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Cape Point

Last updated: 30 March, 2024

Treacherous seas, sandy coves and sheer cliffs characterise Cape Point, located at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km southwest of Cape Town.

The 7,750-hectare reserve, which falls within the Table Mountain National Park, makes a great day trip for nature lovers, with its fynbos (the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms), antelope, baboons, Cape Mountain zebras and Cape clawless otters.

The drive there is lovely, and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach is conveniently on the way.

Be sure to climb up Cape Point’s lighthouse, 286m above sea level, for spectacular ocean views. To reach the lighthouse, walk or take the ‘Flying Dutchman’ – a funicular named after a ghostly ship that is said to sail around the point.

Logistics

Price from: £16
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Hire a car and take a slow, scenic day-trip to Cape Point Nature Reserve, heading through the southern suburbs and along the False Bay coastline, perhaps stopping at one of the chic cafés in Kalk Bay or Simonstown for breakfast.

Entry to Cape Point includes a map marking walking trails, beaches and places of historical interest.

After, drive back to Cape Town via Scarborough, Noordhoek, Chapman’s Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay, stopping for sundowners or whale watching along the way (Southern Right whales can be seen from June to September).

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week. It’s best anytime in summer or on a clear, calm winter’s day. It’s also a popular destination for tourists in summer, while locals favour public holidays and weekends. Go early in the day to avoid the crowds.

Weather conditions can be severe, with strong winds and high temperatures. Check the daily forecast on the website before setting out.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town

  • Cape Town

Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point Small Group Tour from Cape Town

Viator

For travellers with limited time in Cape Town we have combined all the highlights into one day on a Scheduled Tour to Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins and the Cape of Good Hope. Travelling to Cape Town without visiting the Cape of Good Hope is like a travelling to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower. On this tour: See the city centre on a brief drive-by city tour; Stop in the Bo-Kaap for a photo with the colourful houses; Visit Table Mountain via the Cable Car; Take a drive along Chapman's Peak; Visit the African penguins colony at Boulder's Beach; Take your photo at the Cape of Good Hope and visit Cape Point lighthouse; See the colourful beach huts at St. James Beach.

Price ZAR 1,250

Min age 2

Rating 4.75 / 5 [1123 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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MUST DO: Cape Peninsula Tour & Good Hope from Cape Town! #1 Rated

  • Cape Town

MUST DO: Cape Peninsula Tour & Good Hope from Cape Town! #1 Rated

Viator

Embark on an extraordinary Cape Peninsula full-day tour, immersing yourself in Cape Town's unparalleled beauty. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as we drive along the stunning coastline, revealing picturesque locations. Visit Hout Bay, where golden sands meet the Atlantic Ocean's active waters. Breathe in the ocean breeze and soak up the sun in this coastal haven. Opt for an optional Hout Bay Seal Island visit to witness seals in their natural habitat, creating memories to cherish. Traverse Chapman's Peak Drive, renowned for its awe-inspiring vistas. Arrive at the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. Stand at the continent's edge, embracing the spirit of exploration and history. Join our unforgettable Cape Peninsula full-day tour, guided by wonder, adventure, and bliss. Indulge your senses, create cherished memories for a lifetime. Experience the captivating beauty of Cape Town and the treasures it holds.

Price $59

Min age 0

Rating 4.92 / 5 [700 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point from Cape Town

  • Cape Town

Private Tour: Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point from Cape Town

Viator

Join us on a Full Day Cape Peninsula Private Tour to the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point, Chapmans Peak, Seal Island and Boulder's Penguins Colony, affording you the opportunity to see all the key sightseeing attractions that Cape Town has to offer. On this tour, guests will have the option to customise the tour to suit their requirements as they will have their own personal tour guide in a private vehicle with personal guided interaction. Highlights that can be experienced on this tour include the Bo-Kaap, Atlantic Seaboard, Hout Bay (the Gateway to Seal Island), Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point Vineyard, Boulder's Penguins colony, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point and Muizenberg. This is one of the best ways to see some of the major highlights Cape Town has to offer in a customisable private tour.

Price ZAR 2,100

Min age 2

Rating 4.87 / 5 [546 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town

  • Cape Town

Table Mountain, Boulder's Penguins & Cape Point Private Tour from Cape Town

Viator

Join us on a fun-filled day and embark on a Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point private tour including the colorful houses in the Bo Kaap, cable car ride up and down Table Mountain, scenic drive along Chapman's Peak and a visit to Boulder's Penguins colony from Cape Town.

Price ZAR 2,250

Min age 2

Rating 4.85 / 5 [213 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Guided Day Tour to Cape Point, Penguins and Wine Tasting

  • Cape Town

Guided Day Tour to Cape Point, Penguins and Wine Tasting

Viator

All tours are owner-operated! Up to 7 can be accommodated on tour. Booking is blocked after 2nd people book tour. This way we keep it small and personal with ±2-4 on tour. This full day tour will take you right around the beautiful Cape Peninsula, past the world-famous Clifton and Camps Bay beaches, through Hout Bay and along Chapman's Peak drive. Stop at ostrich ostrich farm before going to the most southwestern tip of Africa, Cape of Good Hope. Take funicular up to Cape Point lighthouse. This is followed by seeing penguins at Boulders Beach after which we will have lunch in Simon's Town. Tour continues over Boyes Drive with view of False Bay and quick stop at the Shark Spotters lookout. Last part of the tour is the Constantia Valley wine route where we visit one the finest wine estates for a tasting session.

Price ZAR 3,340

Min age 5

Rating 4.97 / 5 [78 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

  • Western Cape, South Africa

Aerial view of the whole city at dusk

Destination guide

A vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art scene, golden beaches world-class wine regions and outstanding gastronomy. All in the shadows of the mighty Table Mountain.