South Africa

Penguins, Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point

9.13.13 - 9.13.13 60 °F

Today was our day to adventure see the African Penguins, the Cape of Storms - renamed the Cape of Good Hope - the half way point around the African continent and Cape Point - a much more spectacular point a few km's from the Cape of Good Hope. The Cape is the southern most point in South Western Africa, but not the southern most point on the continent. The continent actually penetrates south a few more 100 km's about 100 km's away.

Our first stop was to board a boat to see the seals at 'Seal Island'. There were big swells and a stiff breeze, but that didn't seem to bother the seals!

We then drove to Simon's Town for a visit to the African Penguin Colony and lunch. This is also home to the South African Navy in the south of the country.

It was then off to the Cape of Good Hope - surrounded by heavy seas and heavy winds. It must have been an extreme challenge for ships of sail.

Of interest is that this is the only place in the world where ostrich's live by the sea and seem to thrive.

It was then time to head to the far more spectacular Cape Point, where you take a funicular to the top of the point. The views are spectacular as you seem to sit on top of the world!