Our Scenic Biking Tour Of The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa

I’m not going to lie to you, the weather was not on our side in Cape Town, South Africa. Even though we were treated to sunshine and blue skies the whole length of the trip from Johannesburg to Wilderness, by the time we reached Cape Town, autumn was starting to envelop the city in fog, rain, and a cool chill.

We tried not to let that dampen our spirits or our sightseeing, so on the morning of our Cape Point and Peninsula Tour we bundled up in our warmest layers and set out for a day in the outdoors even though it looked very grey.

We left behind Cape Town and started our drive south, where we passed the trendy beachside suburbs of Clifton and Camps Bay. Our guide took this opportunity to share the history of the cape dating back to the 1600s; a task he did very well and with a great deal of enthusiasm! Never have I been so gripped by history so early in the morning.

Boat trip to Duiker Island

From there we continued on to our first stop of the day, Hout Bay, where we had the option of taking a boat cruise to visit the sea lion colony that lives on Duiker Island. The price for this cruise was an additional 70 rand (roughly $6) on top of the tour cost, but there was also the option of hanging out in the harbour and grabbing a cup of coffee at one of the little shops if we felt so inclined.

Knowing I get seasick, I probably should have let Sam go on the cruise and then met up with him later, but I hopped aboard instead… I’m showing you the pictures Sam took because I was too busy staring at the horizon trying to keep my breakfast in – I seriously have very little recollection of the event. Eeep!

Penguins at Boulders Beach

Back on dry land, things started to look up! From Hout Bay, we continued our drive through the scenic Chapman’s Peak en route to Boulders Beach. This is one of the most popular attractions for any traveller visiting Cape Town and that’s because this beach is home to the African penguin, better known as the ‘jackass penguin’ because apparently they sound just like donkeys when they communicate with each other…I promise I’m not making this up.

Biking in Cape Point

After ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the penguins we hopped back on the bus to continue the drive to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. This is is where we traded the bus for bikes and the fun really began!

Our first task was to work up an appetite as we biked to our picnic spot (roughly a 20 minute ride). Our guide drove ahead to set up for lunch, and the rest of us started pedalling. Thankfully there weren’t too many uphill stretches to deal with so it was a very pleasant and leisurely ride.

I kept getting distracted by the landscapes and stopping to take pictures so in the end it probably took me closer to 30 minutes to reach our picnic spot, but that just meant all the food was spread out on the picnic table by the time I got there. For lunch we had some sandwiches, a Malaysian pasta salad, a fruit and veggie tray, as well as lots of cookies for dessert.

The plan after lunch was to continue biking to the Cape of Good Hope, but unfortunately it started pouring buckets halfway through lunch. We had a group of Irish travellers who seemed unfazed by the rain and decided to bike anyway, but the rest of us chose warmth and shelter and jumped aboard the bus instead.

After visiting the Cape of Good Hope we continued on to the Cape Point Lighthouse, where we had some time to climb up to the top and check out the views. It was here (on the last stop of the tour!) that the sun finally broke through the clouds…a bit late for us, but sometimes that’s just how it goes.

So what are my lasting impressions?

Regardless of the weather not being on our side, the places we visited were incredibly scenic and definitely worth a visit. You do stop at a lot of attractions and lookout points along the way (as seen on the map below) so it’s a great way to get an overview of the cape, but one of the drawbacks of covering so many spots is that it can feel a bit rushed at times. I would have loved more time to bike in the nature reserve (had the weather been cooperating), but then again, I reached the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa’s southwestern-most point) and that’s a pretty cool place to tick off the bucket list!

Travel tips for anyone touring the Cape Peninsula

• Dress in layers. The Cape Peninsula gets a lot of wind (next stop from here is Antarctica!) so come prepared for unpredictable weather. I’d recommend a sweater and a windbreaker, and you can always peel down if the day warms up.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’re going to be biking and hiking so you’ll want a pair of closed shoes that are also comfortable. No flip flops or strappy sandals.
• Pack a hat and sunscreen. Like I said, the weather is unpredictable! It could be chilly and overcast one minute, and then the sunny and warm the next. Bring a hat and some sunscreen so that you don’t burn up if the sun does decide to show its face.
• If it’s summer, bring a bathing suit. You’ll have the option of going for a swim during the warmer months, so consider packing a bathing suit and a light travel towel.

How to Turn a Cape Point Bike Ride into the Ultimate Peninsula Day Out

If you’re planning your own Cape Point and Peninsula cycling adventure, or just want to make the most of a day trip to the southern tip of Africa, this expanded guide has you covered.

🚲 Why Biking the Cape Peninsula Is Truly Special

Cape Town’s peninsula offers some of the most diverse and dramatic coastal scenery in the world—towering cliffs, wild surf, white sand beaches, historic lighthouses, and endless horizons. Biking here isn’t just exercise. It’s about feeling the ocean breeze, hearing the calls of seabirds, spotting dassies and ostriches. Also, it’s about slowing down enough to let the raw beauty soak in.

