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 You are here :: Home >> Explore >> National Parks >> Cape Peninsula National Park
 
National Parks
 
 Cape Peninsula National Park
 
Have you ever dreamed of towering mountains, a pulsating nightlife, moonlit beaches, busy streets and exquisite vegetation, all harmoniously blended together? Put simply, have you ever wished for nature right on the city’s doorstep? Impossible?

At the southwestern tip of Africa, these fantasies have come true. The unique Cape Peninsula National Park, which includes the majestic Table Mountain and its adjudants, Devil’s Peak and Lion’s Head, stretches for approximately 60 km from Signal Hill to Cape Point in the south. The peninsula is never wider than 10 km and includes the legendary Cape of Good Hope and a wondrous array of habitats. Set within the metropolitan area of Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest city, the park is one of only six floral kingdoms in the world and home to some 2 285 species of plants, 90 of them endemic. The park has a Mediterranean-like climate, winter rainfall, welldefined seasons and lush vegetation.
 
Table Mountain section Sheltered by the magnificent Table Mountain, Cape Town must be the city with one of the most dramatic backdrops in the world. But the Table Mountain section of the Cape Peninsula Park does not only offer spectacular scenery, it is also the cradle of an incredible biodiversity of flora. Pelargoniums, Ericas and the vibrant red disa share the slopes of the mountain with caracal, mongoose, the Table Mountain ghost frog and velvet worms. The internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden lies on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, just outside the boundaries of the park, and contains spectacularly landscaped indigenous trees and plants, as well as natural forest. On the higher slopes lies its breathtaking Protea Garden with king proteas and the lovely shimmering silver trees.
 
 Activities  
 
A cableway and a number of climbs provide access to Table Mountain’s summit and its spectacular views. A restaurant and a curio shop can be found on the summit. Besides several picnic spots in the area, a fair number of marked walks and approved climbing routes can be explored. The view from Signal Hill at night is fabulous. Boulders section Near Simon’s Town, the Boulders penguin colony is home to a growing number of the endangered African or “jackass” penguin.

From a few breeding pairs in the late 1980’s, the colony has steadily grown and its mem bers can be closely viewed from a wheelchair-friendly boardwalk.
 
 Cape Point section
 
At Cape Point, the tides ceaselessly pound against the fearsome cliffs, churning up impressive amounts of spray. As one of the main attractions of the Cape Peninsula Park, it can be accessed either by foot or via the funicular. The renowned Cape of Good Hope, still a beacon to sailors, also forms part of this rockbound coastal section.

This southern part of the park contains extremely diverse coastal fynbos, which have specifically evolved to survive in the salty, sandy and nutrient-poor soil. Protea and Erica dominate and the dainty Cape sugarbird feeds exclusively on the flowering fynbos. Small numbers of animal and bird species still occur, including grysbok, otter and bontebok while the rare white peripatus is found in the deep recesses of sandstone caves. ActivitiesAn information centre, curio shop and restaurant can be found at Cape Point. There is an overnight hiking trail at the Cape of Good Hope as well as some shorter walks and approved mountain biking trails.
 
 
Accommodation and Activities in General
Cape Town offers a wonderful array of accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels and exclusive country houses to cosy guest-houses and anything from backpackers’ hostels to camping sites. The beauty of the park lends itself ideally to scenic drives and picnics. Several mountain biking trails can be tackled within the park and abseiling, hang gliding and mountain climbing are allowed in specific areas. A variety of hiking trails cater for both the fit and the less agile.

The spectacular beaches and tidal pools provide a perfect setting for water-based activities. Both surfing and sailing enthusiasts will appreciate the clear waters of the peninsula, which are also excellent for scuba diving and snorkelling. Angling is another popular pastime depending on seasonal and area restrictions. It must be noted that the park only manages some of the above-mentioned facilities.
 
How to get there

National and international flights land at Cape Town’s International Airport daily. Car rental facilities are available at the airport and in Cape Town and several tour operators are based in the Mother City.
 
 
 
 
 
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