The Cape Peninsula is much like an island — a ridge of high mountains jutting into the sea, linked to the African mainland only by the sandy, low-lying Cape Flats. This drive explores the peninsula’s scenic shores, where the waters of the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet, creating gentle bays, beautiful beaches and wild, wave-pounded headlands.

Leave Cape Town city centre on the N2. As the road dips, behind Groote Schuur Hospital, move to a right hand lane for Muizenberg (M3). Soon you pass Mostert’s Mill on your left — note your kms as you pass.

You next pass the university on the slopes of Devil’s Peak to your right. 1,5 km after Mostert’s Mill, exit left, then turn right, under the highway, and drive up the mountainside to Rhodes Memorial.

Rhodes Memorial to Kalk Bay

Return to the M3 (turn right immediately after passing under the bridge) and continue towards Muizenberg. When the M3 ends 12,5 km later, exit left and turn left at the top of the off-ramp. At the traffic lights (T-junction) turn right onto the old main road. 600m later, turn right onto Boyes Drive and note your kms. Boyes Drive sweeps across the side of the Steenberg. Park after 2,1 km for the view.

Drive on for 2,2 km, then park in a small parking area on the right. Cross the road for a view over False Bay to Hangklip (left) and Cape Point (right). A small iron gate and stone steps lead down to Sir Abe Bailey’s grave.

Drive on until Boyes Drive dips to the left into Kalk Bay. At the T-junction with the coast road, turn right.

Kalk Bay to The Boulders

Drive past Kalk Bay harbour, around the headland, and into Fish Hoek. At the traffic island at the far end of Fish Hoek’s main road, turn left, then park. Walk down any of several short paths to Jager’s Walk, an attractive path along the rocks from Fish Hoek beach to Sunny Cove (allow 40-60 minutes).

Drive on along the coast road, passing Glencairn. Just before entering Simon’s Town, turn right onto Red Hill Road (M65), which zigzags to the crest of the mountains. Park at the top for a magnificent view over Simon’s Town harbour and across False Bay.

Drive back to the coast road, and through Simon’s Town. As you leave Simon’s Town, turn left into Bellevue Road. At the bottom of Bellevue Road turn left into a parking area. From here a path leads back towards the town, skirting the pretty Boulders Beach.

Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

Return to the coast road and drive on past the picnic area at Miller’s Point. The road climbs the mountainside then turns inland. Take the first turn left and enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (small entrance fee).

7,4 km along the main road through the reserve, turn left for Buffels Bay — an attractive lunchtime picnic area with braai places, water, toilets and a tidal swimming pool. The reserve also contains a restaurant and many other picnic sites.

Return to the main road, turn left, and drive to the parking area at Cape Point. There is a refreshment kiosk here, and a track to Cape Point Peak. You may walk up, or take the bus, ‘the Flying Dutchman. (Allow 60-80 minutes.)

Cape Point to Hout Bay

Returning from Cape Point, turn left after 2,5 km. Follow this side-road along the coast to a small parking area behind Cape Maclear and the Cape of Good Hope. A path leads up the back of Cape Maclear to the cliffs overlooking Diaz Beach. (Allow 40 minutes.)

On leaving the reserve, turn left. Turn left again 8 km later where the road forks. Drive through Scarborough (note ‘camel rock’ on your left) and past the village of Kommetjie. At the intersection with the M6, turn left, then left again after 900m, following signs to Chap- man’s Peak.

The road leads through the Noordhoek valley, then hugs the cliffs as it rounds Chapman’s Peak. Park in the small parking area at the highest point in this stretch of road, where it takes a sharp bend to the right and Hout Bay comes into view. A short path leads to a magnificent viewsite.

Drive on into Hout Bay village and turn left into Princess Street. At the T-junction, turn right into Victoria Avenue.

Hout Bay to Cape Town

Victoria Avenue climbs the side of Little Lion’s Head to Hout Bay Nek. 800m after driving over the Nek, park in the parking area on your left for a view over Llandudno.

Drive on along the coast road beneath the Twelve Apostles, through Bakoven and Camps Bay, then park again where the road swings to the right into Clifton. Walk down any of the several flights of steps leading to the beach. The crowds have left by this hour, leaving you one of the world’s most beautiful beaches to stroll along in the evening light, before driving on through Sea Point into the city.