Description
The Cape Peninsula region near Cape Town is known for being home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, with dramatic natural landmarks, a diverse ecosystem, and remarkable wildlife spotting opportunities. Sounds exciting, right? Well, now it’s your time to immerse yourself in the majesty of this magnificent region; on this day of your tour package, you’ll have the chance to explore Cape Peninsula and its most iconic sights yourself. While the specific order of the day will vary, and some things are weather dependent, as this part of South Africa can sometimes experience strong winds and heavy rainfall, this comprehensive tour will see you embark on a cruise to Duiker Island, which is home to thousands of Cape fur seals, travel along Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world, and visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Bay. You’re also going to have the opportunity to visit Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope – venturing up to an old lighthouse with breathtaking panoramic views on the Flying Dutchman Funicular railway. Declared ‘The Fairest Cape in all the World’ by famous explorer Sir Francis Drake, you’ll experience first-hand why that statement is still accurate today; rich in remarkable wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty, this really is a stunning place to spend some time. During your day exploring the Cape Peninsula and Cape Town, you’ll stop for lunch at Bertha’s Restaurant in Simon’s Town; boasting an extensive menu of authentic South African cuisine, and fantastic views of the quayside and False Bay, this will be one lunch you’ll want to savour. Just off of the Historical Mile here, you’ll also have a chance to learn more about the naval history of Simon’s Town, which is where the South African Navy has called home since 1957.
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Things to do
Boulders Penguin Colony
Boulders Bay is one of the best places in the world to see African penguins in the wild, and a visit to the Boulders Penguin Colony is a must for anyone exploring Cape Town in South Africa. Reportedly originally settling in this area in 1982, the dwindling population of African penguins can be found on a stretch of three pristine beaches in Simon’s Town, which is within Cape Town; while here, you can observe these remarkable birds from specially-built boardwalk walkways, something that has been introduced to continue protecting the colony from human influence. Known for their dramatic black and white plumage, and for having small pink glands above their eyes, these unique penguins are best-spotted during the Summer months. Although, you’ll still spy a few of them throughout the year, should you visit at another time.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Stretching from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, along the Atlantic coastline, Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most stunning scenic drives in the world; constructed during the First World War, this roadway runs for around 9km and features 114 twists and turns. While only around half an hour, this must-experience drive is truly unforgettable – the breathtaking views of the coastline here are unlike anything else in the world.
Cape of Good Hope
Jutting out dramatically into the South Atlantic Ocean, the Cape of Good Hope is a breathtakingly beautiful natural landmark boasting incredible coastline views, sensational wildlife spotting opportunities, and an interesting history worth taking the time to learn more about – and, it’s a peninsula that’s commonly mistaken for being the southernmost point in Africa, but that’s actually Cape Agulhas, which is about 150 km eastwards. When it was first discovered by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, this rocky headland was known as the Cape of Storms, but John II of Portugal renamed it the Cape of Good Hope in an effort to reflect the incredible optimism borne out of having an open sea route to India and the East. When you’re here, you’ll have the chance to see everything from ostrich and chacma baboons to African penguins and more; so, it’s definitely worth bringing a pair of binoculars when visiting.
Things to know
Seal Island Cruise
Participation in the Seal Island Cruise experience is weather permitting and may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
The Chapman’s Peak Drive roadway can sometimes be closed due to adverse weather conditions, so this part of the experience is also subject to weather conditions and may be delayed or cancelled.