The Cape Peninsula is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world. Here's the route, the stops worth making and how to plan a full day around Cape Point and the penguins.
If you only have time for one day trip from Cape Town, make it a Cape Peninsula tour. In a single loop you'll drive one of the world's most spectacular coastal roads, stand on the cliffs at Cape Point, walk to the Cape of Good Hope and meet a colony of African penguins on a sheltered beach.
This guide covers the route, the highlights and practical tips so you get the most out of your day.
The classic Cape Peninsula route
Most tours follow a loop: down the Atlantic coast on the west, to the tip of the peninsula, and back along False Bay on the east. Here are the highlights in order.
1. Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles
Leaving the city, the coastal road passes Clifton and Camps Bay with the Twelve Apostles mountain range rising behind them. It's worth a quick photo stop before the road climbs towards Llandudno.
2. Hout Bay
Hout Bay is a working fishing harbour in a deep valley. Boats leave from here to Duiker Island to see Cape fur seals, and the harbour market is a good spot for breakfast.
3. Chapman's Peak Drive
Chapman's Peak Drive is the showpiece of the day. The toll road is carved into the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with sheer drops to the Atlantic and famous curves. There are several viewpoints along the way. The road occasionally closes after heavy rain or for rockfall work, in which case the route goes over Constantia Nek instead.
4. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
Cape Point lies inside the Table Mountain National Park, which charges an entrance fee. From the main parking area you can walk up to the old lighthouse or take the Flying Dutchman funicular. The views from the top are dramatic in every direction.
Nearby, the Cape of Good Hope is the rocky headland where many visitors take a photo with the famous sign. It's a common myth that this is Africa's southernmost point; that honour belongs to Cape Agulhas, about 150 km to the south-east. Look out for ostriches, bontebok and baboons in the reserve, and never feed the baboons or carry food openly near them.
5. Boulders Beach penguins
Just outside Simon's Town, Boulders Beach is home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Boardwalks let you watch them waddle, swim and nest among huge granite boulders. It is part of the national park, so there's a separate entry fee. It's one of the highlights of any Cape Peninsula tour, especially for children.
6. Simon's Town, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg
The return along False Bay passes Simon's Town, a historic naval town; Kalk Bay, with its fishing harbour, antique shops and seafood restaurants; and Muizenberg, known for its brightly painted beach huts and gentle surf.
How long does a Cape Peninsula tour take?
Plan on a full day of eight to nine hours. The driving itself is only a few hours, but you'll want time for viewpoints, a walk at Cape Point, the penguins and lunch.
Which direction should you go?
Many tours go clockwise (Atlantic coast first) to catch the best light on Chapman's Peak in the morning, but the right answer depends on the day. Cape Town's south-easterly wind can be very strong at Cape Point in summer, so a flexible guide will choose the order around the weather and the crowds.
Tips for the day
- Bring layers. Cape Point can be windy and cool even when the city is warm.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk to the lighthouse and the Boulders boardwalks.
- Keep food out of sight around baboons.
- Bring sunscreen and water. There's little shade at Cape Point.
- Carry a card for park entrance fees.
Explore the peninsula with a private guide
Our private Cape Peninsula tour covers Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach, with lunch in Kalk Bay or Simon's Town. We adapt the route to the wind and the light, and collect you from your accommodation.
Pair it with a day in the vineyards on our Cape Winelands day trip, or see how it fits into 3 days in Cape Town.