Cape Peninsula
FULL DAY
Cape Peninsula Tour
Chapman’s Peak is named after John Chapman, the Captain’s mate of an English ship, the Consent. The peak which looms overhead was not named after a governor or brave mountaineer, but a lowly ship’s pilot. This world famous scenic route was constructed in the 1920’s and you will enjoy the most breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Hout Bay Harbour.
The Cape of Good Hope National Park forms part of the rich “Cape Floral Kingdom”, the biome of which is considered to be the richest and most bio diverse in the world. It is commonly known as “Fynbos”, (or “Fine bush) covering an area of approx. 500,000 hectares (1,25 million acres) The area is rich in natural heritage and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. Due to the variety of wildlife that occurs here it is the only section of the Table Mountain National Park that is fenced and visitors should look out for Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok and Zebra. At the point, visitors are treated to excellent viewing opportunities from the “old” lighthouse, which was built in 1859. The lighthouse is accessible by foot or one can catch the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top.
Simon’s Town (sometimes spelled Simonstown) is a town which is home to the South African Navy. It is located on the shores of False Bay, on the eastern side of the Cape Peninsula. For more than two centuries it has been a naval base and harbour (first for the Royal Navy and now the South African Navy). The town is named after Simon van der Stel, an early governor of the Cape Colony.
It is an area rich in Cape Malay culture and well known for its influence in our Cape cuisine. It is also a former township, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre. The Bo-Kaap is traditionally a multicultural area. The area is known for its brightly coloured homes and cobble stoned streets. Greenmarket Square is a historical square in the centre of old Cape Town was built in 1696. Over the years, the square has served as a slave market, a vegetable market, a parking lot and more recently, a “flea market”, where you will find African souvenirs, crafts and curios.
ITINERARY
08h30 – Collect from your accommodation
Travel in a southerly direction towards False Bay and Muizenberg, meandering your way through the picturesque and somewhat eclectic seaside villages of St James and Kalk Bay. The area is well known for its Coffee shops, Bohemiam style boutiques, Bric a Brac, art galleries and antique stores. Your journey continues through historical Simon’s town, home to SA’s naval headquarters and steeped in Dutch and British history. We will visit Boulders African Penguin Colony, home to a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins. This colony is one of only a few in the world, and the site has become famous and a popular international tourist destination. From here, you continue in a southerly direction, along the beautiful edge of False Bay, towards the Cape of Good Hope Nature reserve. Here, you will enjoy breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and will have ample time to visit the “old” lighthouse, which was built in 1859. The lighthouse is accessible by foot or one can catch the Flying Dutchman funicular to the top.
Lunch stop – Your journey continues in a northerly direction, towards Chapmans Peak drive, considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world, with breath-taking views of the icy Atlantic Ocean, riddled with shipwrecks and tales gone by. (Please note that this section of your journey is weather dependent, so cannot be guaranteed) Continue your journey along the Western side of the Cape Peninsula mountain range, through Hout Bay, Llandudno and Camps Bay, under the shadow of the looming “Twelve Apostles”. Time dependent, your guide could pause for a photo stop of the magnificent views.
17h30 – Drop off at your accommodation