LONG BEACH // The Cape Peninsula

The Cape Peninsula is home to many tourist attractions, all of which are included in most tours through the area.  In one day you can visit Hout Bay (ferries to seal inhabited Duiker Island depart from here), drive along Chapman’s Peak, play with penguins at Boulder’s Beach, hike through Cape Point Nature Reserve, take a picture at the South-Western most point in Africa and experience the view from the old lighthouse of Cape Point. 

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Hayley suggested I take a trip around the Cape Peninsula, but I was already one-step ahead of her.  Cape Point was my final destination of the Six Unforgettable Experiences in Cape Town- the last box to tick off.

A self-guided, self-driven tour seemed like the best option.  I wanted to spend as much or as little time in each place as I saw fit.  I grabbed a map and headed upstairs for breakfast.  I planned my route over eggs benedict, coffee and fresh strawberry juice. 

Since the Chapman’s Peak Drive is currently closed my route detoured across the peninsula to Kalk Bay where I drove down the coast, passing Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town on the way to Boulder’s Beach.  I was interested in the local inhabitants.

Lovebirds.

In 1983, a mere two pairs of penguins were spotted shuffling in the sand.  The locals made a decision to protect the area in order to help the endangered birds thrive.  Success! Today, the penguin population exceeds 3,000.  And I don’t care who you are or where you have been, it’s hard for your brain to compute large amounts of penguins waddling across a beach.  It’s a strange and fun site to behold.

Part of the colony bathing on rocks.

After the penguins I drove down the rest of the coast until I hit Cape Point.  It’s a popular and well-advertised belief that here is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, however, this is not true (Cape Agulhas is the meeting point).  Nonetheless, Cape Point is gorgeous. 

Sign at Cape Point

Sir Francis Drake called it the fairest Cape in all the world.  With stunning views, wildlife and indigenous flora, he was right.  Bartholomew Diaz called it the Cape of Storms and with over 25 shipwrecks peppering the coastline, he was right too.  A lighthouse was built to warn ships, but unfortunately, it spent most of the time covered in fog.  A new lighthouse was built in 1913, on Diaz Point.  From Cape Point, you can hike up the winding stairs (or for less impact, you can ride the funicular) to visit the old lighthouse.  You are rewarded with 360 degree views of the peninsula.

The Cape of Good Hope is within walking distance of Cape Point.  I grabbed a bottle of water from the café and went for it.  I have now been to the South-Western most point on the continent of Africa.  Check.

Sign at Cape of Good Hope

I finished my Cape Peninsula tour by driving through the Cape Point Nature Reserve.  One advantage of taking a tour is the possibility to bike ride through the park.  The reserve is home to the smallest yet richest plant kingdom.  Over 1000 different species share the park with over 250 birds including ostriches, a few zebra, and antelope.  Beware of the baboons.  They are vicious.  

Ostrich family out for a visit around the peninsula.

Fynbos of the Cape Point Nature Reserve

The sun is started to set as I drove past the beautiful beaches of Scarborough.  South Africa is a truly magical place and I can’t wait to explore more of it.