Cape Peninsular Tour

This tour highlights the beauty and the diversity of the vegetation and the scenery of the Peninsular.

The route we follow around the Peninsular depends very much on the weather and other variables which I take into consideration on the day. Should we proceed in anti-clockwise direction, we will travel along the coast via Sea Point, Clifton, Camps bay, Llandudno and stop in Hout Bay to have a look at the fishing trawlers and playful seals. From there we drive along one of the most spectacular drives in the world, Chapman’s Peak drive. We will definitely stop for a photy stop along this stunning route.

From there we make our way via the beautiful Atlantic coastline via the very quaint coastal suburbs of Kommetjie and Scarborough. We take a short detour into an Ostrich Farm where you learn some interesting facts about these fascinating birds.

No Cape Peninsular Tour is complete without a visit to the Cape of Good Hope (Africa’s most South Westerly tip). This is the spot which Bartholomeus Diaz found so elusive but eventually managed land at after many months at sea and battling the angry seas around the Cape of Storms! At Cape Point you have the option of taking the Funicular or walking up to the Lighthouse and learn how that particular light house was no good to sailors as it was mostly covered by cloud in bad weather. This necessitated the building of another lighthouse much lower than the original one. We normally enjoy lunch at the Two Oceans Restaurant which offers great views of False Bay and pretty good cuisine!

We then drive along False Bay and visit the Penguins at Boulders Beach. Here, on this pristine beach, nestled amongst the huge Granite Boulders is a colony of around 2 000 endangered African Penguins. They were previously known as the ‘Jack Ass’ Penguin because of their donkey like bray, but have recently been renamed to the more politically correct African Penguin.

If it is a lovely day, I often suggest to my visitors that they bring their bathing costumes along, so that we can enjoy a swim at Boulders Beach or elsewhere on the False Bay side of the Peninsular. At Boulders, you may be lucky enough to swim amongst the Penguins.

One of the very popular stops on the Cape Peninsular Tour is at Jubilee Square in Simons Town looking out at the South African Naval base and the yachts moored at the Yacht Club. Here you will hear all about a wily old sea dog called “Just Nuisance”, a rather large Great Dane who was loved by the young sailors during World War II and became the main character of South Africa’s first TV Series back in the 70’s. We then make our way along the beautiful False Bay coastline back to the City.

Should we do the tour in the opposite direction, we generally stop at Kalk Bay harbour where you can get a true sense of the life of a genuine fishing harbour and possibly see the morning’s catch being laid out for folk to come and purchase or being prepared to be dried and salted. A very authentic stop indeed.

There are very many other interesting places to see on this route but time often dictates that the above highlights are focussed on to do them justice.

There is always the option of splitting the Peninsular tour into two days and then other interesting spots could be visited like spending more time in Hout bay and take a boat ride out to Duiker Island to see hundreds of Cape Fur Seals in their natural environment or the visit the World of Birds which is a sanctuary to all sorts of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Another option would be to visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which is nestled on the Slopes of Table Mountain and is world renown for being the most beautiful garden in Africa. Kirstenbosch covers 6 different Biomes and offers a huge variety of our highly prized Cape Flora, which is unique to the Cape and known as Fynboss. Kirstenbosch also has an amazing collection of Cycads, which is an excellent show case for a collection of dinosaur sculptures. The Canopy walk is great fun for old and young alike!

You may wish to spend time at Groot Constantia soaking up the lovely views, and fascinating history and tasting some of Constantia’s finest wines. Groot Constantia also offers a chocolate and wine pairing experience. Talking of wine, there are some fabulous wine farms in Constantia Wine Region, my favourites include High Constantia, Constantia Glen, and Buitenverwagting. Steenberg is another interesting farm with a fascinating history dating back to 1682 when it was granted to a lady by the name of Catharina, who seemed to have better luck farming than keeping her husbands in the land of the living!

If there are children in the group, Gem World in Simons Town where we see how semi-precious stones are processed from their raw state to beautiful jewellery and ornaments. Children love scratching in the Scratch Patch to find there own collection of stones to take home.

In summer we could spend time swimming in some of the Tidal Pools dotted along the False bay coast which is great fun and take a dip at one of the beaches along the False Bay coast which is a bit warmer than the sea on the Western side of the Peninsula. There is also the option of doing a Kayak Tour in the Simon’s Town area or Hout Bay! The options are endless, drop me a line and let me work out an itinerary featuring all the things you would like to do!

To allow for maximum flexibility, the tariff includes:

• the use of the vehicle
• driver/guide for around 8 to 9 hours
• toll fees
• fuel and refreshments on board the vehicle

All entrance fees are excluded.

Whilst lunch, entrance fees and gratuities are not included in the prices, they can be included on request.

All prices are subject to change.

50% deposit via Master or Visa Card will secure your day with Cape Splendour.

Collection will be around 09h00 and return around 17h30, but we do it at your pace so times may vary according to your preference, the day is yours.

The luxury air-conditioned vehicle will be stocked with water and be driven with your comfort and safety in mind. Join us for an unforgettable tour!

All the vehicles will have the correct Operating licences and be covered with Passenger Liability Insurance.