The Cape Point Route

The Cape Point Route in Southern Africa is an adventure that you should definitely consider if you are taking a vacation in Africa. This magnificent stretch of highway is a breathtaking drive through some of the most beautiful country in the world.

Take the Cape Point Route and explore both coastlines on either side of a national park, visit up to 18 beaches, see a wide variety of wildlife including whale watching, penguins, seals, exotic birds and baboons among others. Situated at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world, you will find rural Noordhoek. Browse shops at Noordhoek Farm Village, stop off for a bike ride or walk along the trails of the Silvermine Reserve, experience the Noordhoek Art Route which boasts working artists and tours one Sunday each month, and visit the Red Herring Trading Post set amongst the ancient and majestic milkwood trees. Art galleries, pottery studios and a plant nursery are just a few of the attractions awaiting you at the Red Herring.

Following the Cape Point Route will take you to many other beautiful and exotic locations such as Kommetjie, known for its incredible surfing, Slangkop Lighthouse, which is the tallest cast iron lighthouse in South Africa, Solole Game Reserve offering close encounters with buffalo and antelope in their native habitat, and the peaceful and quaint settlement of Masiphumelele, home to a mostly Xhosa speaking community offering walking tours and visits to some community projects.

Scarborough and Cape Point is a seaside conservation village known for its natural splendor and creative indigenous gardens and is a great place to see whales and other native marine animals. Scarborough beach is an ideal location for bird watching, walking the beach, sea kayaking and surfing, and is home to Cape Clawless Otters. The Good Hope Nature Reserve is within Table Mountain National Park and is one of the most frequently visited attractions in South Africa. Offering angling, surfing and diving spots and protecting over 1200 species of fynbos, 250 species of birds and a wide variety of other mammals including buck and baboons, The Good Hope Nature Preserve is not to be missed.

The boulders, beaches and museums of Simon’s Town and Glencairn are just a few of the attractions to see on this stop along the Cape Point Route. Historical sites such as The Church of St. Francis, the oldest existing Anglican Church in South Africa and The Roman Rock Lighthouse are in Simon’s Town and boat trips for harbor tours, whale watching and Seal Island and Cape Point depart from here.

Fish Hoek and Clovelly lies on the Cape Point Route and boasts one of the safest swimming beaches in South Africa, surrounded by beautiful rugged mountains and white sands. A Stone Age cave site known as Peers Cave was where a 12000 year old man was discovered as well as a collection of Stone Age tools. The Fish Hoek Valley Museum houses interpretive displays of the Peers Cave excavations and many collections of interest. A walk along Jager Walk will take you along the rugged and rocky coastline to Sunny Cove where you can learn about the life of the playful local dolphins and humpback whales native to this area. Finish off your stay in Fish Hoek with 18 holes of golf at the Clovelly Country Club, a gorgeous course offering native sand dunes, flora and fauna and lovely water features.

Intermingling arts, crafts and natural splendor is Kalk Bay, St. James, Muizenberg and Lakeside. Kalk Bay is one of the hippest seaside villages found on the cape offering a cosmopolitan experience of fine art, delicious gourmet cuisine and beautiful architecture. Enjoy the community based project known as Adventure Kalk Bay and take a fishing trip out with some of the local fisherman, or visit the harbour at noon when the fishing boats are returning with their catches. The 125 year old Holy Trinity Church is one of the many historic sites to be found in Kalk Bay. 36 kilometers of white sand and safe beaches are to be found in Muizenberg, as well as swimming pools, waterslide and putt-putt courses intermingled with lovely cafes and shops. The well known Historical Mile is home to the South Afrcian Police Museum, Het Posthuys which is a historical diorama of the 1795 Battle of Muizenberg and the Rhodes Cottage, where Cecil John Rhodes spent his final days. The Lindbergh Arts Foundation is a block of four houses designed by Sir Herbert Baker and is home to an incredible collection of Africana and is frequently used for musical performances and art shows. At the foot of the Muizenberg Mountains you will find beautiful Lakeside, with views of Zandvlei Lake and False Bay, and the incredible Rondevlei Nature Reserve which is a wetland reserve and home to 230 bird species, small mammals and hippopotamuses. The Imvubu Nature Tours offers activities within the Rondevlei Reserve.

The Cape Winelands Region is a must see area on any trip to southern Africa. Steeped in a diverse history and culture, this area offers many wonderful opportunities to experience the fascinating and beautiful culture of the Rainbow Nation. Preserved architecture, museums, art galleries and craft markets will allow the past and present to blend seamlessly in a truly amazing experience. A region known for its innovation and creativity, Cape Winelands is home to some of the world’s greatest master potters, beadworkers and weavers. Spring in this region offers a variety of seasonally specific events and attractions including The Bonnievale Enduro Bike Race, Ceres Squash Festival, Pick ‘n Play Robertson Half Marathon, Woord Literature Festival, National Cheese Festival, Nederburg Auction, JC le Roux Devon Valley Run, Dirtopia Mountain Bike Festival, Michelle’s Pass Half Marathon, Shark Rally, Safari Half Marathon and many others. Regular attractions and things to do in the Cape Winelands region includes miles of 4x4 trails and hiking trails, animal watching caravan and camping experiences, environmental adventures for backpackers and day trippers, and a host of adventures geared toward family and children.

This wonderful route offers many exciting adventures from sea kayaking to African safari, and is sure to make any African holiday an adventure to remember. Do yourself a favor and enjoy the Cape Point Route when you take your next vacation in Africa. Enjoying this drive is luxury African travel at its finest.