Cape Town: Table Mountain, Penguins & Cape Point private tour

Summary

Private Cape Peninsula journey: Table Mountain to penguins

You’ll ride a rotating cable car up Table Mountain for panoramic views, drive Chapman’s Peak with its cliffside curves, watch African penguins at Boulders Beach up close, and stand where oceans meet at Cape Point—all with a local guide handling every detail. It’s a day full of wild scenery and small surprises you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the cable car floor shifting under my feet — slowly spinning as we climbed up Table Mountain. It was early but already busy, people chattering in a dozen languages. Our guide, Sibusiso, grinned and pointed out Lion’s Head behind us. The city looked tiny from up there, like someone had scattered Lego blocks between the ocean and the mountain. The air felt cool and sharp. I touched one of those wiry little plants clinging to the rocks — apparently they’re called fynbos — and it left a faint herbal smell on my fingers.

We zigzagged down through Camps Bay (those beaches are unreal) and then Chapman’s Peak Drive. That road hugs the cliffs so tight you can see straight down to the waves smashing against the rocks. Sibusiso told us stories about shipwrecks and pointed out a fishing boat bobbing near Hout Bay. We stopped for coffee at Noordhoek — honestly, I could’ve sat there all morning just watching surfers in their wetsuits run across that endless sand. But we had penguins to see.

Boulders Beach is noisy in a good way — penguins waddling around, squabbling over who gets which rock. You can get surprisingly close (don’t touch them though; they bite). There’s this salty tang in the air mixed with sunscreen and kelp. A little kid next to me tried to imitate their walk; his dad laughed so hard he almost dropped his phone.

After that it was Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope — wild, windy, with ostriches strutting by like they owned the place. Sibusiso explained how this is where two oceans meet (sort of), but honestly I was too distracted by the view to follow every detail. We took the funicular up to the old lighthouse because my legs were done for by then. The wind nearly stole my hat; I still think about that moment standing at the edge, hair everywhere, just ocean forever.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Town Scenic Highlights

• Cable car ride to Table Mountain summit
• Photo stop at Camps Bay beach viewpoint
• Drive along Chapman’s Peak scenic road
• Coffee and souvenirs at Noordhoek beach
• Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony
• Drive and explore Cape Point natural reserve
• Photo stop at Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
• Visit lighthouse; walk or funicular ride
• Stop at popular colorful beach for surfing
• Visit Bo-Kaap heritage site

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this private tour?

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

How long does it take to reach Table Mountain's summit?

The cable car takes about 6 minutes each way to reach the top of Table Mountain.

Can I see African penguins on this tour?

Yes, you'll visit Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony up close.

Are entry fees or tolls covered?

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

Is lunch provided during this day trip?

No lunch is included but there are stops for coffee and snacks along the route.

How much walking is involved at Cape Point?

You can walk 20–30 minutes to the old lighthouse or take the funicular instead.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

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

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Cape Town, all Chapman's Peak toll fees covered, bottled water onboard your vehicle, plus a certified local guide/driver who handles everything so you can just enjoy each stop along the peninsula.