Cape Peninsula Holidays

Whilst there’s plenty of things to do in the Cape Peninsula, a trip to Boulders Beach has to rank top of our list. This marine-protected area is home to pillow-soft sand, pristine ocean views and a rather large colony of African penguins. Wander along the boardwalk to catch a glimpse up close, or head to the nearby Foxy Beach to watch them swimming in the sheltered bay.

Only a 20-minute drive away lies another great spot – Kalk Bay. Take a stroll down the cobbled streets of the quirky fishing village, making sure to pop into a boutique shop or funky art gallery along the way. Alternatively, if you fancy keeping active during your Cape Peninsula holiday, you can go surfing over on the beaches of Muizenberg.

South Africa holidays are perfectly suited to anyone who loves to get out and about, exploring all that Mother Earth has to offer. And, with a trip to the Cape Peninsula, you’re in for a treat. Hiking and mountaineering hotspots are dotted all across this flora-filled region, but one of the best places to go is Cape Point National Park. Here, you’ll find some truly impressive scenery, thanks to the sea-roughed rocks and steep cliff faces.

Hike – or take a funicular ride - up to the old lighthouse for some panoramic views, before continuing your walk along the picturesque coastline. Or, right at the top of the Peninsula, Noordhoek Peak offers even more incredible views. Climb to the top and look over Hout Bay in the distance and explore the surrounding Silvermine Nature Reserve.

Aside from the famous penguins of Boulders Beach, there’s plenty more incredible wildlife to see across the Cape Peninsular. Over to the east – sat in the middle of False Bay – you’ll find Seal Island. Although uninhabited by humans, this patch of land is home to a strong number of Cape Fur Seals, as the name suggests. You won’t be getting up close, but a boat tour will bring you around the island in good viewing distance.

The Cape Peninsula region also boasts an array of amazing birdlife and many of the species here are endemic, too. Be sure to keep an eye out for the cape sugarbird and the orange-breasted sunbird. And, if you’re around Cape Point, get your camera ready for the seabirds swooping by. 

As it’s located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons of the Cape Peninsular are the opposite of what we experience here in the UK. In South Africa, the summer months are December, January and February. So, if you’re looking for sunny skies and t-shirt weather, this is the time to go. In terms of wildlife-watching, summer is also the best time to visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. 

Although, aside from September and October when numbers are slightly lower, there’s no bad time to see these winged creatures. And, when it comes to nature and scenery, springtime in South Africa is hard to beat. The landscape will be lush and green thanks to the recent winter rain, and the wildflowers will be out in full force.