Enquire about a trip
Our travellers
Destinations
Travel inspiration
About us
Inquire about a trip!
Partner with us Your Impact Contact Dutch English
Enquire about a trip

Cape Peninsula

Sometimes, you just have to embrace the classics. The Cape coastline is picture-perfect: indulge in fresh seafood in Kalk Bay, surf in Muizenberg, and hike to the Cape of Good Hope. Idyllic surf towns and rugged nature make this a must-see destination.

Cape Point

The Cape Peninsula, or Cape Point, is a rocky peninsula stretching roughly 75 kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean. Our advice – set aside a few days to fully enjoy this area. Short on time? With a bit of hustle, you can tick off all the highlights in a single day. Buckle up, don’t forget your camera, and make sure to check off every incredible spot.

 

Misty Cliffs

We’ll start with a tiny but delightful coffee stop! After a winding mountain drive from Kommetjie, you’ll spot a magical place in the distance: Misty Cliffs. This small village borders a nature reserve and is surrounded by lush forests and a wild coastline. This stretch of the Atlantic coast is a favourite among (kite) surfers. When the day-trippers leave, Misty Cliffs returns to its natural state of peace and serenity.

Even Capetonians are known to buy beach holiday homes here, so you can imagine how idyllic it is! If they’re not using the houses, you might even be able to rent one for a night. Imagine waking up to the sound of the sea and stepping straight onto the beach from your bedroom – now that’s living like a Capetonian! Just be wary of the baboons – they’re cheeky enough to raid your fridge.

A short ten-minute walk brings you to the next village, Scarborough. Here, you’ll find quaint little cafés and breakfast spots. Before heading to Earth Café for a coffee, you’ll pass a small estate agency. Be warned: you might spend ten minutes daydreaming about owning one of the gorgeous beach houses here!

Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is an absolute gem! It’s so lovely that it’s worth staying a few nights to explore the Cape Peninsula from here. This coastal village boasts an array of charming eateries, and every 15 minutes, a little train chugs along the beach and through the town. It’s a quirky sight, especially if you’re sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand at Cape to Cuba.

The fishing harbour is alive with activity as seasoned fishermen bring in their catch, often accompanied by seals that are much larger on land than you might expect – keep a safe distance!

In the harbour, you’ll also find some fantastic restaurants. Our favourite lunch spot? Kalky’s Fish & Chips. True to the local saying “Local is lekker,” this no-frills eatery offers fresh, affordable fish in a lively South African atmosphere. For dinner, reserve a window seat at Harbour House, where the waves crash against the glass as you enjoy fresh seafood like langoustine straight from the ocean.

In datzelfde haventje zijn een paar goede restaurants te vinden, onze favoriete lunch spot? Kalky’s Fish & Chips. Een typische uitspraak van Capetonians is ‘Local is lekker’. Verwacht geen fancy restaurants, maar juist meer een lokale Zuid-Afrikaanse sfeer waar je voor een zeer scherpe prijs lokale en verse vis kan eten. Als je nog ruimte over hebt voor een diner, reserveer dan een tafel aan het raam bij Harbour House. Hier kletteren de golven tegen het raam terwijl jij geniet van een verse langoustine uit de zee.

Cape of Good Hope

Many people know this iconic spot, the Cape of Good Hope. Did you know it’s the southernmost tip of Africa? Completing a journey from Morocco to here – that’s the ultimate travel dream! It’s also the birthplace of the legend of the Flying Dutchman, which began in 1641.

This is where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, creating temperature clashes that have sunk many a ship. In the 17th century, during the VOC era, this location became a vital refreshment station and has since evolved into the vibrant city of Cape Town.

Once you pass the gates of the Cape of Good Hope, you can easily spend a few hours exploring. Climb to Cape Point, check out the lighthouse, dine at Two Oceans, walk the path along the 26 shipwrecks in the area, or simply relax on the beach.

Chapman’s Peak

Just a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, you’ll reach the start of Chapman’s Peak. Ask any Capetonian for must-do activities, and you’ll hear about the “Chappies.” This breathtaking drive is one of the region’s top attractions.

Almost every bend offers a perfect spot to stop and soak in the views. The 15-kilometre winding road features hollowed caves, towering cliffs, a bay overlooking Hout Bay where you might spot a whale, and sheer drop-offs that will give you butterflies. A tip: rent a scooter or e-bike – the open-air experience makes the route even more magical!

The route runs from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, or vice versa. Both are charming beach towns worth visiting. Don’t expect glitzy beach bars, but rather endless unspoilt sandy shores perfect for horse riding, swimming, or strolling.

Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach

Simon’s Town is often a lunch stop for travellers en route to see the penguins. But this charming town is more than just a pitstop – it’s a historic naval base with Victorian houses overlooking False Bay. Discovered by Simon van der Stel in 1679, the area provided a haven from the fierce Cape storms.

From Simon’s Town, you can take a boat to Seal Island, home to hundreds (if not thousands) of seals. But let’s get back to the penguins! A five-minute drive from Simon’s Town brings you to Boulders Beach, where you have two options to see these adorable creatures.

The first, popular with day-trippers, is at Foxy Beach. From wooden platforms, you can observe hundreds of penguins on the sand and hidden in the dunes. While touristy, it’s undoubtedly a fantastic experience.

For a more private encounter, head to Boulders Beach itself. Here, you can swim with the penguins. Wander along the beach and crawl under the rocks to find secluded coves where you can spend a magical afternoon with the penguins. But don’t underestimate them – they’re wild animals with sharp beaks that can cause injury.

Unique & Authentic Experiences

Come with us to the authentic sides of Africa. That means authentic connections with local people and keeping a curious eye for the unknown.

View all unique experiences
Kenya

Kenya Mighty Nature, the Big Five, and vibrant kenyan tribes

Kenya is for the traveler who wants to experience it all. Enjoy motorcycle adventures in Magadi, spot zebras from the back of a horse, or climb the rock walls of Mount Kenya.

Discover Kenya
Uganda

Tarzan jungles, green cityscapes and mountain gorillas

From gorilla trekking to a motorbike ride past temples and mosques in green Kampala. Uganda has been crowned the Pearl of Africa for a reason. Ready to discover it for yourself?

Discover Uganda
Botswana

Salt pans, mokoro boat trips and endless savannahs

Safari paradise with a slightly more luxurious edge. Explore the Okovango Delta in a boat made of a hollowed-out tree trunk, spot the big five from the air (!) and come face to face with rhinos.

Discover Botswana

1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Masai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even in the middle of the night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

Our travellers

Destinations

Information

Want to receive our newsletter?

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Follow us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Collaborating with

amref
just-digit

Copyright © Charlies Travels 2024