Cape Peninsula

The peninsula is a treat for any Cape Town visitor, and a round-trip drive that takes in both the False Bay coastline and the Atlantic Ocean is a memorable experience. Among the highlights of the False Bay coast are the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay, and Boulders Beach; both are must-visits, the former for being an authentic, historic village right on the sea with good food and bars, and the latter for the sheer privilege of being able to walk among the threatened African (jackass) penguins that call the national park's protected beach home. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope nature reserve are 15 minutes farther on at the tip of the peninsula, and few fail to fall in love with the area's windswept beauty. The wilder and more rugged Atlantic coastline is one of the most stunning in the world. Highlights include a drive along the Misty Cliffs between Scarborough and Witsands, and horseback riding down Noordhoek beach. You might even consider spending a night or two in one of the many B&Bs that dot the coast, or even inside the Cape Point nature reserve at one of the cottages on Olifantsbos Beach.