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Cape Town's South Peninsula is home to a plethora of beauty and charm. As the most south-western tip of the African continent, this area hosts some of the most exquisite landscapes, wildlife and history. There is so much to do here that we recommend setting aside a few days on your trip to Cape Town to explore all the hidden gems.Our Cape Peninsula Cruise, and Cape Peninsula Adventure Tour, are two of our favourite experiences as our guests are always overwhelmed by the peninsula's rapture. As expressed by explorer Sir Francis Drake in 1580, “this cape is the most stately thing and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth”.At Saffa Tours, we want our guests to experience more than just the tourist traps and to-dos. We offer experiential, tailored tours that goes beyond expectation. The South Peninsula is bursting with activities and sites to explore, and we like to do it in the most immersive ways possible.Sometimes it is tough to narrow down your trip, so we thought we would give some insight and share our Top 10 South Peninsula Pursuits with you.

1. Chapman's Peak Drive

Tucked between the rocky Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain National Park, Chapman's Peak Drive (or "Chappies") is one of the most scenic ocean drives in the world. This 9km winding route, characterised by 114 curves, forms the gateway between central Cape Town and the South Peninsula. Chappies was initially constructed during the First World War but has had a lot of reconstruction and maintenance since then. We love driving this route and stopping along the way to enjoy a home-brewed coffee or a good photo opportunity.

2. Boulders Bay African Penguins

As new residents of the South Peninsula, the African Penguin Colony only came to settle at Boulders Beach in 1983. Now we are lucky enough to see and experience these wonderful creatures at one of the most picturesque beaches in the cape. The conservation efforts of local authorities have ensured that the colony remains protected here, with just over 3000 birds residing at Boulders. Although you get a great view from the land, one of our favorite activities is stand-up paddle boarding in Boulders, to get the real experience from the water.

3. Cape Point - Africa's Most South-Western Tip

Cape Point Nature Reserve, or Cape of Good Hope, lies at the very end of the peninsula, 60km south of Cape Town. It is not only a historical and symbolic site, but also a pristine natural landscape with indigenous plants and animals, such as ostrich, zebra, and baboon. You can also see South Africa’s largest antelope here, the eland. We like to experience the best of Cape Point by venturing to the hidden beaches for a picnic or hiking through the wilderness. There is so much more to see here than you’ll find on TripAdvisor!

4. Wine Tasting at Cape Point Vineyards

Wine is one of the finest and most famous local products from Cape Town. Wine has been produced here since the 1650s and continues to flourish in this region due to the Mediterranean climate of dry summers and wet winters. Although the Winelands region, found on the outskirts of the metropolitan, has the most prominent vineyards, Cape Town itself hosts some of the oldest treasured wine farms in the region. Wine tastings at Cape Point Vineyards is one of our favorites on the peninsula as it has the most incredible view of the ocean.

5. Learn to Surf at Muizenberg

Muizenberg is a quaint seaside village in the South Peninsula, renowned for its cool vibe and colourful beach huts. As the birthplace of surfing in South Africa, Muizenberg is considered the home of friendly waves and people. Learners and long-boarders flock here daily to catch a wave and chill out. Muizenberg is definitely the best place to learn to surf in Cape Town as the waves are perfect for beginners. Catching that first wave is one of the best feelings in the world, especially when you are surfing this beautiful beach.

6. Discovering Kalk Bay

Kalk Bay is a tiny fishing village with a retro, artistic flair. Recently named on a Forbes list as one of the ‘coolest neighbourhoods in the world’, Kalk Bay is a definitely a highlight on the peninsula. If you are mildly interested in vintage stores, quirky theatre, tiny cafes, or perhaps just the best local fish & chips in town, then you will love Kalk Bay. All of the quirk sits in the foreground of the old Kalk Bay Harbour, where local fisherman hook their catch and ride their rainbow boats out to sea. Wandering the streets and café-hopping is how we like to experience the hidden gems of Kalk Bay.

