Cape Peninsula & Winelands Private Tour: Penguins, Wine & Cape Point

Summary

Private Day Trip: Cape Point, Penguins & Stellenbosch Wine Tasting

You’ll cover Cape Town’s best in just one day: dramatic coastlines, wild penguins at Boulders Beach, iconic Cape Point views, plus two premium wine tastings in Stellenbosch. Perfect if you want variety and local flavor without rushing.

What’s the experience like?

Salt in the air and a bit of mist on the window—Camps Bay always wakes up slow. We kicked off our day there, with that early light hitting the 12 Apostles. Our guide, Sipho, pointed out Lion’s Head peeking through some low clouds. Locals were already jogging along Victoria Road, and I could smell someone’s coffee drifting from a small café called Bootlegger.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of those roads you just have to see for yourself. The cliffs drop right into the sea, and you’ll probably want to roll down your window just to hear the waves below. We pulled over at a lookout—there was a guy selling carved wooden penguins (I grabbed one for my nephew). It’s windy up there; bring a jacket even if it looks sunny in town.

We stopped for a quick juice from a roadside stand—fresh oranges, nothing fancy—and poked around some stalls with beadwork and paintings. The vendors are chatty and happy to share stories about their crafts.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve felt wild and open. You can walk up to the old lighthouse or hop on the funicular if you’re not feeling energetic (I tried the walk; it’s steep but worth it for the views). There’s this salty tang in the air and sometimes you’ll spot dassies sunning themselves on rocks. At the famous sign marking Africa’s south-western tip, everyone lines up for photos—don’t worry, your guide knows all the tricks to avoid big crowds.

Boulders Beach is just down the road. The penguins are smaller than I expected and they waddle right past your feet if you’re patient. The boardwalk keeps you close without disturbing them. There’s usually a faint fishy smell mixed with seaweed—sounds odd but it feels real.

By afternoon we were rolling into Stellenbosch wine country. First stop: a winery overlooking False Bay where we tasted crisp whites and shared a cheese platter (the local biltong was surprisingly good). The second tasting was at an estate with old oak trees and friendly staff who really know their stuff—you can ask anything about South African wines here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Peninsula and Winelands Tour

• Visit Camps Bay and Table Mountain views
• Drive along Chapman’s Peak scenic route
• Coffee and souvenir shopping
• Visit Cape Point lighthouse
• Photo stop at Cape of Good Hope
• See African penguins at Boulders Beach
• Wine tasting with False Bay views
• Wine tasting at Stellenbosch winery

Top questions

How long does this private tour last?

The tour usually runs about 9-10 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is there time to swim at Boulders Beach?

You can dip your toes in but swimming isn’t always possible due to tides or penguin activity; ask your guide on the day.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Yes, two premium wine tastings are included along with cheese or meat platters at one stop.

Can I bring kids on this tour?

Absolutely! It’s family-friendly—kids love seeing the penguins especially.

What’s included

This private tour covers pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, all transport for the day, entrance fees to Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, plus two premium wine tastings (with snacks). Your guide handles everything so you can just enjoy each stop.