Still intoxicated from the physical beauty and ‘grape juice products’ of the Cape Winelands, we set out for another gorgeous road trip from Cape Town. This time we headed south of the city to explore Cape Peninsula, an area of great diversity where the coastal route took us from a scenic fishing village to the jagged south-western extremity of the African continent. If you like places where mountains and ocean collide, you will find this region spectacular.
A cloudy morning in HOUT BAY, our first stop on our route. This picturesque fishing harbor is center of the local crayfish industry. We read that it had some of the best fish and chips in the world; alas, we got there way too early to sample any.
The town beautifully lies in wind-protected bay surrounded by dramatic mountains.
Hout Bay is also a home to large seal colony. We took a short cruise to Dulker Island, also known as Seal Island, to have a closer look of the delightful colony.
There were indoor and outdoor markets along the harbour selling local crafts. We were fascinated by the stall selling painted and carved ostrich eggs.
From Hout Bay, the road climbed over a mountain and we had this breathtaking view of the sea and the clouds as we were going up.
We passed by this lovely beach-side suburb of Muizenberg. It is the surfing capital of South Africa.
We reached the pretty Boulder Beach, famous for the breeding colony of the endangered African Penguins. It is also one of the few mainland colonies.
You will see the penguins just hanging out or roaming freely on the shore, nonchalant to the attention of the visitors around them. You can get upclose and personal with them and even swim with them. However, don’t disturb them or they will bite you.
The colony was started in 1983 when pair of penguins were spotted on this part of the beach. It was then declared a protected area and the population of the colony soared to 1,200 breeding pairs today. (There is an entrance fee which goes towards the conservation of the African penguins that live here).
This little girl watched in awe as the penguins endearingly interacted with each other.
Some of the beautiful homes that surround Boulder Beach. The area also has nice array of restaurants and good for a lunch stop.
We reached the Cape of Good Hope, the south-western most extremity of the African continent. It is a natural reserve within Table National Park and features rugged and unspoiled scenery.
The rough water of Atlantic Ocean crashes into the shore of Cape of Good Hope. The Portuguese explorers once named it the Cape of Storm because of its wild sea. It was given its current name by another Portuguese explorer because its discovery gave good hope that India can be reached by sea from Europe.
The Cape of Good Hope is home to several species. We saw some antelopes and elands roaming and grazing on the mountainside.
And we saw this ostrich – whose head was facing its back – hanging out on the ocean side.
Situated a little over a mile from Cape of Good Hope is Cape Point, a promontory in the southeastern point of Cape Peninsula and where the scenery was dramatic and romantic.
The cliff in Cape Point.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit the famous lighthouse of Cape Point as it was already closed for visit when we arrived. There is also a furnicular that you can take up to the viewpoint next to the lighthouse and there are two restaurants that offer panoramic view of the water and the cliff.
The visiting hours in Boulder Beach, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point vary in seasons. Check this link for gate hours and other information.
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I LOVE where two things collide like that…. we just got back from Pemuteran, Bali and it was similar in where the mountains and the beach meet. So beautiful. But, it had no penguins or ostriches. I always love your photographs, I swear you could make a pile of dirt look amazing!
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hi Katie, thanks! Ah Bali must have been heaven. We haven’t been and hope to make it there soon. They many not have penguins but would love to see those exotic temples and rice terrace. Glad you enjoyed the photos.
It looks beautiful! My husband has family in Cape Town, and we really want to go and visit sometime. Great photos – I particularly love the one of the ostrich!
Molly S recently posted..A Colourful Walk at the Beach
Hi Molly, thanks! Yes, the ostrich was delightful. We hope you get to visit your family in Cape Town soon.
I never realized that SA is this picturesque. Are the penguins still in the endangered list? What time of the year did you visit?
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Hi Maria, it truly is more picturesque than what most people expect. The penguins are still in the endagered list. Although there are thriving in this area, they are diminishing in other places. We went in June which is their winter time.
We have been spoiled again with all your beautiful photographs. I love boat marinas so Hout Bay was a favourite photo. South Africa is a great sailing nation so I bet there are lots more of those marinas around. The shot of water and cloud leaving the bay is so atmospheric. Loved the Ostrich shot as well – thought it was an Emu at first, lol.
jan recently posted..Dogubayazit to Kars Day 5 of an Eastern Turkey Road Trip
Hi Jan, we’re pleased that you enjoyed the photos. Yes, there are al lot of beautiful marinas there. We have more marina shots in our next post, so watch out for it.
The whole place looks so incredible, but what caught my attention were these beautiful carved ostrich eggs. That’s a real art. We often buy them for Easter in Poland so your photo brings back wonderful memories. I can’t wait to head back home in 8 weeks. Local crafts are impressive!
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Thank you Agness. The ostrich egg art was truly unique. We hope you have a wonderful visit with your family.
I admit I didn’t know too much about the Cape Town area and it wasn’t even on my travel radar. But, you’ve totally inspired me to visit this beautiful area. Gorgeous photos and always love the virtual tour. All the wildlife is amazing especially the penguin colony. My kids will go crazy and probably won’t want to leave. Cape of Good Hope looks breathtaking. I can’t get over the details on those painted and carved ostrich eggs – wow.
Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..On the Cliff’s Edge at Horseshoe Bend, Arizona
Hi Mary, you will love the Cape Region. It’s truly spectacular and makes a good family destination. We went crazy with the penguins ourselves and stayed there longer than planned. The kids will definitely love them. You definitely have to put it on your wish list.
Marisol & Keith recently posted..Cape Peninsula: A Stunning Road Trip
Marisol, You are making me want to book tickets right back to South Africa. The foggy photos are calling to me. I love it, so New England! You have some great shots, but that ostrich by the water is by far my favorite. Who knew they lived so close to the water?
Corinne recently posted..Santiago de Compostela and its Tetilla Cheese (and a recipe!)
Hi Corinne, we’re glad we were able to excite you for a return trip. Glad you enjoyed the photos. The ostrich was a delightful sight. We were surprised ourselves to see them close to the water.
Sometimes they even swim! That reserve also has baboons which are the only known baboons to eat shellfish which they get from the ocean themselves!
Stunning photographs, Marisol. So envious of you being there right now. Cape Town looks wonderful. And what’s up with those ostrich eggs! Those are gorgeous! Won’t they break in your baggage though?
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..Hunting the Lost Kittens of George Town, Penang
Hi Aleah, thank you. It truly is a beautiful region and we hope you make it there sometime soon. Those ostrich eggs are gorgeous, aren’t they. We didn’t pay any. They must be secure-wrapped for shipping/packing
I swear that between your narrative and your stunning photos, you two could make me want to visit the moon if it were possible and you’d written a blog post about it! Once again, you’ve taken us all on a breathtaking road trip and sparked the travel bug to think South Africa!
Jackie Smith recently posted..A Few More Reasons, “Why We Love Greece”
Ha! Ha! We’re glad you enjoyed the blog post that much. We hope you make it to South Africa soon. We’re pretty sure you will love it there.
Marisol & Keith recently posted..Cape Peninsula: A Stunning Road Trip
That is one scenic road trip you took, Marisol! So many beautiful places along the way and also places that played important roles in history, like the Cape of Good Hope. Those penguins look really adorable, but I had no idea that they can bite. It’s always better to keep a safe distance from wild animals, not necessarily because of any possible attacks, but more to prevent the transmission of diseases.
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Except for Seal Island, which we skipped, and the Lighthouse, which we caught only by sprinting from the car so we could make the last trip up, your trip was identical to ours. I also have some of the same shots!
Cape Town is picture postcard perfect. Sorry you didn’t make the Lighthouse, the views there are absolutely breathtaking.
I love the moody look the clouds give your photos.
Thanks for the return “visit.”
More fantastic shots of a fantastic part of the world. The penguins seemed to have done all right – but maybe there aren’t many predators around.
Thanks for the look at this part of the world. I am regularly wowed by your photos & the places you visit.
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Wonderful shots of exceptional beauty.
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Thank you, Rajesh.
I didn’t know there was so much wildlife in Cape of Good hope. The place looks stunning and there are so many penguins
Loved your photography.
Rajlakshmi recently posted..Sydney Skyline
Hi Rajlakshmi, thanks! Yes there are many adorable wildlife to see on the road side alone..
Amazing photos
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Thans Lili!
I’m really enjoying visiting South Africa with you. The Cape Town area really does seem to have it all. Wineyards, wildlife, surfing, and fantastic coastal views. Seeing a wild penguin is on my bucket list, and I didn’t realize that Cape Peninsula was a place to see them. I can’t believe you can get that close. It’s amazing that an artist can carve those ostrich eggs without cracking them.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..10 Photos of Tibet through a Car Window
Hi Michelle, glad you’re enjoying the trip:) The Cape area is really a well-rounded destination. If you love to see penguin upclose, the Cape will be a perfect destination for you.
Boulder Beach is gorgeous and the penguins are so adorable!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans recently posted..Where to Stay (and Overcome Hostel Angst) in Copenhagen: Generator Hostel Copenhagen
Hi Dana, Boulder Beach and its residents are truly a must see.
Marisol & Keith recently posted..Langa Township: The Different Side of Cape Town
STUNNING. I have been dying to get to Capetown. I hear it is such a beautiful place, and your photos are confirming my desire to go there even more! What incredible views. I can’t believe the wildlife you two saw around the coast – those penguins?? Unbelievably cute. Beautiful pictures as always
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Thanks Erica, You and your camera will love the Cape region. There’s so much beautify and truly a photographer’s delight.
Love all the shots!! Cape Town is perfect for whale watching plus fishing is also fun here.
Thanks Maria!
Lovely photos. You don’t mention Chapman’s Peak Drive which is one of the most spectaular drives on the peninsula but you must have taken it, surely, and it seems as if you might have missed travelling along the coastal road past the small suburbs of Scarborough and Misty Cliffs – the ocean is almost always turquoise there and the unspoilt natural views are fabulous.
Tip for anyone wanting to do this day trip: make a full day of it and be sure you do it s a complete round-trip, hugging the coast all along – down to the end via one side and up again the other side, taking no short-cut, and also make sure you go down the various side roads within the Cape Point Nature Reserve – that’s where tourists often don’t go and yet some of the best treasures are to be found there.
I admit too that I dint know SA is so beautiful… You got me hooked till the end.. Beautiful pictures.. Loved this post.. !
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Wow!! That was sure an amazing trip!! Lovely captures all!!
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