Table Mountain, Cape Point & Boulders Beach Penguin Tour — Cape Town Day Trip
Spend a day on South Africa’s dramatic peninsula: panoramic views from Table Mountain, windswept cliffs at Cape Point and close-up encounters with endangered African penguins at Boulders Beach. This private, flexible tour combines scenic drives with short walks and boardwalk viewing.
The Experience
Before You Go
Book cable car and reserve tickets ahead
Cable car rides and Cape Point entrance are often paid separately; pre-book to avoid queues and guarantee access during peak season.
Respect wildlife distances
Baboons and penguins are present—keep a safe distance, secure bags, and never feed animals to avoid aggressive behavior.
Layer for wind and sun
Coastal weather shifts quickly—bring a windproof layer plus sunscreen and a hat even on cool days.
Comfortable footwear for viewpoints
Many viewpoints are gravel or uneven; low-profile hiking shoes or sturdy trainers make short walks more comfortable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Chapman’s Peak viewpoints for dramatic coastal light
- •Noordhoek farmers market and beach for local produce and quieter shoreline views
Wildlife
- •African penguin
- •Chacma baboon
Conservation Note
Boulders Beach boardwalks protect the endangered penguin colony, and Cape Point is managed to preserve fynbos habitat—stay on paths and follow guides to minimize impact.
Cape Point’s lighthouse and Table Mountain are central to maritime navigation and the region’s early colonial history; the Cape Floral Kingdom around the peninsula contains many endemic plant species.
What to Bring
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on rocky viewpoints, boardwalks and short hiking sections.
Windproof jacketEssential
Coastal winds can be strong; a windproof layer keeps you comfortable at exposed lookouts.
Sun protection (hat & sunscreen)Essential
The sun is intense year-round—protect exposed skin and eyes during stops and on the cable car.
Binoculars or zoom lens
Helps with wildlife viewing at Cape Point and close-up shots of penguins from the boardwalk.
Common Questions
Are park or cable car fees included?
No; entrance to Cape Point and the Table Mountain cable car require separate tickets which most operators ask you to purchase or pay for on-site.
Can I climb Table Mountain instead of using the cable car?
Yes—many visitors hike Platteklip Gorge (about 3 km with ~700 m elevation gain); the tour usually allocates time for short walks but check with the operator if you plan a full summit hike.
How close can I get to the penguins at Boulders Beach?
Boardwalks keep visitors a respectful distance to protect the endangered African penguin; you can photograph and watch them from the walkway without disturbing the colony.
Is there a chance to swim at Muizenberg?
Yes—Muizenberg offers warmer, shallow waters and is popular with surfers, but swimming is dependent on conditions and the tour only stops briefly when traffic allows.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Cape Town, Western Cape
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness: suitable for most people; includes short hikes and standing at viewpoints
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