Activities at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa
Besides a variety of hiking trails, there are numerous other activities on offer at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. One single trip to the Cape Point Nature Reserve is probably not enough to experience everything this area has to offer.
Everyone who has time available and does not want to rush to the Cape during a day trip can come back another day and take part in a guided Mountainbike or E-Bike Tour, go surfing or have a picnic in beautiful nature. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve also offers a few spots where it is safe to swim. In winter, the chances of spotting whales are great.
Adrenaline junkies can book a scenic helicopter flight where they can enjoy views of Cape Point from above.
Hiking Trails at the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
For hiking ad nature lovers, the Cape Point Nature Reserve will feel like paradise. Various hiking trails invite all nature lovers to explore the diverse flora and fauna on foot. The choice is endless – from shipwreck trails and short walks to the 2-day „Cape of Good Hope Trail“.
Here is an article that is specifically dealing with the topic of “Hiking at the Cape of Good Hope”.
Cycle Tours to Cape Point (including a visit to the Penguins)
You can also climb onto your bicycle and enjoy a guided Cycle Tour in the Cape Point Nature Reserve. There are several operators (e.g. Awol Tours) who offer small group Tours from Cape Town.
You will be fetched from a central location in Cape Town and be transported with the operator‘s vehicle (with bikes in tow) to the reserve. En route, you can also stop for a quick visit to the African Penguins at Boulder’s Beach. There is even a chance to experience the Penguins during a Kayak trip.
Afterwards you will make your way to the entrance of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Here you can hop onto your bike, cycle on different routes (25-60km) and enjoy the indigenous flora and fauna. If you leave the main road you might be lucky enough to spot a Cape Mountain Zebra, Ostriches, a few Baboons or Antelopes. An experienced Nature Guide will provide you with interesting information and facts about different plant and animal species.
You could also get off your bike and take a walk from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Point – and enjoy stunning views on the way. Maybe there is also a possibility for a picnic on the beach.
Some cycle tours to the Cape of Good Hope also include a biking trip in the township of “Masiphumelele” which is located near Kommetjie.
Tour duration: approx. 9 hours (including pick-up/transfer back to Cape Town)
E-Bike Tour – mit dem Elektrofahrrad ans Kap
Explore the Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Point on an E-Bike Tour (electric bicycle with a built-in motor). You will be picked up from a central location in Cape Town. You can enjoy a scenic drive along the legendary coastal road “Chapman’s Peak” until you reach the entrance of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
In the reserve, after your guide has provided you with a helmet and safety instructions on how to use your E-Bike, you can start riding towards the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. At Cape Point, you will get off your E-Bike quickly and explore the lighthouse on top of the peak. If you are hungry you can get a snack or eat lunch at the restaurant (at your own expense).
There is enough time to explore the incredible flora and fauna at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve before you head back to the reserve entrance where your tour vehicle will be waiting for you.
Afterwards there is also a chance to visit the African Penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town (optional, at your own expense).
Tour duration: approx. 7 hours (including pick-up/transfer back to Cape Town)
Helicopter Flight over Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
A very special experience is a helicopter flight over the Cape Peninsula. This adventure starts at the Helipad at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
During this 50-minute helicopter flight, you have the chance to see the famous Table Mountain, the Lion’s Head, the soccer stadium, the Twelve Apostles mountain range, the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay and, of course, the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape of Good Hope from above.
There is enough time for taking amazing photographs of Cape Point from the air. After you got all your stunning pictures the helicopter will fly back via the Constantia wine region towards Cape Town.
Whales, Dolphins and Seals
Dolphins and seals can be spotted year-round in the area. Whale watching season in South Africa is in the winter months (June to November). During this time your chances are good to spot Southern Right Whales in the False Bay. The Cape of Good Hope offers several viewpoints from which you can view the giants of the sea.
Kite Surfing and Wind Surfing
In Platboom at the Cape of Good Hope, you often see numerous wind and kite surfers, especially during the summer months. This spot offers crystal clear water and high waves.
Diving to Shipwrecks
Wreck divers will love the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. There are about 3000 underwater shipwrecks at the “Cape of Storms” that can now be explored.
Picnic Spots
The Cape Point Nature Reserve has several picnic areas on offer (e.g. in Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif). Find a perfect spot on the beach, watch the waves rolling in, listen to the sound of birds and just relax.
Image Credit: Lollie-Pop @Flickr (CC BY 2.0)