More and more discoveries on the Cape Point Route...

Scarborough is a seaside conservation village where nature is at its most superb. With the chilly Atlantic on your side, the road from Kommetjie winds past the tiny hamlet of Misty Cliffs (a popular surf spot) to Scarborough, a beautiful village with unspoiled beaches and mountains. It is right on the doorstep of Table Mountain National Park with views of the Cape of Good Hope. Scarborough feels like a forgotten outpost, so enjoy the peace and the tranquillity with the luxury of easy accessibility to the rest of the Cape Point Route.

The landmark attraction of the route is Cape Point at the end of the CapePeninsula. Far too many visitors do the speed tour to the old lighthouse that rises 238 metres above the sea when the journey is a day of discovery all on its own. You can get to the lighthouse like the average bipedal human or experience a more exhilarating ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular. Cape Point is located within the Good Hope Section of the Table Mountain National Park and has the highest sea cliffs and freshest air. Lesser known details are the 1 200 species of indigenous plants, various small mammals, antelope, zebras and even ostriches that call this park home. You can take a leisurely stroll on the beach or follow a one hour trail from the peak down to the sheltered cove of the Cape of Good Hope. When hunger strikes you can grab a meal at the restaurant which is perched high above the crashing waves. And one more point – the Chacma baboons will entertain and amaze you with their human likeness but please do not feed them.

The spectacular road takes you past SmitswinkelBay (treasure seekers and divers know about the 6 shipwrecks in that tiny bay!) and Millers Point to Simon’s Town – home to the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Here humans and penguins share the sand and the sea – the swimming is fabulous – flat, calm and the warmest water in Cape Town as it is protected by giant boulders. The main penguin viewing area is from Seaforth with boardwalks taking tourists to the viewing platform above FoxyBeach. For a more intimate experience and a chance to swim with the penguins, turn down Bellevue Road at the sign posted for Boulders Beach.

Simon’s Town is a maritime naval town with a quaint historical mile and a variety of architecturally interesting buildings, shops and walks. The Waterfront area incorporates exclusive shops and restaurants and looks out over the yacht basin and harbour. A host of water activities and boat trips head off in different directions from the jetty. These range from 40 minute harbour cruises or voyages into the middle of False Bay to Seal Island or down to spectacular Cape Point itself. You can even get closer to the water in a stable sea kayak that leaves from the jetty and can give you the edge on penguin viewing. Seals will wave their flippers at you and the birdlife is astounding. Professional sea kayak experience is not necessary!

At the edge of Simon’s Town is the hidden gem of Glencairn with a great family beach, a wetlands area and a meeting place for most activities on the Cape Point Route. There’s an information office, a dive centre, baboon walking and a sports bar which is the hot spot for entertainment in the area with live music.

For more information on the Cape Point Route call us on 021 782 9356 or visit our website www.capepointroute.co.za