This is one of the most scenic day trips in the world: cliff-hugging roads, baboons, ostriches, empty beaches and a colony of African penguins waddling between granite boulders. Here’s how to plan it.
Entry fees (SANParks, foreign adults)
| Site | Until 31 Oct 2026 | From 1 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Point / Cape of Good Hope | R515 | R592 |
| Boulders Beach penguin colony | R245 | R282 |
Fees are from The Rio Times, reporting SANParks’ 2026/27 tariffs. Check the official SANParks rates page. South African and SADC residents pay much lower rates, and children’s rates are reduced. The Cape Point funicular to the old lighthouse costs extra, or you can walk up in about 15 minutes.
Suggested route (clockwise)
- Camps Bay and Llandudno: an early start along the Atlantic coast.
- Hout Bay: a harbour stop, with boat trips to Duiker Island seals.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive: 114 bends cut into the cliffs. The road can close in bad weather, so check the status first.
- Cape Point: the lighthouse, the cliffs and the Cape of Good Hope sign. Allow 2–3 hours.
- Boulders Beach: the boardwalks to see the penguins, and a swim at the separate beach section. Allow about 1 hour.
- Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay: fish and chips at the harbour, antique shops and cafés.
- Muizenberg: the colourful beach huts on the way back.
Drive yourself or take a tour?
- Self-drive: the most flexible option. The loop is about 160 km. Start early, carry cash or a card for the tolls, and never feed the baboons or leave food in view, because they open car doors.
- Day tour: no driving or parking stress, and often includes a bike ride at Cape Point. Compare Cape Peninsula day tours.
- Hop-on hop-off bus: some lines cover parts of the Peninsula, but not the whole loop.
Tips
- Visit Boulders early or late in the day, when it’s quieter and the penguins are most active.
- It’s windy at Cape Point, so bring a jacket even in summer.
- Combine this with a buffer day in your Cape Town itinerary in case of bad weather.
More Cape Town guides
- Cape Town travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Cape Town
- Cape Town itinerary: 3, 5 or 7 days
- Where to stay in Cape Town
- Table Mountain cableway tickets and hikes
- Robben Island tickets and tour
- Cape Town Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Cape Town
FAQ: Cape Point and Boulders Beach
Can you swim with the penguins at Boulders Beach?
Yes. At the beach section near the colony, penguins sometimes wander through, but you must keep your distance and never touch them.
Is Cape Point worth the entry fee?
For most visitors, yes. The scenery, hiking trails and wildlife fill half a day. On a tight budget, you can still enjoy the coastal drive outside the park.
How long does the Cape Peninsula day trip take?
Allow 8–10 hours for the full loop with stops.
Plan your trip to Cape Town
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
