Cats & Coastal Clives Trip To Cape Point

Route: Simon’s Town → Red Hill → Scarborough → Cape Point

One-Day Itinerary

08:30 – Breakfast with the “Sea Cats” (Simon’s Town)

Start your morning at Boulders Beach. While famous for the African Penguins, keep an eye on the shop porches and garden walls of the historic Simon’s Town cottages nearby.

• The Feline Connection: Many local residents are avid cat lovers, and you’ll often see well-cared-for “village cats” sunning themselves on stone walls overlooking the naval harbor.
• Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the tour buses. The penguins are most active (and funniest) during the first hour of opening.

10:30 – The Scenic Ascent: Red Hill Road

Drive up Red Hill Road (M66). This is one of Cape Town’s most underrated mountain passes.

• The View: Pull over at the top for a panoramic view of False Bay. It’s the best spot to see the “elbow” of the Cape Peninsula.
• The History: You’ll pass the ruins of the old Red Hill Village, a poignant reminder of the area’s complex past.

11:30 – The Main Event: Rooikat Padstal

Stop at the Rooikat Padstal just before the Cape Point turn-off.

• The Sculpture Hunt: Spend 30 minutes in the Sculpture Garden. See if you can find all the different African cats—from the caracal (Rooikat) to the lion.
• The Curios: This is the best place to buy a unique “cat” souvenir. Look for the handcrafted pottery and beaded animals that support local Peninsula artists.
• Fuel Up: Grab a coffee and a slice of their famous cake before heading into the wild.

13:00 – Into the Wild: Cape Point Nature Reserve

Enter the reserve and keep your camera ready.

• Spot the Real Rooikat: While they are incredibly shy, the Caracal (African Lynx) calls this fynbos home. They are most active at dusk and dawn, but lucky visitors occasionally spot them crossing the road near Olifantsbos.
• Wildlife Note: You’ll definitely see ostriches, bontebok, and the famous Cape Point baboons (keep your car windows closed!).

15:30 – Late Lunch in Scarborough

Exit the reserve and head to the bohemian village of Scarborough.

• The Vibe: This “conservation village” is the ultimate cat-friendly suburb. Because the village is surrounded by a national park, residents are fiercely protective of their pets and the local wildlife.
• Where to Eat: Try The Village Hub or Foragers. Both have relaxed, outdoor seating where the local village cats of Scarborough might just trot past your table to say hello.

17:00 – Sunset at Misty Cliffs

As the sun dips below the Atlantic horizon at Misty Cliffs—the ruggedly beautiful seaside neighbor to Scarborough—it’s the ultimate moment to uncork a bottle of Vineyard Friends Rooikat Cabernet Sauvignon. This local gem by Douglas Green isn’t just a tribute to the Cape’s wild cats; it’s the perfect companion for a quiet, coastal sunset.