This is a full day, not a quick drive — budget the whole day and start early, since there's a lot of road and several proper stops. It only really works as a loop: down the Atlantic side via Chapman's Peak, across to Cape Point, then back up the False Bay side via Boulders and Kalk Bay.
The itinerary
- 08:00 – 09:00Hout Bay
Start at the harbour — a working fishing harbour with market stalls, and the option of a short boat trip out to Duiker Island to see the seal colony if you have time to spare.
- 09:30 – 13:30
Drive the Chapman's Peak toll road (check it's open before you leave Hout Bay), then continue to Cape Point for the funicular or walk up to the old lighthouse and time at the Cape of Good Hope.
- 14:00 – 15:00Boulders penguins
Stop at Simon's Town on the way back for the Boulders Beach African penguin colony — boardwalks give close-up views without disturbing the birds.
- 15:30 – 17:00Kalk Bay
Finish in the fishing village of Kalk Bay — harbour-side seafood, antique shops and cafés, before the drive back into the City Bowl via Muizenberg.
- Chapman's Peak Drive closes periodically for weather or rockfall risk, sometimes with little notice — check its current status before setting out.
- Keep car windows closed in the Cape Point reserve; the resident baboons are used to vehicles and will take advantage of an open window.