cape drive

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panorama view of Hout Bay along the Chapman's Peak drive.

If I were to move to Cape Town, I would live here, at Hout Bay. The bay is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, with majestic rocky mountains on two sides, the deep blue water and the magnificent Sentinel (mountain) guarding its entrance.

The Chapman's Peak Drive is a spectacular route that offers unforgettable views of the bay. Stop at one of the viewpoints and if you're lucky (like I was), you might spot some Southern Right whales (the best time for this is October/November). Plan a lunch at Mariner's Wharf in Hout Bay on your way back to Cape Town to enjoy the views and the mouth-watering garlic butter prawns and calamari.

Cape Peninsula loop
You can also opt to do the Cape Peninsula loop. From Cape Town, drive around the Table Mountain in the direction of the upmarket suburb of Constantia and head towards Muizenberg. At Muizenberg, continue along False Bay past Fish Hoek to Simon's Town. This a great place to stop for lunch while you gaze across the bay. There are also some interesting art shops.

From Simon's Town, head southwards to Miller's Point (the coastal scenery here is just staggering) and then into the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (watch out for the baboons who frequently hang out along the main road - they can be quite vicious). At Cape Point, it's easier just to take the funicular railway to the top (though you'll have to climb the stairs on the last stretch to the lighthouse) for some astounding views of the cape. Back at the nature reserve's exit, you can choose two routes back to Cape Town: a pretty straightforward drive to Scarborough or the same coastal road back to Simon's Town. I prefer the latter as the scenery across False Bay is really spectacular and now you get to enjoy it again, this time from a different angle. Just after Simon's Town, turn left up to Red Hill/Scarborough. It's quite a steep climb but you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of False Bay and Simon's Town. Once you cross the ridge, be prepared for a possible temperature drop (it can be a lot cooler on the ocean-facing side). At the junction where the road forks - one goes to Scarborough, the other back to the Cape of Good Hope - stop to admire the open-air exhibition of stone sculptures. There's a beautiful beach at Scarborough but don't venture into the water. Instead, have your picture taken at one of the shark warning signs! Continue along the coast in the direction of Kommetjie. Take a moment to inspect the shoreline along the Witsand road with your binoculars. You might spot some Great Whites as they float on the waves just off the beach. You'll see the full length of them as the waves roll in.

From Kommetjie, drive in the direction of Sunnydale, then Chapman's Peak. The Chapman's Peak Drive is undoubtedly the highlight of this loop. Drive slowly and stop at the various viewpoints for some magnificent scenery. Upon reaching Hout Bay, head towards Llandudno and along Victoria Drive, past the Twelve Apostles, back to Cape Town. The whole experience of this daytrip is truly inspiring.

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