Cape Fur Seal in Southern Africa

Just around the corner from Simon’s Town lies Boulders Beach, a sheltered cove of soft white sand, massive granite boulders and icy cold water. Boulders Beach is the home to a colony of thousands of African penguins. Here you will see them go about their daily business: preening and sunning themselves, guarding a nest, waddling along the sand and sliding into the water.

Visit Cape Cross, home to a breeding colony of 200 000 to 250 000 Cape fur seals. The sight of thousands of seals sunning themselves on the beach and frolicking in the surf is impressive. We recommend you bring a handkerchief, as you can imagine the smell can be overwhelming.

The Cape of Good Hope is a rocky headland on the southern end of South Africa’s Cape Peninsula. Throughout history, the Cape of Good Hope has been historically significant to sailors and explorers. Bartolomeu Dias, the 15th century Portuguese explorer, was the first officially recorded person to have successfully navigated these turbulent waters and was instrumental in setting up trade routes between Europe and the Far East. From various lookouts points you will see sweeping views of the lighthouses, coastlines and pristine scenery.

Chapman's Peak Drive is well known as the most scenic drive in Cape Town. Affectionately known as “Chappies” by the locals, it is a must for anyone who wants to experience the majestic Cape Town scenery. On one side there are sheer drops to the sea below and on the other side towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless, a true photographer's dream!

The R44 south from Gordon’s Bay to Kleinmond is the start of the Whale Route and one the most beautiful scenic drives in the Western Cape: Clarence Drive. It will bring you along the magnificent Hottentots Hollands Mountains on one side and the ocean coming ashore in False Bay.

There are plenty of parking spots on the road to give you photo opportunities. You can be lucky spotting whales (in the season) but especially the dolphins who seem to reside in Gordon’s Bay, can give you unforgettable moments to enjoy.

The Hermanus Cliff Path is definitely a must see! This coastal path traverses alongside the coast and the entire town of Hermanus. With its extraordinary diversity of scenery, rocky coves, sandy beaches and secluded forest glades, the Cliff Path is unequalled anywhere. It is also one of the best shore-based whale watching spots in the world!

The fishing town of Hout Bay on the Cape Peninsula is a great stop while exploring. The Hout Bay harbour offers market stalls with local arts and crafts and a wide range of restaurants. Enjoy fish and chips and stroll along the quay. It is very likely you will spot more than one Cape Fur seals here, as they have gotten habituated over the course of years and love to feast on scraps that the fisherman leave behind.

The Robberg Hiking Trail is probably one of the most scenic trails along the Garden Route. The route is a circular trail along the Robberg peninsula with two shorter variations available ranging from easy to moderate. You can spot Cape fur seals, turtles, dolphins and whales from the peninsula.