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Rev Up Your Adventures: Top Destinations for Car Enthusiasts in Cape Town

 March 22, 2025 March 22, 2025
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Are you a car enthusiast planning a trip to Cape Town, South Africa? From scenic drives along the coast to thrilling racing experiences, Cape Town offers a diverse range of attractions for those with a passion for automobiles. Whether you're into classic cars, modern marvels, or simply love the thrill of the open road, Cape Town has something for every petrolhead. Here are some top destinations you won't want to miss:

1. Franschhoek Motor Museum

Nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, just a short drive from Cape Town, lies a paradise for car lovers – the Franschhoek Motor Museum. This world-class facility houses a remarkable collection of over 100 years of automotive history. From vintage classics to contemporary supercars, the museum showcases a diverse array of vehicles, meticulously restored to their original glory. Spend hours admiring iconic models from renowned brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce, and gain insight into the evolution of automotive design and engineering.

2. Cape Town Motor Show

If you happen to visit Cape Town during the annual Cape Town Motor Show, consider yourself lucky! This premier automotive event brings together enthusiasts, industry professionals, and exhibitors for a weekend of automotive extravaganza. Featuring the latest models, concept cars, and cutting-edge technology, the Cape Town Motor Show offers a glimpse into the future of automotive innovation. Get up close to your favorite cars, enjoy thrilling live demonstrations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this must-attend event.

3. Chapman's Peak Drive

For a scenic driving experience like no other, embark on a journey along Chapman's Peak Drive. This iconic coastal road winds its way along the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding mountains. With its twisting turns and dramatic vistas, Chapman's Peak Drive is a favorite among car enthusiasts and road trip aficionados alike. So, rev up your engine, roll down the windows, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of the world's most scenic drives.

4. Killarney International Raceway

For those craving a dose of adrenaline-fueled action, head to Killarney International Raceway – Cape Town's premier motorsport destination. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a spectator looking for thrills, Killarney has something for everyone. From high-speed circuit racing to exhilarating drag strip competitions, the raceway hosts a variety of events throughout the year. So, buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable day of speed, skill, and excitement at this legendary racing venue.

5. Classic Car Tours

Experience the charm of Cape Town's scenic landscapes in style with a classic car tour. Embark on a journey through rolling vineyards, quaint towns, and historic landmarks aboard a vintage automobile. Whether you prefer the elegance of a classic Rolls-Royce or the nostalgia of a vintage VW Beetle, there are plenty of tour operators offering bespoke experiences tailored to your preferences. So, sit back, relax, and let the timeless beauty of Cape Town unfold before you as you cruise in classic style.

From museum marvels to scenic drives and adrenaline-pumping races, Cape Town offers a treasure trove of experiences for car enthusiasts. Whether you're marveling at historic classics, exploring cutting-edge technology, or embracing the thrill of the open road, there's no shortage of automotive adventures to be had in this vibrant city. So, pack your bags, fuel up your passion, and get ready to embark on the ultimate car lover's getaway in Cape Town, where every journey is an adventure.

Why You Should Visit Boulders Beach

 August 23, 2023 August 23, 2023
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Boulders Beach is situated False Bay, just outside Simon's Town, on the way to Cape Point. It is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders.  The big round granite boulders are 540 million years old and provide some shade and shelter the cove from currents, wind, and large waves. Boulders Beach forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and is home to a colony of thousands of African penguins. In fact, the beautiful Boulders Beach is one of Cape Town's most visited beaches and the only place in the world where you get close to African Penguins. Every year, over 60 000 visitors flock to Simon's Town to photograph and watch the famous Boulders Beach Penguins.

African Penguins

African penguins are formerly known as jackass penguins because of their distinctive donkey-like braying sounds to communicate. These penguins are the only penguins found on the continent. African penguins are flightless like all extant penguins. They have a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat. They are covered in dense, waterproof feathers which keep dry and insulated in cold water.  Their body upperparts are black and sharply delineated from the white underparts, which are spotted and marked with a black band. They also have distinctive pink patches of skin above the eyes and a black facial mask. The pink gland above their eyes helps them to cope with changing temperatures.  These penguins are pursuit divers and feed primarily on fish and squid. And they usually breed during the African winter when temperatures are lower.

In Boulders Beach, you should be able to see the penguins throughout the year. However, the birds spend much of September and October feeding out at sea, so the number of penguins on the beach at this time of year is lower. During the mating season which is from December to February is the best time to view the birds and their natural behavior.

Endangered Species

The story of this penguin colony in Cape Town started in 1983 when a pair was spotted on Foxy Beach at Boulders. They came to False Bay from Dyer Island. False Bay at that time was closed to commercial fishing so they had abundant food and breeding sites. Their population then grew. But over the years, their population declined due to things like over-fishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and irresponsible tourism activities. Today, these African Penguins have been classified as endangered species.

