Cape Town's Other Route continued...

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. Continue along the 9km world famous Chapman’s Peak Drive – a winding pass with breathtaking views of the vast Atlantic Ocean to Noordhoek’s wide white swathe of Long Beach, known as South Africa’s rural gem and one of the best place to enjoy sundowners, or horse riding and not to mention the quirky shops and restaurants at the Noordhoek Farm Village.

Continuing along Kommetjie Road, you will notice camels at Imhoff Farm – you can ride them, or just stop for tea, country produce and a variety of crafts. Here kids can enjoy the farmyard and SnakePark or a ride on Greedy Guts the donkey. When you reach 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 HoutBay.

With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road winds past the tiny hamlets of Misty Cliffs (a 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 little further down the road you may wish to meet South Africa’s largest birds at Cape Point Ostrich Farm before heading to Cape Point, the tip of the Cape Peninsula where the Atlantic meets False Bay. Here you can experience the grandeur of one of the highest sea cliffs and the freshest air in the world!

A spectacular drive past Smitswinkel Bay and Miller’s Point – with plenty of whale watching view sites – leads you to the famous Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. The main entrance is at Seaforth Beach, with a boardwalk leading through the nesting area. But if you want to actually get your feet in the sand and swim with the penguins, head for Boulders Beach. The restaurant and curio shop here are well worth a visit and be sure to check under your car before you leave – the penguins wander. Plan for an overnight stop at Boulders Beach Lodge – an entire experience next to the penguins.

Continue onto 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. From here several boats head off in different directions from the jetty. If you have time, take a 40 minute harbour cruise or you can 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.

From Simon’s Town, it’s a short distance to Mineral World where you can “scratch” for your favourite gems. Stop for a meal at Flukes Restaurant, at the historic Southern Right Hotel in Glencairn. Great value for money and you may even see their resident friendly ghost. Continue on to Fish Hoek, a glorious bay that is a favourite with wind surfers and hobie cats, The beautiful family beach is also one of the best spots to view the Southern Right Whales when they are in the bay to calf between July and November.

Next, it’s on to Kalk Bay – a fab Bohemian village of cobbled streets, delightful shops and restaurants above the fishing harbour where you can easily lose an afternoon. The Main Road winds along the sea past great stone mansions that reflect St James’s colonial past as the “Millionaire’s Mile”.

Finally we reach Muizenberg, home to many examples of the grand architecture of Victorian times, when it was an exclusive seaside resort for the rich and famous. Today it is known for its beach with kid-friendly waves, warm water and extras like miniature putt-putt and super-tube. “The corner” is the hotspot of surf culture for learners and professionals alike. Colona Castle in Lakeside, with it’s majestic views and superb hospitality, is a great place to base yourself for access to all the places of interest on the Cape Point Route.

An area of natural beauty, diverse cultures and unique attractions, the Cape Point Route is the ultimate playground where there is something for everybody, young and old. With a host of activities in the area, from golfing to aqua action, relaxation comes easily to those who stay. So if you are looking for vast open spaces, magnificent scenery, a sense of tranquility, and your blend of choice is a combination of mountain, sea with a touch of earthy elegance, the Cape Point Route is your destination of choice from which, and in which you can experience Cape Town.

For more information on where to stay, eat and play contact us on 021 782 9356, or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za