Cape Town: Private Cape Peninsula Tour with Penguins & Chapman's Peak

Summary

Full-day private car tour from Cape Town to Cape Point, Boulders Beach penguins, Bo-Kaap and Atlantic coast

You’ll wander through Bo-Kaap’s painted streets with a local guide, cruise along Chapman's Peak Drive’s wild curves, spot penguins at Boulder's Beach, and finish your Cape Peninsula day trip from Cape Town with coffee by Muizenberg’s colorful huts. Expect salty air, spontaneous laughs, and stories you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re in Cape Town when your guide pulls up outside your hotel grinning and says, ‘Ready for a wild day?’ That’s how we started. We zigzagged straight into Bo-Kaap — those houses really are as bright as everyone says, but it’s the smell of spices that hit me first. Our guide (Sipho — he grew up nearby) told stories about his aunt’s kitchen while we snapped photos and tried not to block the locals rushing past on their way to work. I think I got more paint color ideas than photos.

The road out of town hugs the cliffs so tight I kept leaning into the window just to see if we’d tip over — Chapman's Peak Drive is all sharp turns and sudden ocean views. Sipho called it ‘Chappies’ like it was an old friend. We stopped at Hout Bay for a boat ride (optional but worth it; sea spray everywhere), then back in the car, windows down because that salty wind wakes you right up. There was this moment where we pulled off at a viewpoint and just stood there, not talking much, watching clouds move over the Twelve Apostles. It felt like time slowed down for a second.

Lunch was somewhere around Cape Point — you get a choice, fancier or more casual, both with views that make you forget what you ordered. The hike up to the lighthouse isn’t long but my legs complained anyway (someone took the funicular and looked smug about it). Sipho explained how the two ocean currents meet here; I didn’t expect to care about ocean science but somehow I did. Afterward, Boulder's Beach had penguins waddling right past us like they owned the place — one stared me down until I moved aside. Sand everywhere but I didn’t mind.

We ended at Muizenberg with coffee on the beach watching surfers wipe out under those candy-colored huts. The air smelled like seaweed and espresso mixed together — weirdly perfect after a day in the car. I still think about that view back toward Table Mountain as the light faded out. So yeah, if you want a private Cape Peninsula tour from Cape Town that feels more like hanging out with someone who knows all the shortcuts (and where to find penguins), this is it.”

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cape Peninsula highlights

• Hotel pickup by private car
• Visit colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood
• Stop at Maiden's Cove for photos
• Boat trip to Seal Island (optional)
• Explore Hout Bay market and shops
• Drive along Chapman's Peak Drive
• Visit Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Photo stop at Cape of Good Hope sign
• Hike or funicular to Cape Point
• Lunch at Two Oceans Restaurant (optional)
• Visit African penguin colony at Boulders Beach
• Watch sunset at Surfers Corner, Muizenberg

Top questions

How long does the private Cape Peninsula tour last?

This is a full-day tour covering major sights along the peninsula from Cape Town.

Are hotel pickups included in this day trip?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Cape Town are included.

Can I customize my itinerary during this private tour?

Yes, you can discuss preferences with your guide to tailor stops along the route.

Is entrance to Chapman's Peak Drive included?

Yes, toll fees for Chapman's Peak Drive are included in your tour price.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; infant seats are available if needed.

Do we get time to see African penguins at Boulder's Beach?

Yes, you'll visit Boulder's Beach and walk along boardwalks to view penguins up close.

Is lunch included in this private day trip?

No, lunch is not included but recommendations are provided at Cape Point restaurants.

Can I take a boat trip at Hout Bay during this tour?

You can take an optional 45-minute boat trip to Seal Island for an extra fee.

What type of vehicle is used for this private tour?

A private car is used for groups of up to 4 people; fuel is included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Cape Town city center or surrounds, a private vehicle with fuel covered throughout your journey, bottled water onboard so you don’t have to worry about packing extra drinks, all toll fees for Chapman's Peak Drive taken care of by your guide-driver (who knows every shortcut), plus plenty of chances to stop whenever something catches your eye—from Bo-Kaap’s painted streets right down to Muizenberg beach huts before heading back home again.