Boardwalks were then built as a measure to allow for viewing of the birds, whilst keeping them safe. There are wooden walkways above the beach where the penguins can be seen in their nests in the bush undergrowth. The walkways also lead down to a viewing platform at Foxy Beach, which is the most populous part of the colony.

Other Things to Do in Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach isn't just a great place for penguins, it's also a popular family-friendly swimming beach. Whilst tourists cannot go onto the beach at the colony itself, the adjoining section of pristine white sand and crystal clear water at Boulders Beach is great for swimming and snorkeling between the rocks as numerous penguins jump in and out of the water and swim playfully around you. It is also a great place for a leisurely picnic with the family. Visitors can also check the information center at the entrance to Boulders Beach to find out more about the penguins, including their conservation, breeding habits and their general history in Simon's Town.

Important notices from SANParks

  1. Conservation fee: R60 for adults; and R30 for children under the age of 12.
  2. Boulders is a safe beach, with rangers on patrol each day.
  3. Do NOT feed the penguins or come too close. While they may look cute, they're still wild animals.
  4. Parking is limited, especially during peak Summer, so come early
  5. Alcohol and smoking prohibited
  6. No vessels are allowed, including canoes and kayaks
  7. Because it's part of the Marine Protected Area, it is a no-take zone, which means no marine life may be removed.

How to Get to Boulders Beach

There are a couple of routes you can take to get there: First, around the mountain via the Southern Suburbs, and leafy Bishops Court, past the Constantia Valley to Kalk Bay, then along the coast to Simon's Town. Second, from Camps Bay via Hout Bay, along Chapman's Peak drive, past Noordhoek and Kommetjie. Third, is through public transport. Catch a train from Cape Town Station all the way to Simon's Town. The train runs along the Kalk Bay coastline. Boulders Beach is about two kilometers from Simon's Town train station. You can either take the 30 or so minute walk through the historic little naval town or catch a taxi.

 

Top Destinations in Garden Route

 August 22, 2021 August 22, 2021
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The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch in the south-western coast of South Africa which extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This beautiful and dramatic route is considered as one of the most beautiful regions in the country because of its perfect combination of the most breathtaking landscapes and sceneries, from forests, rivers, beaches, and lakes to mountains, indigenous flora, and fauna. And because the area is also jam-packed with things to do, it is guaranteed that you will make the most out of your trip to Garden Route. Here are some of the top destinations in Garden Route:

Garden Route Trail Park

The Garden Route Trail Park is situated midway between George and Knysna and is nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and the Karatara River Gorge. With beautiful scenery and carefully designed routes have for riders of all levels, mountain bikers and trail runners will surely enjoy in the park. Facilities at the park include a picnic area, pump track and BMX track, bathrooms with showers and the Trail Cafe.

Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary

About 16 kilometers east from Plettenberg Bay is a unique sanctuary called the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. In Monkeyland, you will have the opportunity for up-close encounters with the playful primates as several species of monkey are allowed to move freely in the surrounding indigenous forest. The monkeys at Monkeyland were previously caged and have now can freely move in their natural habitat. Among the species found in Monkeyland are the Gibbons of Asia, Howlers from South America and Lemurs from Madagascar.

Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour

The Tsitsikamma Treetop Canopy Tour allows you enjoy the unequaled beauty of the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest from high up on ten treetop platforms. There are 10 connected platforms which are built around giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees that are up to 700 years old. You can get to enjoy the view 30 meters above the forest floor. You need not worry about safety because the system has been built to the highest civil engineering standards. The tour is ideal for families with children 7 older and above. The tour can take two to three hours depending on the size of the group.

Bartholomeus Diaz Museum

Located in Mossel Bay at the site where European explorers first made contact with the South African indigenous people is the Bartholomew Dias Museum. Named after the 15th-century Portuguese explorer Bartholomeu Dias, The museum offers a unique and fascinating insight into the area and the history of Portuguese, Dutch and British sailors. The museum contains the 'post office tree' where sailors left messages for one another, the 1786 Dutch East India Company granary, a small aquarium and a local history museum. The highlight in the museum is the replica of the caravel that Dias used on his 1488 voyage of discovery. Visitors can explore the boat and all its inner workings.

Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section)

The Wilderness National Park has now been incorporated into Garden Route National Park along with the Knysna Forests and Tsitsikamma. Situated right in the middle of the Garden Route, between George and Knysna, the park consists of rivers, lakes, beaches, forests, and mountains. The park also offers many outdoor activities that you will surely enjoy such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, abseiling, birding and paragliding.

Knysna Elephant Park

The Knysna Elephant Park is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants. The park has cared for and raised more than forty elephants in the span of 20 years. The visitors to the park will have the privilege to have a personal encounter with the gentle giants. You can feed, touch and take photographs with the elephants. The park also offers elephant back rides, nature walk with the elephant and sunrise and sunset safaris.

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