As usual here in South Africa by the coast, we woke up to a lovely sunny morning with quite a strong breeze.
After our terrible nights sleep in Stellenbosch, we had a great nights sleep in Simons Town and were in no rush to get up and check out of our hostel.
“As can only be expected now here in South Africa, the coastal road views were stunning.”
Simons Town is home to the main South African Naval Base, with four thousand personnel based there. Before we headed out of town, we took some time to explore the naval museum and soak up the sights at the harbour. Home to three navy ships that were docked at the time we were there.
After our step through time we drove down the cape peninsula to the Table Mountain National Park.
As can only be expected now here in South Africa, the coastal road views were stunning, lush green hills sloped down into a vast blue ocean, with only a few cars along the road adding tiny dots into the landscape.
Our first stop was Cape Point. We walked up to the first lighthouse built there for three hundred and sixty degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and cape peninsula. A second lighthouse had to be built lower down on the rocks of the cliff because the first lighthouse was built too high and was often shrouded in mist and fog and could not be seen by passing ships.
It was at the old lighthouse that we had our first close encounter with a wild baboon. Staying as far away from it as possible, we walked around the lighthouse soaking up the views. Always keeping one eye behind us on baboon look out.
We enjoyed a couple of different walks around Cape Point and worked up an appetite for a spot of lunch and a well deserved ice cream.
After lunch we visited the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwesterly point of South Africa. Not so spectacular in views as the Cape Point but a landmark itself.
“It dawned on us that we were heading to our last stop in South Africa.”
We spent some time driving around the Table Mountain National Park before heading north, back up the west coast to Cape Town. Our drive took us through Chapman’s Peak, a spectacular road with fantastic views.
As we drove around the twisting roads it dawned on us that we were heading to our last stop in South Africa and our adventure here was coming to an end. With a feeling of excitement about our stay in Cape Town and a hint of sadness that we’d soon be leaving South Africa, we arrived at our backpackers ready to make the most of our last few days.
Lambs on the loose 