Cape Peninsula Day Tour

Shortly after departing from Cape Town, we will stop at quirky Kalk Bay, with its many cute galleries, bars and restaurants. We love the vibrant historic harbour with its fleet of weatherworn fishing boats, in all the colours of the rainbow. If we are lucky, we might even see some seals relaxing around the harbour, looking for some scraps.

Officially known as the Cape of Good Hope, it also boasts a more fearsome moniker: The Cape of Storms. Dozens of ships have met their demise on these rocky shores during some of the Cape's legendary storms and the area is rich with legends and tales. Once we have arrived we will do a quick orientation of the area, its history, and the forces that have shaped it. We'll also visit Cape Point and the old lighthouse that used to warn sailors of the rocky coastline. This is also the most south-westerly point of the African continent and while it is not the meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans (that occurs at the most southerly point of Africa at Cape Agulhas) it is no less spectacular for it. Many beautiful walks dot the reserve, leading to some of the most unspoiled and scenic beaches in the Cape. Our favorite is a tiny sheltered bay called Diaz Beach, where you can enjoy any snacks you bring along. Do be mindful of the baboons strutting around looking for easy pickings!

Next up is Boulders Beach, where you will have a chance to see the colony of African penguins. These animals are critically endangered and this is one of the few accessible places in the world where you can see penguins in the wild. In addition to the main boardwalk walkways within the reserve, you will also have the opportunity to visit a small beach, where you can often have wonderful close-up encounters with the penguins as they waddle along the beautiful beach. This is also an excellent beach to go for a dip in the refreshingly chilly Atlantic Ocean and don't be surprised if a feathered friend joins in the fun.

As we wind our way back to Cape Town, it is the first time to enjoy a light lunch, while soaking up the estate's spectacular views of the ocean and mountain backdrop. Perched on the slopes of the famous Chapmans Peak mountain, this family-owned vineyard also produces some award-winning wines, and you will have the opportunity to sample some of their produce while enjoying lunch.

Dubbed one of the most scenic drives in the world, Chapmans Peak Drive (or "Chappies" as it's locally known) is breathtaking by any standard. The pass is hewn into sheer cliffs that plunge into the pounding Atlantic down below - with plenty of stunning spots to stop and admire the scenery.  Before Chapman’s Peak Drive had even been conceived, humankind had put the mountain flanks to good use as a lookout point over the entirety of Hout Bay and the ocean beyond. Built in 1782, the old East Fort Battery was one of four fortifications built in Hout Bay by the Dutch East India Company and was intended to protect the bay (and its harbor and industries) against marine attacks from the south.   Here we will stop to admire the scenery as the sun starts to set, creating the perfect photo opportunity.

While Chapman's Peak Drive is stunning, it is by no means the only spectacular coastal road in Cape Town. As our adventure together draws to an end, we will continue our journey back to Cape Town along beautiful Victoria Road as it winds along the Twelve Apostles, before passing through Camps Bay, with its stunning palm-fringed blonde beach. This stretch of beach, with its scores of bars and restaurants, is the playground of the “it” crowd in Cape Town – whether you want to spend some time on the white sandy beach, take a dip in one of the tidal pools, or sip on cocktails on the strip, during the summer season.