The drive around the Cape Peninsula is one of my favourite things to do in Cape Town. In my book, it’s also one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. I’ve driven this loop multiple times and each time was simply unforgettable. I once watched pods of whales frolicking in False Bay just fifty yards away from the shore. Another time, I stopped at the beach in Scarborough, pulled out my binoculars and spotted sharks breaching the water as the waves rolled in.
The scenery is bewitching: from the bright blue expanse of False Bay framed by dark, brooding mountains, to the cute penguins at Boulder’s Beach, the dramatic shoreline of Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, and the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive. I could do this Cape Peninsula loop a hundred times and I would still be in awe of its beauty. As a tribute to this spectacular drive, here’s a photo essay of the route. Follow me as I navigate my way around the Cape Peninsula, a perfect day trip from Cape Town.
Cape Peninsula road trip route
First off, a map of the route:
View cape peninsula loop in a larger map
The Cape Peninsula drive starts in Cape Town. Backed by the Table Mountain, voted as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the city certainly has one of the most beautiful natural settings on the planet.
Kick off your Cape Peninsula road trip from Cape Town by taking the M5 motorway in the direction of Muizenberg. You’ll pass the back of the Table Mountain and the leafy suburb of Constantia before arriving at Muizenberg, on the shore of False Bay. The road then hugs False Bay, passing small communities like Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town, and stunning white, sandy beaches. If it’s whale season, look out for whales wherever the road skirts the bay.
Check out the stunning Cape Winelands route
Penguins at Boulders Beach
Just outside Simon’s Town is beautiful Boulders Beach. Famous for its population of African penguins, the beach itself is a sight to behold!
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
From Boulders Beach, the road continues along the coast towards Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope through a large nature reserve that extends from the southernmost tip of the peninsula to Table Mountain.
From the main road to Cape Point, there’s a turn-off that leads down to the historic Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost tip of the African continent. Watch out for baboons along the way. I recommend keeping your windows closed!
Read about things to do in Cape Town
The route along the Atlantic coast
From Cape Point, head towards the villages of Scarborough and Misty Cliffs. The ocean and mountain views are absolutely breathtaking. On some days, you can spot sharks in the water each time the waves roll in so keep your binoculars ready.
You’ll soon arrive in Kommetjie. Plan a stop here for a drink and a meal at Fisherman’s Kommetjie (the prawns and fish & chips here are legendary!).
Chapman’s Peak Drive
The road then winds inland before meeting the coast again at Chapman’s Peak. From here, you have a beautiful view of the sandy expanse of Noordhoek Beach.
This is the start of another highlight of the Cape Peninsula loop: the Chapman’s Peak Drive! It’s a winding road that hugs the mountainside, with treacherous drops on one side and there are jaw-dropping views of the mountains and Hout Bay around every corner!
Read more about the best road trips from Cape Town
Back to Cape Town
From Hout Bay, the road continues as Victoria Drive along the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll pass the exclusive suburb of Llandudno, home to many celebrities. You’ll be at a loss of where to focus your gaze: the azure Atlantic Ocean or the rugged peaks of the Twelve Apostles!
End your Cape Peninsula road trip with a spectacular sunset. You can opt to stop for a drink and sunset views at the 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa or the beach community of Camps Bay. You’ll certainly be in the mood for one after this unforgettable drive!
This day trip from Cape Town can easily be done on your own in a rental car or you can opt for one of these full-day tours:
[…] Read about the spectacular road trip around the Cape Peninsula […]
[…] Read more about driving the Cape Peninsula. […]
[…] Road trip around the Cape Peninsula […]
[…] Driving the Cape Peninsula loop […]
[…] Read about other things to do in Cape Town and the drive around the stunning Cape Peninsula. […]
[…] Read about the spectacular road trip around the Cape Peninsula from Cape Town. […]
[…] from and I went for the 24-minute ‘Two Oceans’ flight – I’ve driven this Cape Peninsula route many times and I was so excited to finally fly it! Me and my colleague Nick arrived at their office […]
[…] about the spectacular Cape Peninsula drive which passes Camps […]
The drive around the cape-peninsula looks so fun and very interesting. Such a great way to see a place :
[…] […]
[…] A spectacular drive around the Cape Peninsula […]
amazing pics.. just loke woow 🙂
Beautiful pictures dear friend…makes you want to go there 🙂
Thanks Charlotte for your lovely comment. It’s such a spectacular route and it always looks different. Hope to return to do this route again soon. 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Just did this last week for probably the fifth time. Like you I could it a hundred times and never tire.
I’ve never been but looks stunning. I’m starting to like the scenic drives.. such a great way to see a place.
Thanks! That’s one of my favourite photos too. 🙂 Hope you get to visit South Africa some day soon.
Cheers,
Keith
Lovely photos V’escape. I especially like the artistic one you took from the side of the car.. nice! Alas, it’s going to be a while till I visit South Africa 😀
What a gorgeous road trip and photos from around the Cape Peninsula! I really want to see the African Penguin in person some day!
It’s wow. The drive around the Cape Peninsula looks so fun and very interesting. It must be one of your favorite routes you’ve had. By the way, I like your shot of the sunset at Camp Bay.
Thanks Charu! I’m sure you’ll love it there! 🙂
These are totally scrumptious photos, Keith! I would LOVE to visit. My sister lives in JoBurg and we’ve been meaning to go again and see her baby. Love the penguins too. Well done!
[…] A spectacular drive around the Cape Peninsula […]
[…] A spectacular drive around the Cape Peninsula […]
[…] A spectacular drive around the Cape Peninsula […]
Great pics and post as ever Keith! Here’s a challenge for you though….join me in March next year to do route on a bicycle, for the Argus Cycle Tour. Shall we throw it down as a Blogger’s challenge? C’mon…..the most beautiful cycle race in the world!