Transfer Type
Overview
Follow the tracks of Portuguese explorers Bartolomeu Dias who left Europe on a quest with a mission to find a passage to India around the African continent.
When approaching this tip of the African continent in 1488 his ship was hit by a very persistent south-easterly gale wind. The Southeaster blows directly into any ship that’s sailing down the west coast of Africa, so Dias found it extremely difficult to hug the coastline.
Of course, he had no idea how close he was to rounding the African continent. He was frustrated by this constant battle of having to tack directly into the wind, so he decided to take an easier course.
Now, you'll get a chance to spend a day exploring the beautiful Cape Peninsula on this full day tour from Cape Town. With a professional guide by your side, get a true sense of the beauty and diversity of Cape Town as you meander along some of the city’s most precious gems.
Cape Town is famed for her iconic Table Mountain, but this city has far more to offer than just that. From diverse fauna and flora, to spectacular views and cultural delights, the Cape will wow you with her rich surprises. This tour combines the best experiences the Cape Peninsula has to offer, all in one actioned packed itinerary.
Travel to Hout Bay harbour and enjoy free time to wander independently and revel in an unparalleled cultural experience, with local traders, informal markets, fresh fish and chips and more. Or choose to board a glass-bottomed boat and cruise to Duiker Island to view the lazy Cape Fur seals as they bob about and soak up the sun. Meander along the sheer drops of Chapman’s Peak Drive as you make your way to the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Upon entry be sure to look out for roaming ostriches or mischievous baboons as you drive up to the breath-takingly scenic Cape Point. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the short hike to the top is not to be missed, offering panoramic views of the peninsula and the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Having your photo taken at the famed Cape of Good Hope sign, marking the south-westernmost tip of Africa, is a must. Along the way, stop to drink in the coastal scenery while wandering amid the fynbos. Next up, you can get your fix of cuteness as you walk alongside African penguins at Boulders beach and learn about these endangered creatures and the efforts being made to conserve them. End off your day watching the surfers of Muizenberg trying to catch the wave of the day, as you drive back to Cape Town via this coastal town.
Why You'll Love It
Cruise to a colony of Cape Fur seals as these clumsy creatures laze about.
Explore the cultural haven of the bustling Hout Bay harbour.
Prepare for unparalleled views as you drive along Chapman's Peak.
See wild Atlantic waves crash at the southwestern most point of Africa.
Take pics of the Muizenberg surfer's shores.
Waddle with adorable African penguins at Boulders Beach.
Itinerary
Start with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Cape Town.
Cape Town fades into the distance as you head south west to Hout Bay, a quaint fishing village best known as the entry point to the cape fur seal colony of Duiker Island. Stop and peruse the local craft stores and opt for a seal cruise if you want to get up close and personal with some lazy seals. The morning drive past Chapman’s Peak sets the standard for the day, so expect stunning vistas at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, with their rich fynbos flora and the inevitable baboon spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cape Mountain zebra, ostriches, eland and sugarbirds.
Look forward to an afternoon of entertainment as the African Penguins of Boulders Beach steal your hearts in their formal attire. Walk alongside these feathered creatures as they waddle their way around, lazing about in the sun or diving deep for the catch of the day. Then, meander into the afternoon, as the Atlantic coastline hugs cloud-capped mountains at the seaside town of Muizenberg where you stop briefly to explore and ‘shark spot’ from shore. Keep your eyes on the ocean as you drive back along this beach route to reach Cape Town by early evening.
End with an evening drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.
Included
You can either join a micro group on scheduled departure days with a maximum of 8 guests per vehicle or guide & guaranteed window seat, or you can book this as a private exclusive tour at additional upgrade fees.
Led by a local English-speaking professional tour guide.
Transfers to included tour highlights.
There is no central meeting point for this tour. A transfer service will collect you from your Cape Town accommodation.
