South Africa
Day 2 - The Cape Peninsula
Today is all about road trippin, windy hikes and a cuteness overload with the penguins at Boulder Beach.
Cheapman's Peak Drive: South Africa's most scenic drive
We start our morning with the most beautiful road in South Africa: Cheapman's Peak Drive. We rode from Camps Bay to the toll gate in Hout Bay. From there on the road winds along the rocky coastline with impressive panoramic views after every corner.
After Cheapman's Peak turn right on the traffic lights in Sun Valley and take the short detour via Kommetje and Misty Cliffs.
Watch the kite surfers in Misty Cliffs
We took a little detour and stumbled upon a beach where a large number of cool guys and girls were kite surfing on the large waves at Misty Cliffs. Park your car along the road and enjoy the spectacle. Maybe even bring some picnic for lunch.
Drive along to the gate of Cape Point (part of Table Mountain National Park). After you paid the entrance fee, proceed to the parking lot of Cape Point.
The windy cliffs of Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope is one the most historical points of the African continent. Centuries ago Portugese, Dutch and British ships on their way to India discovered the windy, unpredictable bays along these cliffs. Many ships got stranded or even crashed along these shores. For a long time this point was considered the most southern tip of continental Africa. Be prepared, this place will be windy! We parked our car at Cape Point. From here you can walk to the lighthouse at the top or take the funicular to save energy for another hike to come. After your visit to the lighthouse with a great view over the Bay of Hermanus, head back down to the parking lot. From the visitor center a pathway starts towards the top of Cape of Good Hope. No easy to reach panel on the parking lot at the bottom, but the real deal at the top! If you are lucky you'll spot some wildlife along the way.
Leave Cape Point Nature Reserve and ride to Simon's Town for the famous Boulder Beach's penguins
Penguin spotting at Boulder Beach
Did you know there are penguins living outside Antarctica? At Boulder Beach in Simon's Town you can spot the only wild penguins that are not living on the South Pole. Be aware that you are not allowed on the beach, but can spot these funny animals from wooden decks so you're not disturbing them to much. At Middle Beach, just next to Boulder Beach you can swim and walk on the beach. Often the penguins come to this beach as well, so you can get closer. But just leave them alone please, we are guests in their home so don't disturb them and don't try to touch them.
From Simon's Town you head back to Camps Bay along the scenic Cheapman's Peak (in the other direction as you did this morning).
Sunset drive back to Camps Bay
While the sun sets you return to Camps Bay via the scenic Cheapman's Peak Drive in the other direction. Enjoy the golden glow and spot the golden peaks of Lion's Rock and Signal Hill when you enter Camps Bay.
