This rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, about an hour and a half south of Cape Town, is a popular spot for visitors to the Mother City, especially for its beautiful scenery and compelling wildlife (it´s also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cape Floral Region). And here´s a look at the top attractions at the Cape of Good Hope, nearby False Bay, and on the peninsula in general:
Simon´s Town
On the eastern shore of False Bay and the Cape Peninsula, with a population of around 6,600, this charming, 344-year-old town has a great little selection of restaurants and cute places to stay, along with the Simon's Town Museum and South African Naval Museum; nearby activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, and fishing (more about that below); and of course...
OIga Ernst
Just several minutes´ drive (or a walk of 20 minutes or so) south of Simon's Town and named for the large granite boulders which shield it from the open ocean, this strand's placid waters and soft white sand are great for families. But its main attraction by far is the chance to get up close and personal with its colony of throughly adorable African penguins - close, but without actually touching them, of course. You'll definitely want to smuggle one home!
The heart of the Cape of Good Hope is the reserve which lies at Africa´s southwesternmost points (the actual southernmost is Cape Agulhas, some 200 kilometers away on the Garden Route), with craggy cliffs, spectacular seascapes, and pristine beaches. It offers eco/adventure activities like hiking, biking/e-biking, swimming, surfing, and whale/dolphin watching. You can also of course walk right out to the Cape itself, plus while on your hikes (either on your own or hiring a guide), you might also spot some local wildlife, including seals, otters, baboons (watch out, they might even steal your stuff!), ostriches, several species of antelope, and most charmingly, the diminutive Cape Mountain zebras (above).
Other attractions/amenities a cable car up the back side of Table Mountain for - naturally - breathtaking views over the whole area and out to sea (the reserve is actually part of Table Mountain National Park); visits to a pair of lighthouses, the old one dating to 1859, with some historical displays and a couple of eateries, and the "new" one (built in 1918), reachable on foot or via a short funicular; the Two Oceans Restaurant; a couple of curio/gift shops; and a trio of self-catering cottages for overnight stays.
Champan's Peak Drive
Running between the towns of Noordhoek and Hout Bay, "Chappies" is one of the world´s more scenic routes, enjoy the beautiful scenery and observe different types of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, whales, and penguins. There are also many great viewpoints along Champan's Drive where visitors can take in the amazing ocean views before continuing their journey. Pro tip: Stop off along the way at the lookout points for amazing photography opportunities.
Platboom Beach
Located within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve just north of the cape and a half hour south of Simon´s Town, this wild, spectacular, nearly deserted beach runs 2.5 kilometers (about a mile and a half) and boasts pure white sand kicky surf popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers who brave the icy waters, and you´ll also spot wildlife wandering nearby, including antelopes, ostriches, and even baboons.
Gifkommetjie Trail
This is a 10.6km round-trip hike which is considered easy to moderate and takes you through the seaside village of Gifkommetjie and past some beautiful lagoons in about 2½ hours. This is a great activity for families as it's not too strenuous and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. The trail also offers stunning views of the surrounding area, so be sure to bring your camera! Pro tip: Take a small packed lunch for everyone if you think you will be hitting hiking around lunchtime.
Fabulous Fishing
The waters around the Cape Peninsula are home to a variety of fish including bluefin and yellowfin tuna, Cape snoek, white steenbras, Atlantic bonito, Cape bream (aka hottentots), and red roman, and it´s recommendable to hire a local charter such as Outrageous Fishing. And while you´re out here, You may even be lucky enough to spot some dolphins or whales as you cast your line!
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Comments
Oh yes, I remember those penguins - I really wanted to smuggle one home!
I´ve been down here, and it is indeed worth the trip. And OMG those zebras and especially penguins! 🥰