South Africa
This small gem of a beach is much loved by locals, both human and penguin. Situated within a sanctuary for 3000 African Jackass penguins, the crescent of white sand is backed by dense vegetation in which the penguins nest. The sheltered bay is surrounded by huge boulders on which children love to climb and leap into the sea. Penguin couples waddle down the beach to cool off in the water and seem happy to swim among excited children, posing for photographs or playing Pied Piper as they lead curious kids into the rock crevices to explore. A fantastic family day out is on offer including a visit to the penguin breeding sanctuary or a delicious lunch at the restaurant adjacent to the free parking area where local traders sell African artifacts. An entrance fee to the beach is charged (about 50p) which helps fund the penguin conservation.
Boulders Beach, about 45 minutes drive from Cape Town, close to Simonstown.
Google map: bit.ly/ubjLTM
I have never been so scared and yet so exhilarated! We were transported via luxury minibus to Gans Baai which is well known for having lots of sharks.
I don't know what I was expecting, but the trip was well planned with really helpful staff and we saw about seven or eight Great White Sharks up close from our vantage point in the cage. All the equipment was included in the rental and I just really enjoyed the whole experience.
I used a company called Shark Zone which was recommended to me by a friend who lives in Cape Town:
www.sharkzone.co.za
+27 73 726 7370
Google map: tinyurl.com/yh4rfp3
The Cape of Good Hope is part of Table Mountain National Park and apart from the views from the lighthouse on the point overlooking the Indian Ocean at the place where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, there are lots of good, well-marked hiking trails (maps from the Park office at the foot of the lighthouse) in the park with plenty of wildlife to see (dassies, ostriches, springboks, birds etc).
One of the most spectacular strips of tarmac in the world. A 6 mile road from Hout Bay to Noordhoek in the Southern Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, perched 300 metres above the churning Atlantic Ocean. Spot the whales below in season.
Check out this street map of South Africa to find Chapmans Peak - click down to Hout Bay, just south of Cape Town city centre: www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/south-africa-street-map.htm
Most tourists to the Cape only stick with the tried and tested routes and experiences. !Khwa ttu is one of the very few GENUINE San Bushmen-led initiatives in southern Africa. It's set on stunning hillside overlooking the coast and Table Mountain and here you can meet the San, learn about hunting, gathering, tracking, take a trailer ride, see all of the amazing game and other animals, go on hikes, enjoy the restaurant or stay in their amazinginly peaceful accommodation (cottage or tents). There is a museum, art gallery, training centre, conference facilities and shop too.
I recommend it because I lived and worked with the San in southern Africa until recently and this is the BEST thing I have seen out there, that really, practically helps the San and teaches tourists about some of the real issues still alive in South Africa today...
What's more it's as cheap as chips if you are coming from Europe!
www.khwattu.org email - info@khwattu.org
It's just 70 km drive north of Cape Town - takes 40 minutes and just a short drive from the historic village of Darling and the beautiful beaches of Yzerfontein.
They can be seen at Boulders Beach.
Search Been there