Cape Town Table Mountain, Boulders Beach Penguins & Cape Point Day Tour
Spend a long day moving from Cape Town’s colorful Bo‑Kaap to the high plateaus of Table Mountain, down the cinematic Chapman's Peak Drive, and out to Cape Point and the Boulders penguin colony. This guided circuit blends easy hikes, coastal geology, and close wildlife viewing in about 9–10 hours.
The Experience
Before You Go
Layer for rapid temperature changes
Coastal weather swings dramatically between sun, wind and chill—wear breathable layers you can add or remove quickly.
Cable car is weather dependent
Table Mountain access via cable car may close in high winds; set expectations and keep contact info handy for reschedules or refunds.
Keep distance from baboons
Baboons are opportunistic—keep windows closed, don’t leave food visible, and observe from inside the vehicle when they’re near.
Respect penguin boardwalks
Boulders Beach has boardwalks to protect penguins—stay on the path and don’t attempt to touch or feed them.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Morning light at the lower Cableway station for fewer crowds and clearer views of the city.
- •Kalk Bay harbour for a quick espresso and shoreline photography after Boulders Beach.
Wildlife
- •African penguin
- •Chacma baboon
Conservation Note
The Cape Floral Kingdom is highly endemic and vulnerable—stick to paths, use boardwalks at penguin sites, and don’t feed wildlife to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
The Cape Peninsula was a maritime crossroads for European explorers; Simon’s Town grew as a naval and provisioning port in the 1600s and Bo‑Kaap reflects Cape Malay and freed-slave communities from the 19th century.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Closed-toe shoes with grip are useful for rocky headlands and short hikes at Cape Point.
Windproof layerEssential
A lightweight windbreaker protects against strong Atlantic gusts on Table Mountain and Cape Point.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Stay hydrated through a long day; bottled water is usually provided but refilling saves money and plastic.
Camera or binoculars
A zoom lens or compact binoculars improve wildlife and coastline viewing, especially for penguins and seabirds.
Common Questions
Is the Table Mountain cable car always open?
No—operations depend on wind and weather; if it’s closed you can usually reschedule, get a refund for the ticket, or opt for extra time elsewhere on the itinerary.
Can I touch the penguins at Boulders Beach?
No—touching or feeding African penguins is prohibited; viewing is from boardwalks to protect the birds and their habitat.
Are park fees and tolls included?
Many private tours include Cape Point National Park access and Chapman’s Peak toll, but confirm inclusion when booking to avoid surprises.
Will I see wildlife besides penguins?
Yes; Cape Point hosts baboons, ostriches nearby, various antelope species and many seabirds—wildlife sightings vary by season and time of day.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
9–10 hours
Location
Cape Town, Western Cape
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average condition able to stay on their feet for a long day and handle short steep sections (up to ~400 m ascent on lighthouse path).
Topics
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