• A Bucket-List Landscape: The Cape of Good Hope is where two mighty oceans—Atlantic and Indian—collide in spectacular style. Few bike rides on earth offer such a heady mix of wild nature, cultural history, and “end of the continent” drama.
• Get Up Close with Wildlife: You might spot baboons, ostriches, antelope, and even zebra in the Cape Point Nature Reserve—not to mention the famous penguins at Boulders Beach!
• Taste of Freedom: Unlike bus tours, biking lets you stop for spontaneous photos, detour down coastal paths, or simply sit and watch the waves roll in.

🏞️ Not-to-Miss Highlights Along the Route

Your biking (and driving) day will be packed with iconic sights. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll experience, plus a few lesser-known spots to look out for:

• Hout Bay: Classic fishing harbor, sea lion boat rides, and the start of scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
• Chapman’s Peak Drive: A world-renowned 9km stretch of coastal road—hugging cliffs, overlooking beaches, with dramatic ocean views at every turn. If you’re biking this section, take it slow: it’s hilly, winding, and jaw-dropping.
• Noordhoek Farm Village: Home to artisan bakeries, coffee shops, and local crafts—a great snack or coffee stop if time allows.
• Boulders Beach: Home to a protected colony of African penguins, with boardwalks that let you view these quirky birds up close (don’t skip the side trails to less crowded viewpoints).
• Cape Point Nature Reserve: The main event—bike or bus through fynbos-covered hills, wild beaches, and rocky headlands. Climb to the lighthouse for panoramic views, then bike to the famous Cape of Good Hope sign (selfie mandatory!).
• Dias Beach: A hidden gem beneath Cape Point—if you’re feeling energetic, descend the steep stairs for a windswept beach that feels utterly remote.
• Scarborough or Kommetjie: Peaceful surfer towns with wild beaches and the chance to spot locals on horseback.
• Simon’s Town: Historic naval town, good for a coffee break or fish and chips with a view of the harbor.

🕰️ Sample Itinerary: One Perfect Cape Peninsula Day

07:00 – Depart Cape Town, heading south along the Atlantic Coast.
08:00 – Quick stop at Hout Bay; optional sea lion boat cruise or local coffee.
09:00 – Drive or bike Chapman’s Peak Drive; pause for photos at the lookouts.
10:00 – Noordhoek Farm Village for breakfast pastries or take-away snacks.
11:00 – Visit Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town.
12:30 – Enter Cape Point Nature Reserve; swap bus for bike at the park gates.
13:00 – Bike to picnic lunch spot; enjoy sandwiches and fruit with ocean views.
14:00 – Continue cycling toward the Cape of Good Hope sign; stop for photos, check for ostriches and baboons along the way.
15:00 – Bus or hike up to Cape Point Lighthouse. Enjoy the (hopefully sunny!) panoramic views.
16:30 – Optional: detour to Dias Beach or an ice cream stop in Scarborough.
18:00 – Arrive back in Cape Town, salty, windswept, and full of stories.

🦸 Pro Tips for Biking the Cape Like a Local

• Wind & Weather: The Cape is famous for its “Cape Doctor”—a strong south-easterly wind that can make cycling tough but keeps the air fresh. Dress in layers, and bring a windproof jacket.
• Road Safety: While most of the route is bike-friendly, always ride single file on narrow roads and obey your guide’s instructions. Helmets are a must (usually provided by tour operators).
• Wildlife Encounters: The local baboons are clever and very interested in food. Don’t feed them, and keep snacks hidden.
• Penguin Etiquette: Keep your distance and don’t try to touch or feed the penguins—they’re wild, and their beaks are sharp!
• Photo Ops: Don’t rush the lookout points on Chapman’s Peak, and take time to simply soak in the views at the Cape of Good Hope.

🥪 What to Eat: Local Food to Try Along the Way

• Malva Pudding: Sweet, sticky South African dessert—great with afternoon coffee.
• Koeksisters: Twisted, syrup-soaked doughnuts found in bakeries and farm stalls.
• Cape Malay Curry: Fragrant, mild curry, often with fruit or dried apricots.
• Fish & Chips: Simon’s Town is legendary for it, especially when eaten right on the waterfront.
• Biltong: South Africa’s answer to beef jerky—grab a bag for an energy boost.

Don’t forget: Many tours include a picnic, but there’s always time for an impromptu pastry, farm shop treat, or coffee break.

🎒 Essential Packing List for a Cape Peninsula Bike Tour

⚠️ Safety & Sustainability

• Bike checks: Always check your brakes, seat, and helmet before starting.
• Respect nature: Stay on marked paths in the reserve, and don’t pick fynbos or disturb wildlife.
• Take nothing, leave nothing: Bring back all trash, and help keep the peninsula pristine.
• Travel insurance: Worth having for active adventures.

🌦️ If the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate…

Don’t let a bit of rain or mist ruin your day! The Cape’s weather is famously changeable. But some of the most atmospheric photos come when the clouds swirl around Chapman’s Peak or fog rolls over the ocean. If it’s truly stormy, your tour may swap to more time indoors at cafes or add extra time at wildlife sights—embrace the adventure.

✨ Final Reflections: What Makes This Ride Unforgettable

There’s something about biking the Cape of Good Hope that taps into the wild, adventurous spirit of South Africa itself. Even if the sun only breaks through at the very end, the memories will last a liftime.

Have you biked the Cape of Good Hope? Any tips or stories to share? Drop your questions or Cape memories in the comments below—let’s inspire each other for future rides!