Embark on an awe-inspiring Cape Point tour to the towering headland known as Cape Point
Jutting out into the ocean, this rugged and rocky peninsula has become synonymous with the Cape of Storms since the explorer, Barolotmeu Dias, first set his sights on it in 1488. A sightseeing drive to the Cape Point Nature reserve and around the Cape Peninsula is a “must do” day trip when visiting Cape Town. The magnificent Cape Point route is one of the great day tours from Cape Town. It is also one of the most remarkable drives anywhere in the world and features steep cliffs, stunning vistas and plenty of sightseeing opportunities!
The journey begins….
Our Cape Point tour starts with a pick up from your hotel within the Cape Town City Bowl, turning your back on the still rising sun as we make our way through the affluent suburbs of Sea Point on the slopes and base of Signal Hill. Inhale the gentle breeze of the Atlantic Ocean as we continue on the Cape Point tour heading north of Lion’s Head to feed your eyes with the beauty of oceanic views and luxurious properties of Bantry Bay, we continue the Cape Point tour north west of Lion’s Head into Clifton one of South Africa’s most expensive neighborhoods boasting mind blowing architectural property designs glued on the steep western face of the Lion’s Head mountain, patterned by rows of pine trees and carpeted by four sandy white beaches with blue flag status.
Camp’s Bay
The Cape Point tour proceeds onto Camp’s Bay, a suburb blanketed by the majestic Table Mountain from behind and Lion’s Head on its right. This tourist haven is loved by both locals and international tourists for its white sandy beaches and vibrant night life supported by great clubs and outstanding restaurants. The Cape Point tour continues along Camps’ Bay for a stop at Maidens Cove for some photo opportunities of the enticing Twelve Apostles mountain range.
Hout Bay
Just after Camp’s Bay, the Cape Point tour continues to Hout Bay, situated in the valley of the Atlantic seaboard of the Cape Peninsula which was once a source of timber to the Dutch settlers but today Hout Bay is a thriving small fishing town and a must visit for any tourist. In Hout Bay you can enjoy some of the best fish and chips in the world, the town is respected and favored for its sea food restaurants. Our stop in Hout Bay gives you some time for an optional boat trip to Duikers Island also known as “Seal Island” where you can view and appreciate a colony of seals that inhabit Seal Island. With the conclusion of enjoying the Hout Bay sites sets in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic seaboard we proceed with the Cape Point tour making our way to the famous Chapman’s Peak drive.
Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak is well known for staging events such as the Cape Argus and Two Oceans Marathon the peak is named after John Chapman who engineered its creation. From Chapman’s Peak the Cape Point tour continues to pass Noordhoek a place of tranquil with a beautiful calm beach popular for walking and horse riding. As we pass Noordhoek on this Cape Point tour you will see an ostrich farm on your left with an opportunity to see the ostriches as we pass by making our way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Cape Point Nature Reserve
Our journey has now reached the tip of the Cape Peninsula as we enter the reserve, situated in 17 750 hectares of nature reserve and home to a variety of wildlife with over 250 species of birds. This reserve is also one of the largest breeding grounds for tortoises. We will stop at Cape of Good Hope for an opportunity to have your photo taken at the famous picture board of the most South Western tip of the African Continent. Cape Point is located about 1km east of Cape of Good Hope, the scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure, it is also an international icon of great historical interest with a visitor drawn to the area because of its rich maritime history.
Named the “Cape of Storms” by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488, the Cape Point was treated with respect by sailors for centuries. Chacma baboons are common to see at Cape Point, we will stop at Cape Point where you will have the option of either walking or taking the funicular ride to the upper lighthouse where you will be able to look at the enticing views of the Cape Peninsula and the surrounding mountain range.
Simon’s Town
After visiting the lighthouse at Cape Point we head to Boulders Beach where you are offered the opportunity to view a colony of African Jackass Penguins at the penguin colony at close range. This endangered land-based penguin colony is one of the few in the world, whose boardwalks allow you to get up close and observe the penguins in their natural habitat.
The Cape Point tour continues through Simon’s Town after a visit to the penguin colony, home of the South African Navy where you can still see some historic naval vessels anchored off-shore. On a drive through the town you might see the famous statue of Just Nuisance, the only dog ever to be enlisted to the Royal Navy. Simon’s Town also offers a fantastic collection of boutique stores and restaurants.
From Simon’s Town the Cape Point tour proceeds through Fish Hoek, a little town known for its leisure activities like surfing, sailing and sunbathing. We will then pass Kalk Bay and Muizenberg which has one of the most beautiful beaches in Cape Town with the exciting danger of sharks.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The Cape Point tour will be concluded with a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) founded in 1913 its original purpose was to ensure that the original native plants were protected from extinction. Set against the gentle lower slopes of Table Mountain it is the perfect place to unwind after the end of the tour.
Our return to Cape Town from the Cape Point tour will take us past the University of Cape Town, the Rhodes Memorial and Groote Schuur Hospital (site of the world’s first heart transplant) before we drop you off safely and happily at your hotel.