accommodations, some accessible only by hiking, for those wishing to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty and enjoy the night sky.
At Cape Point, a funicular takes visitors up to a historic lighthouse, providing insights into the area’s notorious shipwrecks, including the SS Lusitania which was wrecked on nearby rocks in 1911.
The unmissable Table Mountain
No first visit to Cape Town would be complete without ascending Table Mountain. Whether you challenge yourself with a hike up its trails or opt for the cable car, the summit plateau offers impressive 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Exploring Bo-Kaap and Camps Bay
The old Malay quarter is without doubt the prettiest of the Cape Town suburbs and offers views to Table Mountain.
For a more authentic experience you can take a cooking tour of the area which includes a class with a real Cape Malay ‘Auntie’.
Known as a city oasis, Camps Bay is an attractive seaside suburb with a large beach strewn with granite boulders, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and dining by the ocean.
The winelands of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
There are many wineries to choose from in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions.
Steeped in history, the area was first settled more than 500 years ago with the first vines planted by French Huguenots. Today, and within an hour’s drive of Cape Town, visitors can experience some of the best wineries in South Africa.
With options like the Franschhoek Wine Tram for a day of tasting or a leisurely afternoon at a winery (we enjoyed Spier Wine Farm), wine enthusiasts are spoilt for choice.
In just the three days that I was there Cape Town revealed itself as a destination of diverse experiences, from its natural wonders and historical sites to its culinary delights and cultural treasures.
Thanks to South Africa Tourism and MW Tours.
