Two bucket-listy experiences in Cape Town are seeing the African penguins at Boulders Beach and the end-of-world landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope.
Luckily, you don’t need to rent a car to explore Cape Town’s natural side. A guided penguins and Cape day tour from Cape Town combines wildlife encounters with superb coastal views
Why visit Boulders Beach penguins and Cape of Good Hope together?
Boulders Beach, near Simon’s Town, is home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Walking along the wooden boardwalks, you can get close to these comical birds in their natural habitat. It’s rare to enjoy such a memorable wildlife experience so close to a major city.
Just a short drive away is the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, part of Table Mountain National Park. It’s known for dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and unique flora and fauna. And, of course, being a major landmark that sailors once regarded as the gateway to the unknown.
Visiting both spots in one day makes sense, and is easy if self-driving.
How to get there without a car
Hiring a car is easy enough but can be stressful if you’re not comfortable driving on the left or navigating unfamiliar roads.
If you don’t want to drive, public transport options to Boulders Beach and Cape Point are limited.
Fortunately, there are plenty of guided day tours that depart from central Cape Town. These take care of transport, entrance fees, and add guided commentary. This is the hassle-free option if you don’t want to worry about directions, parking and South Africa’s erm, interesting approach to road rules.
Penguins and Cape of Good Hope: The guided tour option
One popular choice is the Cape of Good Hope full-day tour from Cape Town. This tour includes:
- Pickup and drop-off from Cape Town accommodation
- Visit to Boulders Beach to see the penguins up close
- Time to explore Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
- Guided commentary about the region’s history, wildlife, and geography
What to bring on the trip
Since you’ll spend much of the day outdoors, bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes for boardwalks and light hiking
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- A light jacket or windbreaker, as coastal weather can change quickly
- A camera or smartphone for photos of penguins and Cape scenery
- Water and snacks
When to book your tour
Tours to the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach are popular, especially in high season (summer months and school holidays). Booking in advance guarantees your spot. You can book the full-day tour easily online here:
Advice for making the most of the Penguins and Cape of Good Hope tour
- Arrive early on your tour day to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities and avoid crowds at Boulders Beach.
- Respect the penguins by staying on the boardwalk and not feeding or touching them.
- Wear layers to adapt to changing weather.
- Bring some cash or card for souvenirs or refreshments at the nature reserve.
Ready to see penguins and the Cape of Good Hope without a car?
More South Africa travel
Other South Africa travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Why South Africans go to Durban for winter sun.
- The origins of Apartheid in Durban’s KwaMuhle Museium.
- The story of the world’s first heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital.
- Learning how South Africa’s history changed at Liliesleaf Farm.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Johannesburg.