7. Snorkelling with Seals

The Cape Fur Seal, also known as the ‘dog of the ocean’, is one of the friendliest creatures in Cape Town. Although not as well known as other animals here, the Cape Fur Seal is endemic to Southern Africa and is a very important species for our surrounding oceans. Snorkeling with Seals is an incredible way to experience and appreciate these creatures. In support of ethical tourism, the snorkeling is done with a professional team of conservationists from Animal Ocean.

8. Wild Food Foraging

The peninsula is abundant with food to be foraged from nature. It may take some creativity and knowledge, but there is a meal to be found in unexpected places. We love the Wild Food Foraging experience on the peninsula with our friends from Veld and Sea. Understand what nature has to offer by learning about the edible goods from the sea and mountains. Our guests always find this to be an enriching experience - especially when they taste the wild fruits of their labour.

9. Hiking the Caves

Cape Town has so many hiking opportunities, but none as thrilling as the Boomslang Cave. Located in the peninsula’s Echo Valley, the Boomslang Cave hike offers beautiful views and an opportunity tunnel from one side of the mountain to the other. It is a relatively easy hike and does not require any caving experience. All you need is a few directions into the cave and a bit of courage to head inside. We love this hike as it is mystical and off the beaten track.

10. Local Food and Craft Markets

A trip to the peninsula is not complete without a visit to one of the local food and craft markets. Two of our favorites are the Blue Bird Market in Muizenberg and the Harbour Market in Hout Bay. These markets are a world of sounds and scents, and provide a taste of the local art and cuisine that is found within Cape Town. Markets are important to the local economy, and we believe that supporting local people is crucial.

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An absolutely incredible trip

On our trip, Josh and Saffa Tours put together an amazing itinerary, based on what we were into, and they provided us with an absolutely incredible trip. My wife and I love to travel, and have worked with many groups such as Saffa Tours; this trip was, by far, our favorite tour, and Saffa was the best guide group we’ve ever used.

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David K, USA

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Cape Town at its best, and from all the best angles!

We cannot thank Saffa Tours enough for making our precious time in the Cape the best it could be. I cannot recommend Josh and his company Saffa Tours enough, as they made our time in South Africa in the Cape absolutely amazing and we were looking forward to the holiday because of the great preparation.

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James F, UK

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Absolutely brilliant

Absolutely brilliant trip to Cape Town and around the Western Cape with Josh and the Saffa team. Perfectly and thoughtfully organised, full of insight and fun. Could not recommend more!

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jennifer c, UK

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Epic private tour guide

We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. Well worth the cost visiting in the Cape area where there are so many things to do. Lightyears ahead of what a larger tour group would be able to put together. From small details to adjusting the daily itinerary on the fly.

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Sophia P, USA

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We highly recommend Saffa Tours

Never have I encountered such organization, such fire for exploration - to show and to teach, and such willingness to adapt the bespoke tours and plans offered at any moment. We felt understood, we felt appreciated, and we felt that our best interests were always put first.

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Chelsea C, USA

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A phenomenal tour guide

Wow, what a phenomenal tour guide. Knowledgeable, confident and so interesting. Our experience was carefully curated to suit our interests and passions and one could not have done a better job. We have been truly enriched by the SAFFA tours experience and can confidently recommend! South Africa and SAFFA tours; thank you!

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jake b, USA

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Amazing experience with Saffa tours

Amazing tour company. Josh helped plan our itinerary around the activities we wanted to do. Due to weather conditions a couple of the activities were cancelled but there were alternatives ready straight away. Rich was our guide and he was a joy to be around. Highly recommend!

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jake b, USA

Nothing but Sensational

Just a little note from me to say I've had nothing but sensational feedback from all the Levitate Travel guests that you have looked after so far. I really value the service you provide. Thank you sincerely for always guiding my guests with such genuine passion.

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Llane Langdon

Incredible Experience

Thanks Jaryd!! Really appreciate all of your help, effort, and guidance over the past few days. It was an incredible experience, and we will be recommending SAFFA to many of our friends and family!

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Ashton Kripalani

So Knowledgable!

Jaryd is so incredible. He made our trip to south Africa. Great friend & host and so knowledgable about everything.

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Anthony Sarandrea

Extremely Professional

Jaryd was extremely professional and helpful throughout our holiday. We would highly recommend him as a private guide around Cape Town.

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Nadine Page