Cape Town Full-Day: Table Mountain, Cape Point & Boulders Penguin Colony
This full-day shared tour combines Table Mountain, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape Point and the Boulders penguin colony for a compact taste of Cape Town’s wild and cultural highlights. Expect nine to ten hours of scenic drives, short walks and multiple photo stops.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book Table Mountain Early
Cable car tickets are not included; buy a morning slot online to avoid cancellations from midday winds.
Layer for Rapid Weather Shifts
Bring a windproof layer and a light rain shell — coastal weather can change inside an hour on the plateau.
Respect Penguin Habitat
Stay on boardwalks at Boulders Beach and keep distance; feeding or touching penguins is prohibited to protect their health.
Hydrate and Snack
Carry water and a compact snack for the day; lunch time in Simon’s Town is optional and on your own.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Chapman’s Peak viewing turnout for late-afternoon light — fewer crowds midweek
- •The Bo-Kaap Museum alleyways for short historical context and colorful photo angles
Wildlife
- •African Penguin (jackass penguin)
- •Heaviside and bank cormorants and occasional southern right whales offshore
Conservation Note
Cape Point and Table Mountain National Park are protected areas; stick to trails and boardwalks, dispose of waste properly, and avoid feeding wildlife to reduce human impact.
Simon’s Town has a long naval history from Dutch and British eras; the old Cape Point lighthouse was decommissioned after its elevation proved dangerous to sailors in cloud cover.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Needed for rocky viewpoints, short coastal walks and steps at lookouts.
Windproof layerEssential
Protects against cold gusts on Table Mountain plateau and exposed headlands.
Sun protectionEssential
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are important for strong midday sun on the coast and plateau.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Makes wildlife viewing — penguins, seabirds and possible whales — clearer from boardwalks and viewpoints.
Common Questions
Are Table Mountain cable car tickets included?
No — cable car tickets are not included in the tour price; buy in advance at the Table Mountain website to secure a preferred time and avoid wind-related sellouts.
Is the penguin viewing accessible?
The boardwalk at Boulders Beach is largely accessible and designed for close views, but areas of the reserve have steps and soft sand which may limit mobility.
Is lunch provided?
No — lunch in Simon’s Town is on your own; the guide will allow time to eat at local seafood restaurants or cafés.
What wildlife might I see besides penguins?
Expect seabirds, occasional seals near rocky headlands, and from June to November you may spot whales off False Bay on clear days.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9–10 hours
Location
Cape Town, Western Cape
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness; involves short walks, standing at viewpoints and getting on/off the vehicle multiple times.
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