10. Cape Peninsula and Cape Point
The Cape Peninsula stretches from Cape Point at the most southern tip to the city in the north, with a distance of 70 km between them. It holds some of the most dramatic scenery in South Africa – mostly magnificent mountain ranges, forests, crystal clear beaches and mountain passes. Standing on Cape Point overlooking the ocean on a clear day is an unforgettable experience.
A drive around the Cape Peninsula is a must for any visitor to the Mother City. If you visit the city for only one day it would be a difficult choice to decide between Cape Point and Table Mountain..
Start your adventure as early as possible and drive slowly all along the Atlantic through Sea Point, Clifton, Camps Bay and Hout Bay. From the V&A Waterfront take Beach Road and continue all along the coast into Victoria Road (M6). The coastal scenery changes dramatically and you can stop at several spots to enjoy the fine views and fresh morning air.
As you reach Hout Bay, turn right into Main Road and head towards Chapman’s Peak Drive (M6). Drive through Chapman’s Peak and stop at the various lookout points along the way. As most lookout points can only be reached from the opposite direction it is a good idea to drive all along the pass and then turn back and visit the lookout points. (The pass is so beautiful that you can easily drive through it three times.)
As you cut through Chapman’s Peak you are greeted by Noordhoek Beach – a beautiful 6km stretch of white sand ideal for long walks or just to sit down and think. Several horse stables offer horse rides on the beach.
Continue straight on the M6 (this is now Noordhoek Main Road) and turn right into Ou Kaapse Road and then right into Kommetjie Road (M65).
The village of Kommetjie is your next point of call. Stop here and visit the small secluded Kommetjie Bay. Walk along Lighthouse road to view the Slangkop (Snake’s head) Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse was build in 1919. Its pieces were shipped from Britain and it was the second most powerful lighthouse on the African coast after Cape Point on completion. Continue along Main Road (M65) or south along Lighthouse Road until it joins the M65.
The beautiful seaside village of Scarborough is definitely worth stopping at to wander around. If you are here over low tide obtain a mussel permit from the local post office and collect some on the beach.
Heading towards the tip of the Peninsula turn right into Plateau Road (M65) all the way to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Many roads cover the nature reserve – explore them all and don’t just head straight to Cape Point. The reserve is home to zebra, springbuck, eland and baboon to name a few. There are over 1800 plant species in the Cape Peninsula, of which many are found here. The area holds 10 endangered Fynbos species unique to Cape Point. Bird lovers should look out for the famous African Fish Eagle.
Scenic hiking trails take you through magnificent nature scenery and you feel a thousand miles away. Do not miss the two and a half hour Thomas Tucker Shipwreck Walk – this circle route starts at Olifantsbospunt Bay and takes you along the coast to the wreck before turning inland to Sirelsvlei dam. The Thomas Tucker ship was shipwrecked in 1942 while carrying military supplies to Northern Africa.
Cape Point’s tip Cape Maclear provides fantastic views over False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. (Many think that this is the southernmost tip of Africa, but it’s actually Cape Agulhas, 170 km eastwards). The sea cliffs here are among the highest in the world. Beneath them are many sea caves – the biggest 51 meters deep with a mouth of 12 meter wide. From the Two Oceans Restaurant guests can enjoy sweeping views over False Bay, and you should at least enjoy a coffee or cold drink here. There is also a take-away and curio shop.
Several isolated beaches are located in the reserve – some of which can be seen from Cape Point. You can easily spend a whole day exploring them - take your map, picnic bag, camera and play David Livingston as you drive around the reserve discovering off the track (and stunning) beaches missed by the big busloads of tourists. An interesting beach to explore is Bordjiesrif with its many rock pools and tidal pool. There is a large picnic area with barbeque facilities. Avoid swimming as there are no lifeguards.
As you leave the reserve drive up the eastern side of the Peninsula on the M4 towards Simon’s Town. Stop at The Boulders Beach to view the famous colony of African Penguins. (see Boulders Beach for more details)
This historic town of Simon’s Town has been a navy base for longer than 200 years. Its history can best be appreciated by visiting the Simon’s Town Museum and SA Naval museum. As you 
walk through the main street observe the British influence in the buildings. Visit the Waterfront (below Jubilee Square) overlooking the yacht basin - it has some excellent craft stores and you will not leave empty handed. Slow down the pace and relax at one of the intimate seashore restaurants. Many mornings and afternoon boat trips run from Simon’s Town harbour – the longest one will take you all the way down to Cape Point.
Continue further up the eastern side of the Peninsula on the M4 towards Cape Town. Visit Kalk Bay and Muizenberg - see the next attraction for more details.
Travel checklist
- Drove through Chapman’s Peak
- Walked on Noordhoek Beach
- Visited Slangkop Point Lighthouse in Kommetjie
- Visited the town of Scarborough
- Explored the Cape of Good Hope Nature reserve and Cape Point
- Explored Simon’s Town and its museums
Useful numbers
Cape Point 021 780 9010
Two Oceans Restaurant 021 780 9200
Simon’s Town Museum 021 786 3046
SA Naval Museum 021 787 4635
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