Cape Peninsula Road Trip Itinerary for 1 Day with Views, Penguins and more!

On our recent visit to South Africa we stayed in Cape Town for nearly a month. It is a city that really captured my heart. You could visit again and again and still have more to do and see! One of the highlights of our time in Cape Town was our 1 day Cape Peninsula road trip.

It is a must if you are visiting Cape Town and includes some of Western Cape’s most beautiful spots. Imagine white sand beaches around every bend, peaks and cliffs towering over the road, cute harbor towns, and best of all- penguins waddling down the sand right next to you!

There are plenty of tours that offer a full day Cape Peninsula experience (like the Hop on Hop off bus tour), but driving your own car gives more flexibility. Some of the top spots along the way include: Muizenberg, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and Noordhoek. But you can stop anywhere you’d like. Just be sure to bring plenty of snacks and lots of layers- Cape Town weather is often very unpredictable!

I’ve provided a map of my recommended route at the bottom, but feel free to change it up as you need.

Related: 9 epic experiences to be had in South Africa!

 

First stop- Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a cute and historical beach side town famous for its amazing surfing conditions. Take a stroll along the main Muizenberg beach. You’ve probably seen or heard of the colorful beach huts. They are really just changing rooms, but make for a great picture.

After walking around, stop for some breakfast or drink at a cafe. We went to the Empire Cafe. They had great coffee options and their croissants were delicious. We got to Muizenberg around 9 AM, but it you want more time at the following places you could get there earlier for breakfast.

 

Second stop- St James and Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is just a mere 10 minute drive from Muizenberg. It is another cute town also famous for its colorful Victorian huts, located on St James Beach. The beach is small, but perfect for families due to the large tidal pool. You can spend however much time you want in Kalk Bay, whether it’s a quick dip in the pool or just a photo stop.

 

Third stop- Boulders Beach

When hearing about Cape Town, one of the things that stuck to me the most was penguins! I had never really heard of penguins in Africa and was curious to learn more. So I did some research. The first thing that popped up was Boulders Beach and I was hooked after looking at some pictures. Turns out, the penguins are just as adorable as they look online!

Boulders Beach is just a 5 minute drive from Simon’s Town, a cute harbor town. Right next to Boulders Beach is Foxy Beach. Foxy Beach is more known for the large number of penguins, while Boulders Beach is popular with families and kids swimming. Foxy Beach itself is off limits, but you can observe the penguins from a boardwalk.

You’ll want to take a swimsuit- the waters at Boulders Beach are much warmer than other beaches in Cape Town! Also be sure to wear lots of sunblock and drink water. We spent around 3 hours in the area, so give yourself plenty of time.

 

Fourth stop- Simon’s Town

You will need to backtrack just a bit to reach your fourth destination, Simon’s Town. Walk around the harbor and grab a bite to eat at one of the many delicious fish and chips restaurants.

 

Fifth stop- Cape of Good Hope

Cape of Good Hope is a scenic national park including the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula (not the southernmost tip of Africa, contrary to popular belief). The price to enter isn’t cheap so we didn’t end up going all the way in. However, the area is beautiful and I’m sure entering would be worth it. There are a number of hikes, including one to Cape Point. You can also take a funicular to the upper lighthouse.

For more extensive information on the Cape of Good Hope, check out this post from Earth Trekkers.

 

Sixth stop- Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs itself isn’t really a stop, but it was so beautiful it deserves a mention of its own. You’ll know exactly why it got its name as you drive through- just look at the picture below!

Witsand is another spot along the drive. The white sand beach was deserted when we were there. We didn’t stay for long, just for a quick look. If you take a snack this would be the perfect place to stop and eat.

 

Seventh stop- Chapman’s Peak drive and Noordhoek

Noordhoek is technically next on the road, but you’ll want to drive down Chapman’s Peak drive before it gets dark. Chapmans Peak drive is a beautiful stretch of road offering some of the best views on the road trip. Parts of road are literally carved into the rock face! There are several viewpoints along the way and you will want to make time for all of them.

Once you’ve reached the end of Chapman’s Peak Drive and have stopped at every viewpoint, make your way back to Noordhoek. Noordhoek beach is gorgeous during the golden hours of sunset. If you can, bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the rocks or sand. It is the perfect way to end such an exciting day.

 

Map of route

 

Some things to keep in mind

• Beware of baboons! They are all over this Cape Peninsula road trip (especially near Cape of Good Hope) and will take your food!

• Check the weather ahead of time and plan accordingly.
• We started the trip around 8:30 and got back to our Airbnb in Somerset West at about 7:00. This is a full day!
• Some people add the Clifton Beaches as an extra stop at the end en route to Cape Town. We didn’t as we wanted enough time with the penguins at Boulders Beaches and had already watched the sunset. However, those beaches could be added to the itinerary.

 

Overall

A Cape Peninsula road trip can be done in so many ways. You can drive around counterclockwise, or clockwise like this route does. You can stop at every place that catches your eye, or keep to a strict plan. However you decide to do it, I guarantee you will have an amazing time.

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

 

Did I miss your favorite spot? Leave a comment!

Visiting Cape Town? You’re in for a treat! Check out this ultimate Cape Town travel guide including all of our favorite attractions, restaurants, safety tips, day trips and so much more!