- Browse Hout Bay Harbour
- Curve Along Chapman's Peak
- Explore Cape of Good Hope
- Muizenberg Coastal Drive
Excluded
Optional activities can be paid and booked during your journey as per price listed in the itinerary.
- Duiker Island Cruise
- Boulders Beach Entry
Local and international flights are excluded.
You are responsible for your own personal travel insurance.
You can purchase meals + drinks on tour.
FAQ
Terms & Conditions
Click terms for more details.
A non-refundable deposit is needed to reserve a booking and full amount payment required at least 31 days before a tour to confirm a booking.
- Cancellation at least 30 days prior to tour departure date = 20% cancellation fee
- Cancellation 29 to 8 days prior to tour departure date = 50% cancellation fee
- Cancellation within 7 days prior to tour departure date or no-show will not be granted a refund or voucher
Read the full terms online at https://hotspots2c.co.za/agent#terms
- Transfer fees and forex conversion costs charged by the banks will be billed to you.
- Cancellation fees are caculated on the total value of the booking.
Children under 8 years are not allowed.
Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult and book a private room.
Minors under 18 years are not allowed to consume alcohol and will require adult consent to partake in some optional activities.
LIVE AVAILABILITY
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Know Before You Go
what to expect
South Africa
11 official Languages Spoken
Afrikaans – English – isiNdebele – Sepedi.– Sesotho – Siswati – Xitsonga – Setswana – Tshivenda – isiXhosa
How to say hello?
Molo – Xhosa
Sawubona - Zulu
Hallo - Afrikaans
Dumela - SeSotho
Electricity – Volt & plug
The South African electricity supply is 220/230 volts AC 50 HZ. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong or 5 amp 2-prong, with round pins.
Measurements
Metric System
WiFi/Internet Access on tour
WiFi can be found at most accommodations, restaurants and airports, however, the download speed is often slow and many connections limit your data usage. In short, you’ll be able to stay connected with home, but don't expect to watch HD movies in your spare time.
When to go
South Africa is blessed with a mostly mild climate, but different areas will yield different temperatures throughout the year. Summer in South Africa is usually peak season, lasting between November – February, however Easter time (March) is often still considered peak season too. Temperatures range from 25ºC in coastal areas to high 30ºs in inland areas. Cape Town has ideal weather during this time and Durban sports warm beaches and humid air, Johannesburg experiences hot clear days and often an afternoon thunderstorm.
Shoulder season is April and May, as well as September and October. Surprisingly, the weather in Durban is often at its best during this time, and other areas simmer down from their scorching highs. Prices are lower and crowds are smaller. September and October see eruptions of flowers and blooms all around the country.
Winter is beautiful in most parts of the country. Cape Town experiences winter rain and is often a little cold and miserable, but still crisp and beautiful. Because of the warm Indian Ocean, Durban has spectacular weather in winter, often hovering around 20-25ºC with clear blue skies. Inland areas get quite chilly and the odd snowfall is not uncommon (it only lasts for a day though!). Prices are at an all time low and it is an ideal time for game viewing, as the animals are more active in the cooler weather.
Best time to go
Jun-Jul = Safari
Jan-Feb = Beach
Public Holidays
With the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year's Day, most tourist services and attractions are open on South African public holidays. In addition most city shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues remain open.
| 1 Jan | New Year's Day | |
| 21 Mar | Human Rights Day | |
| 30 Mar | Good Friday | |
| 2 Apr | Family Day | |
| 27 Apr | Freedom Day | |
| 1 May | Workers' Day | |
| 16 Jun | Youth Day | |
| 9 Aug | National Women's Day | |
| 24 Sep | Heritage Day | |
| 16 Dec | Day of Reconciliation | |
| 17 Dec | Day of Reconciliation Holiday | |
| 25 Dec | Christmas Day | |
| 26 Dec | Day of Goodwill |
Visa & Travel docs
Travellers from most Commonwealth countries (excluding New Zealand), most Western European nations, Japan and the USA receive a free, 90-day visitor's permit on arrival. These travellers do not need a visa to enter South Africa. A valid passport is essential with at least two empty pages. You generally will need to show return or onward travel arrangements. Children aged under 18 must show an unabridged birth certificate (showing both parents details).
