Exploring the Cape Peninsula

Whatever the season, the Cape Peninsula has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. I know that I've barely scratched the surface of things to do and see in this stunning and unique part of the world.

Disclaimer: According to Wikipedia, the peninsula is 52 km long from Mouille point in the north to Cape Point in the south. As a somewhat assimilated Capetonian, to me the Cape Peninsula runs from around Llandudno to Cape Point and to Muizenberg on the other side. I'm probably incorrect in my classification, but for the purpose of this post, those are the areas that will be included!

Aerial view of the Sentinel and Hout Bay

From my self-proclaimed starting point, Llandudno is a lovely secluded beach, visited mostly by surfers and local residents. It's remarkably clean, pet friendly and mostly sheltered from the wind. Parking can sometimes be tricky as the small parking lot often overflows into narrow spaces on residential roads.

Llandudno beach

Follow Victoria Road from Llandudno to the Republic of Hout Bay. I highly recommend the Hout Bay Harbour market which is open every day of the weekend (and Friday nights). Weather permitting, seal island tours depart hourly from Hout Bay harbour, about R60 for an hour trip. Watch seals cavorting in the waves against the stunning backdrop of the Sentinel peak and the bay. From here you can head to World of Birds which is good fun for the whole family. Walk through large enclosures housing many species of birds and other animals and encounter monkeys clambering on branches (and people!) around you.

Harbour Market and World of Birds are great for the whole family

Chapman's Peak drive

The Chapman's Peak drive starting in Hout Bay is fantastic. Just be aware that this is a toll route and it may close to adverse weather conditions. Enjoy the stunning Cape Atlantic archipelago and indigenous fynbos of the area along many of the scenic stops along the way. Chapman's drive will take you through to Noordhoek, which boasts a sizeable beach and shipwreck. The Foodbarn in Noordhoek is a great gourmet bistro restaurant. Thorfynns Restaurant at Monkey Valley Resort is also a great spot for a family outing and has lovely views of the Atlantic ocean. From Noordhoek, your path may split in various directions and each holds a journey of its own. 

Foodbarn and Thorfynns Restaurants in Noordhoek

Kommetjie lies to the south west and is a quaint town in a seemingly remote spot. On the way you'll pass Imhoff farm which offers camel and horse rides and has several eating spots. You can choose to pass through or head directly to Cape Point, which forms part of Table Mountain National Park. Those with Wild cards will not need to pay an entrance fee.

 

Cape Point is a great day or half day trip. There are various hiking trails across the peninsula, but for those on a tight schedule, it is easy to drive directly to the Cape of Good Hope. Stand in line to snap a picture with the sign! Drive up to Cape Point and jump on the Flying Dutchman funicular or brave the brisk walk to the top to see the lighthouse.

It gets pretty windy at Cape Point!

Submarine tour

From Cape Point, head to Simon's Town, home of the endangered African penguin (renamed from Jackass penguin). Boulders Beach boasts a large penguin colony and visitors are able to get close to these adorable birds. Entrance to the beaches are not free, but a boardwalk starting at Boulders parking lot is open to the public. Kayaking from Simon's Town harbour to Boulders and back only takes about 2 hours and is good fun. Simon's Town is home to South Africa's Navy. The barracks and ships are quite visible in the harbour. Go on a submarine tour of the decommissioned SS Assegaai and explore this metal hulk as it sits in the water.

Penguins at Boulders

From Simon's Town you can jump on the train to Muizenberg and hop off at Kalk Bay on the way. Kalk Bay is a bustling community popular with locals and tourists alike and boasts many popular dining spots and shops. Some of these include the Brass Bell and Polana. False Bay is also good for whale spotting, typically between June and November. Muizenberg is a must for those into surfing. The beach front often boasts markets and festivals.

A mere weekend in the peninsula will not be sufficient to discover all its secrets but it surely will be more than enough to capture your heart.

PS. All photos used in this post belong to me.

Cape Town food market culture

Exploring markets is a great way to spend weekends in Cape Town.

1. Harbour Market in Hout Bay

This is definitely my favourite market and a good one to take touristy visitors to. It's open every weekend for most of the weekend and there's a good mix of food, knick knacks and novelty drinks. It gets pretty busy so it's a good location for breakfast or for some drinks with live entertainment in the afternoons and evenings.

When? Fridays 5pm - 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 9:30am - 4pm
Where? 31 Harbour Road, Hout Bay
More info: http://www.bayharbour.co.za/

2. Neighbourgoods Food Market at the Old Biscuit Mill

This is probably Cape Town's most well-known market so it's a good idea to arrive early. It has loads of food stalls and artsy things for sale and gets pretty crowded. Please note, parking is a bit of an issue.

When? Every Saturday 9am - 2pm
Where? 373 Albert Road, Cape Town
More info: http://www.theoldbiscuitmill.co.za/

3. City Bowl Market on Hope

I like frequenting this market on Thursday evenings, though they are also open on Saturday mornings, as it's a few blocks from work and a good place to grab a quick dinner or catch up with friends over a glass of wine. They also have fresh produce on sale.

When? Thursdays 4:30pm - 8:30pm, Saturdays 9am - 2pm
Where? 14 Hope Street, Cape Town
More info: http://www.citybowlmarket.co.za/

4. Market at the Palms

My vintage purchase

Open every Saturday, this market is attractive due to its location inside Palms Centre. Light filters in through windows spanning two storeys and gives a nice ambience to this small market. There are vintage items for sale on the top floor and plenty of fresh produce available on the ground floor. Free parking is available in the centre.

When? Saturdays 9am - 2pm
Where? 145 Sir Lowry Road, Cape Town
More info: https://www.facebook.com/MarketAtThePalms

5. Oranjezicht Organic Market

My latest discovery, this outdoor market is good on days where weather conditions are not too extreme. The organic community farm is really great to walk through, nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain with stunning views of the city. The market is relatively small in comparison to others but you'll find a nice range of food and drink options, even if you're gluten free like me. A great market for those with kiddies to entertain as there are jungle gyms and gardening sessions!

Parking may also pose a bit of a worry.

When? Every Saturday, 9am - 2pm
Where? Homestead Park, Upper Orange Street, Oranjezicht
More info: http://www.ozcf.co.za/organic-market/