The Cape of Good Hope is probably on the bucket list of every South African traveler. Here are my tips on what you definitely shouldn't miss.
1. Drive along Chapmans Peak Drive – one of the most famous coastal drives in the world.
The Chapmans Peak Drive - the locals call it Chappies - winds along the steep west coast of the Cape of Good Hope. During the drive I wonder how this road was carved into the rock. It actually looks impossible that anyone could have worked safely here, high above the waves.
That was certainly not the case back then: the 9 km long track with its 114 curves was originally built during the First World War.
Breathtaking views are guaranteed.
My tip: If you have more than one day to visit the Cape of Good Hope, the coastal road is also great in the light of the sunset.
The route starts in the picturesque fishing port of Hout Bay and winds steeply up to Chapman's Point, where breathtaking views of the sandy bays below open up before the road descends to a lower level again in Noordhoek.
Driving on Chapmans Peak Drive is subject to a toll.
South Africa Tip Cape of Good Hope
2. Hike from the Cape of Good Hope via Dias Beach to the lighthouse.
Roaring winds and meter-high waves crash against the legendary Cape of Hope. Steep cliffs defy the storm. For centuries, lighthouses have shown ships the safe way from one ocean to the other. What sailors fear is a dream for hikers. Tip: The hike between the Cape of Good Hope and the new lighthouse offers spectacular views of the South African coast. The wide Dias beach is a great place to take a short rest when the weather is nice.
Who hasn’t dreamed as a child of standing at the Cape of Good Hope?
If you don't want to walk the full 7.5 kilometers, you can turn around at Dias Beach and halve the route.
The tour goes through Cape Point National Park. Entrance fee is payable at the gate.
3. Have fun with the funny penguins at Boulder Beach.
Here's a challenge: look at the penguins on Boulder Beach and try not to laugh. I don't think that's possible. When the little black and white animals waddle, I automatically giggle. The African penguins don't find it so funny, however, because they are unfortunately threatened with extinction. You shouldn't think that at Boulder Beach - the beach here is full of the birds. Even if the penguins look so trusting and sweet, please keep your distance to protect them.
Click on the first image to start the photo gallery:
The location is super photogenic: the snow-white sandy beach with huge boulders leads to the turquoise blue sea.
The beach has been part of the Table Mountain National Park since 1982 and there is an entrance fee. By doing so, you are supporting an important cause, as the proceeds help South African National Parks (SANParks) to promote the protection of penguins.
4. Check out the colorful bathing huts at Muizenberg Beach.
The colorful Victorian wooden huts on Muizenberg beach shine red, yellow and blue. Just looking at them gives you a summer feeling. Even the water here is warmer than the sea off Cape Town. The many surfers appreciate this.
There are many surf schools here that teach even beginners how to surf.
If that's too daring for you, you can watch
others surfing from one of the small cafés.
Or you can take a stroll through the historic town - here you will find the old post office from the 17th century or the historic train station from the time of King Edward. Alternatively, you can just lie on the beach - Muizenberg Beach is considered one of the most beautiful and safest beaches in the Cape.
5. Drink a glass of wine at the Stellenbosch Friday Night Market
Okay, admittedly, Stellenbosch is not exactly on the Cape of Good Hope. But for us it was the perfect place to stay after our tour. On the R310, the coastal road from Muizenberg runs beautifully along False Bay. Google Maps didn't want to send us on this route, I think because it goes past a township. Our landlord in Banhoek Corner Guest House said it was safe during the day. If in doubt, double check with the accommodation.
On Friday evening the Friday Night Market takes place at the Boschendal Winery.
The Friday Night Market is an event you shouldn't miss.
In the inner garden, which is protected by stone walls, various food stalls have been set up, and there are beanbags and picnic blankets on the lawn. Of course, there is also the house's own wine and live music ensures a good atmosphere. On Saturday mornings there is a market in the neighboring wine town of Franschhoek - how convenient when you are already nearby.
Getting there and around
Rental car for a week from 110€ e.g. at www.billiger-mietwagen.de
The MyCiTi buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around Cape Town. Get a myconnect card to use public transport and explore the city stress-free.
We booked short rides with Uber and found it convenient and safe.
Sleep
Cape Town: The pretty, green and white painted Casa Del Sonder  is centrally located, but still quiet and above all safe, opposite the police station in a historic building. From the roof terrace (with a small pool!) you have a view of Table Mountain. Here you can enjoy delicious sourdough bread with various toppings in the morning. All rooms are super cute and individually decorated.
There is a café downstairs in the building, which the police officers from across the street also like to visit. They assured me that I could walk around with my camera during the day.
Since last year, the same owners also have an Airbnb in Muizenberg .
Stellenbosch: The Banhoek Corner Guest House is designed to be a home away from home for guests. For us it was, even though we were unfortunately there for far too short a time.
The stylishly furnished rooms with antiques are so beautiful that you don't want to leave the house. Which would be a crime in Stellenbosch. There is a pool in the garden with a wonderful view of the mountains. The breakfast is simply spectacular with fresh croissants, a large selection of cheeses and lots of fruit. Magda has the best tips on what to do in the area. Ask for a room away from the street if you are sensitive to noise.