The Ultimate South Africa Coastal Drive: Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point & Boulder’s Beach

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If South Africa isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it should be, and this epic coastal drive from Cape Town to Gansbaai is the perfect reason why. Whether you're craving scenic drives, marine wildlife, or breathtaking national parks, this route is packed with iconic stops like Chapman’s Peak, Cape Point, Boulder’s Beach, and Gansbaai (famous for shark cage diving!).

As a travel advisor specializing in curated family and adventure travel, I’m here to help you plan an unforgettable South Africa experience, whether it’s your first time or your next.

From Cape Town to Gansbaai: A Scenic Drive You’ll Never Forget

In 2022, we spent nearly six months in South Africa welcoming two beautiful daughters into our family. Once settled in Johannesburg, we felt the pull of Cape Town, and it wasn’t long before we found ourselves in the city and road tripping down the coast on one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

Starting from our base in Camps Bay, we grabbed a pregnancy-craving-approved Peanut Butter Bomb smoothie from Kauai and headed south along the Atlantic coast. What followed was a full-day itinerary packed with dramatic cliffside roads, rare wildlife sightings, national parks, penguin encounters, and ocean views straight out of a postcard.

This route is ideal for families, couples, and wildlife lovers looking to combine luxury, adventure, and nature on one seamless road trip.

Chapman’s Peak Drive: A Must-See South Africa Scenic Route

One of South Africa’s most iconic drives, Chapman’s Peak Drive (a.k.a. “Chappies”) stretches 9 kilometers between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. With sheer cliffs on one side and the Atlantic crashing below on the other, this toll road (R42 per vehicle) is truly one of the world’s greatest scenic routes.

We made a quick stop for photos at the Hout Bay lookout before continuing along the winding cliff-hugging road. Even our toddler, Lowina, napped peacefully in the back, clearly dreaming of the adventure to come.

Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope: Iconic Views & Wildlife Encounters

Next stop: Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope inside Table Mountain National Park, one of South Africa’s most visited nature reserves. Entry fees vary (R100 per adult and R50 per child for South African citizens and R400 per adult and R200 per child for international visitors), but the coastal views and rich maritime history are well worth the visit.

We explored the Black Rocks and Venus Pool area first, and we were greeted by an ostrich in the parking lot! Then we grabbed a snack at The Food Shop before riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the lighthouse viewpoint (R95 roundtrip). We skipped the uphill hike this time (pregnancy and toddler-carrying don’t mix well) but opted to walk down to soak in every vista.

Pro Trip for Families: Kids love spotting wildlife like baboons, ostriches, and dassies in this area. Ask me how to book a guided nature walk or educational experience for your visit!

Cape of Good Hope: A Bucket-List Landmark

No trip to the Cape is complete without stopping at the Cape of Good Hope, a landmark still known to sailors as “The Cape.” After climbing a series of stone steps for the famous view, I stayed at the mid-level lookout while John carried Lowina to the top. Back at the rocky shoreline, Lowina hopped from rock to rock chasing birds, soaking up the salty breeze.

Pro Tip: I can arrange a private photography session here! Trust me, it’s a backdrop you’ll want to remember forever.

Boulder’s Beach: Meet the African Penguins

One of South Africa’s most charming wildlife experiences is Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town, home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Admission is R176 adults/R88 children for international guests, and it’s worth every rand.

From the visitor center, follow the boardwalks past penguin nests and lookout points. Lowina was a little intimidated by their waddles and squawks but loved watching them play in the waves from up high.

Pro Tip: Want to swim alongside penguins? I’ll help you plan your visit when tides and crowds are low for the best experience.

Gansbaai: Shark Cage Diving Capital of South Africa

Our final stop was Gansbaai, a quiet coastal town known for its Great White Shark cage diving. While we didn’t dive this trip (hello, baby bump!), John is already planning a return visit to tick that adrenaline rush off his list.

We checked into our rental home in Romansbaai Estate, a perfect retreat to unwind after a full day of exploring. John and I had visited this area years ago, but now sharing it with our daughter (plus another on the way) made it all the more meaningful.

Pro Tip: I can help you book reputable shark cage diving tours, private ocean safaris, or seaside villas in Gansbaai. It's an ideal stop for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike.

Ready to Plan Your South Africa Safari & Coastal Adventure?

From scenic drives and penguin encounters to historic capes and bucket-list thrills, this South Africa road trip is a top pick for families and adventurers alike. As a travel agent, I specialize in crafting tailored itineraries for South African safaris, Cape Town city stays, and Garden Route road trips.

Let’s plan your South Africa adventure from the Cape to the bush. Message me today to start building your dream itinerary.