Some countries do, however, need a visa. Visas are not issued upon entry, they must be attained beforehand. It is advised that you clarify this before you leave, the Department of Home Affairs office has a comprehensive list of countries that do not require visas. http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/immigration-services/exempt-countries
What to pack
We're generally laid back in South Africa, so no need to haul out your best silks and diamonds when you head to our shores. Here's some clothing advice when in South Africa:
- For the summers, bring clothes that are cool and comfortable, along with an umbrella or rain jacket, as this is when most of the country gets rain. A light jacket or wrap is a good precaution. Don't forget a swimming costume.
- The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But we do get some days when temperatures plummet, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg (some nights go below 0ºC), so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. If you are going to the Cape, rain gear will be needed in this season (your average here will be between 10-20ºC).
- Always bring a hat - the sun can be strong even in the winter months. Make sunglasses, a hat and sunblock a firm part of your skin care kit.
- Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.
- For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard and kit yourself out like David Livingstone, out to explore Africa for the first time.
- For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, go the smart-casual route. If you are simply going out to get a bite to eat, a general “no shirt, no shoes - no service” rule applies, so as long as you are fully clad, your attire should not be an issue.
- When travelling with Africa Select Journeys we encourage reasonably sized bags for multi-day tours and we are able to accommodate bags that are on average under 20kgs. For one and two day tours, a light backpack is encouraged.
Health & Safety
There are no compulsory vaccinations required to enter South Africa with exception of a yellow fever vaccination if you have been in a yellow fever area within the last 12 months.
The only major health risk you might face in South Africa is malaria, which is confined to small areas in the north-eastern parts of the country. Small pockets of the northern parts of the Kruger National Park fall under this area but the risk here is considered extremely low and it is not always necessary to take anti-malaria tablets. Remember as a precautionary measure to check with your accommodation what is recommended.
South Africa may have high crime statistics, but if you conduct yourself wisely, most tourists enjoy the country without any incident at all. Ensure that you lock away your passports and travel documents in a safe, which is usually provided by your accommodation. Don't flash around valuables and keep an eye on your belongings at all time. Majority of South Africa’s crime is opportunistic petty crime, so if you are vigilant about your belongings you should not have any problem.
Getting Around
South Africa has 3 world-class airports that receive international flights every day; Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Most international airlines will have flights into one or all of these airports daily.
There are numerous budget carriers that offer domestic flights between the major cities for very reasonable rates; this is the fastest and safest way to span large distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town, which is a 2-hour flight.
From the airports there are numerous shuttles and taxis that you can pick up upon arrival, there are also many different car hire options at each airport and in all major cities. Uber is another reliable and affordable option.
Money
Our currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. You can easily convert your currency to rand at a bank or Forex Bureau, the airports and larger towns often have many different Forex options. You can also withdraw from an ATM, banks are available throughout South Africa. Be sure to check what international bank charges you will incur for withdrawals before you arrive. Major credit cards are usually accepted in hotels or restaurants, however, there may be a surcharge. It is advisable to have small amounts of cash for curios and tipping.
Tipping
- Tour Guides and Drivers – Tipping on tour is neither expected nor compulsory, however, should you wish to tip the team on the road you are welcome to decide on a value that match the level of service received. A recommendation usually range from about R50 to R200 per person / per day.
- Restaurants and Bars - Tipping in restaurants is the norm and is customarily kept at 10% of the total shown on the bill. Many restaurants will add a 10% service charge to a bill if the number of guests exceeds six or ten.
- Hotels - At hotels you may also leave money to housekeeping at the end of your stay. Porter fees may already be included in your quote, and will be listed under your tour package inclusions.
