Cape Town: Table Mountain, Cape Point & Penguins Day Trip

Summary

Penguins, Table Mountain cable car and wild Cape Point views in a single Cape Town day

You’ll start your day with Bo-Kaap’s rainbow streets and stories before riding the Table Mountain cable car for city views you’ll remember later. After winding along Chapman’s Peak Drive and eating by the sea in Simon’s Town, you’ll meet African penguins up close at Boulders Beach and finish at wild Cape Point—wind in your hair and all.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed my pickup because I’d somehow convinced myself the guide would be late (Cape Town traffic, right?), but there he was—Thabo, already waving from his van. He asked if we wanted to see anything extra or had any weird cravings for coffee before we started. I liked that. We rolled straight into Bo-Kaap and honestly, the colors are even brighter than Instagram makes them look. Thabo told us about the old slave families who first painted their homes like this—he said it was a celebration of freedom. The air smelled faintly of spice, maybe cardamom? There were kids playing soccer barefoot in an alley and one shouted something cheeky at us—I wish I’d understood it.

Table Mountain was next, but the cable car had a short delay because of wind. People grumbled a bit but Thabo just shrugged and started pointing out different plants growing along the path. When we finally got up there, the city looked tiny and Robben Island sort of floated out on the water. The wind up top nearly stole my hat—I laughed so hard I startled a nearby couple. It’s strange how quiet it feels on that flat summit, even with tourists around. I still think about that view when I’m stuck behind my desk now.

We wound down Chapman’s Peak Drive after that—windows open, salt air everywhere—and stopped for photos where the cliffs drop straight into blue-green ocean. Lunch was in Simon’s Town (I went for fish and chips; no regrets). Then came Boulders Beach: penguins everywhere, some waddling right past our feet on the boardwalk like they owned the place. Thabo said they’re endangered so you can’t touch them—not that I’d try after seeing one bite someone’s shoelace.

Cape Point felt wild—windy again (my hair was basically a lost cause), fynbos scratching at my ankles during a short hike up to the lighthouse. There were baboons eyeing people’s snacks near the parking lot; Thabo warned us to keep windows closed but someone didn’t listen… let’s just say a banana met its end very quickly. We drove back as clouds started rolling over Table Mountain again—felt like we’d squeezed every kind of weather into one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cape Town's top attractions

• Hotel pickup and itinerary overview
• Visit Bo-kaap neighborhood
• Ascend Table Mountain by cable car
• Stop at Camps Bay for photos
• Pass through Hout Bay
• Drive along Chapman's Peak Drive
• Visit Cape Point Ostrich Farm
• Explore Cape Point National Park
• Hike or funicular to Cape Point Lighthouse
• Visit Cape of Good Hope landmark
• Lunch in Simon's Town
• Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony
• Return to city and drop off

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cape Town day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included at your accommodation in central Cape Town.

Can I visit Table Mountain if the weather is bad?

If weather closes the cable car, you can use your ticket another day or get a refund for it.

Are entry fees to Table Mountain and Cape Point included?

Yes, entry tickets for Table Mountain and Cape Point are included in your tour price.

Will we see penguins at Boulders Beach?

Yes, you’ll visit Boulders Beach to see African penguins from special boardwalks.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No set lunch is included—you choose where to eat in Simon’s Town or nearby towns.

How long does this full-day tour last?

The tour covers most of a day—expect 8–9 hours including all stops and travel time.

Can I feed or touch the penguins?

No, touching or feeding penguins is not allowed to protect them.

What should I bring for this trip?

A jacket (it gets windy), comfortable shoes for walking/hiking, sunscreen, camera, water bottle.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water always handy; all entry fees are covered—from Table Mountain tickets to Cape Point access and Chapman's Peak tolls—and you’ll get plenty of time with a local guide plus close-up views of Boulders Beach’s penguin colony before heading back to town.