The Cape Point Route experience begins in Hout Bay, a picturesque village set in a fold of sea lapped mountains, converging at a lively fishing harbour hosting many tourism activities. Soaring out of the town is Chapman’s Peak Drive - a winding 9 kilometer stretch of asphalt with 114 curves and breathtaking views over the vast Atlantic ocean. In a Jaguar E-type this is a motoring marvel, a fantasy come true. To get the most out of your trip, pull over frequently and view the phenomenon of jagged mountains plunging down into the pounding surf. The rocks have been shaped by the elements and are richly coloured for spectacular photography.
Noordhoek’s wide white swathe of Long Beach opens up in front of you. Noordhoek is known as South Africa’s rural gem and one of the best place to enjoy sundowners, or horse riding. We pulled into Noordhoek Farm village for some refreshments and to browse the quirky shops. One should always allow time to truly enjoy a journey so pack patience and slow down.
From Noordhoek one deviates slightly from the coast until you turn right along Kommetjie Road, passing the communities of Masiphumele and Ocean View. You will notice camels next to the road at Imhoff Farm – another fabulous tea stop or a place to pick up some country produce or cheese from the cheesery for a picnic. On reaching Kommetjie, known for being one of the surfing hotspots and a great bird watching area, make sure you do not leave without visiting South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse – the Slangkoppunt Lighthouse. Take a tour and climb to the top to see Cape Point Nature Reserve and Hout Bay.
With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road winds past the tiny hamlets of Misty Cliffs (another popular surf spot) and Scarborough, a beautiful Atlantic seaside village surrounded by Table Mountain National Park with views of the Cape Of Good Hope. A sense of freedom settles in comfortably with the wind blowing through your hair and being surrounded by spectacular terrain. Marianne Faithfull’s ballad of Lucy Jordan was used in the soundtrack for an American movie classic “Thelma and Louise” – the story of 2 women who leave their troubled home lives and embark on a lengthy road trip in Louise’s green convertible. They were escaping disillusionment in search of a romantic dream. I think that maybe they just wanted the freedom of a road trip?
Unlike the desert journey of Thelma and Louise, storied surf spots, rugged coastlines, jaw dropping views and raw beauty are the substance of the Cape Point Route. At the forked junction after Scarborough you will notice a curio menagerie. We veered left here over Red Hill for mountain meandering in our motor classic. Continuing straight leads you past Cape Point Ostrich Farm and to the entrance of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
Red Hill is an undisclosed treasure for automobile enthusiasts, after all a rare car deserves a rare road. On the steep descent to the False Bay coastline there are some glorious hairpin bends and panoramic views of Simon’s Town and the naval dockyard.
Turning right brings you to the charming naval town of Simon’s Town. The area known as the “Historic Mile”, the heart of the town, boasts a great variety of architecturally interesting buildings, good restaurants (seafood is the speciality), antique shops and fine walks. Boats head off in different directions from the jetty. Make the time for a 40 – minute harbour cruise or a voyage right into the middle of False Bay to Seal Island. Probably the most spectacular trip is to cruise right down the Peninsula to the dramatic tip at Cape Point.
On the outskirts of Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach Penguin colony. These quirky birds have gained star status on the Cape Point Route and a visit to the region is not complete without a stop at tuxedo junction. The main entrance is at Seaforth Beach with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. If you want to get your feet in the sand stop on the Boulders Beach side and have a swim with the penguins. Being one of the top attractions of the Cape Point Route there were many visitors and the E-type Jaguar sparked numerous conversations with travelers and locals alike. I am unaccustomed to sports cars or the sex appeal of the culture, but I rapidly rose to the occasion of MY car being a celebrity sensation. Sports cars are provocative and discussions around the 4200 CC; the 6 cylinders and 265 HP of the E-type were as suggestive as a crowded singles bar.
The road beckoned however and the call of the Cape of Good Hope echoed in my head.
Learning about Cape Point in school geography does not equate to being at the south-western tip of Africa. Despite the summons I managed to slow down to explore the magnificent route past Miller’s Point and Smitswinkel Bay discovering hidden coves and bays along the way. Scuba divers will delight in the knowledge that 6 shipwrecks lie in the bay at Smits and the wreck dives are a nirvana for divers.
Cape Point Nature Reserve is striking and one could contentedly spend an entire day in the park alone. Getting off the beaten track on the side routes is sheer driving pleasure, especially in an open top vehicle. With minimal traffic, hoards of space, clear skies, fresh air, lack of congestion, and unparalleled splendour, the sense of joy and freedom prevail. We indulged at the Two Oceans restaurant, then whizzed up 238 metres in the “Flying Dutchman” funicular to the old lighthouse presiding over Cape Point.
The unhurried consciousness of cruising led along the meandering False Bay coastline. In whale season from July – November there are exceptional view points along the entire coast. Southern Right and Humpback whales return to the shores every year with a visual display of tail waving and spouting that beats a box office hit.
The False Bay seaboard has a collection of eclectic seaside villages, historical buildings, beaches, art culture and shopping. Pick of the Cape Point Route seaside villages for foodies is Kalk Bay – a town that gravitates around the fishing harbour at its centre, but Fish Hoek, St James and Muizenberg have their own unique characters and attractions- each worth a lengthy stop or overnight sojourn.
Reluctantly steering away from the bustle in my left hand drive chariot, I headed up Boyes Drive. If ever there is a reason to take the long route, Boyes Drive is it. The road cuts a path on the mountainside above the towns of Muizenberg, St. James and Kalk Bay, with most of the drive above human settlement. There are spectacular views of False Bay you won’t want to miss with numerous places to stop. Look out for the shark spotters on the road and the hardy surfers balancing on the waves below. Shark cage diving and viewing has become a sought after activity in False Bay and surfing has long been a popular pursuit with most beginner lessons being given at Muizenberg.
Rounding each curve and corner of the Cape Point Route brought a discovery of fascinating activities and magnetic scenery. Despite the lure of the open road in an immortal vehicle, the appeal of each town forced a deliberate lingering and the need for a protracted stay. Natural beauty is reason enough to journey on the Cape Point Route, doing so in a motor classic is beyond imagination. With a mountainous national park framed by two oceans in a picture perfect image, the Cape Point Route will be one of the most memorable vacations you have ever treated yourself to. The saying goes “it’s the journey not the destination” but there is an amendment in this case as the destination is also journey.
For more information on attractions, activities, restaurants and places to stay on the Cape Point Route please visit: www.capepointroute.co.za
To hire the E-type jaguar or a classic car please contact Motor Classics:
1 Waterloo Street, Vredehoek, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: +27 (0)21 461 73 43
www.motorclassic.co.za
To view this article in its orginal format in the SA Top Spots magazine. click here Article is on Page 34- 39.
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