South Africa and Lesotho Day 11: Penguins and Table Mountain

We are back in Cape Town for the remaining time we have in South Africa. The weather forecast was nice today, especially in the afternoon, so we decided to explore the Cape itself and Table Mountain.

We started off down the east side of the Cape and saw this fun view overlooking False Bay.

Muizenberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

And then we stopped for a walk on the beach in Simon’s Town, a bit farther south.

Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Oh, but this wasn’t just any beach, it’s a beach with penguins!

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

One penguin …

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Many penguins …

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

They are so adorable and playful.

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

And who can resist penguin chicks?

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Boulders Beach, Table Mountain National Park, Simon’s Town, Western Cape, South Africa

After seeing the penguins and getting some lunch in Simon’s Town, we proceeded down to the tip of the Cape.

Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, south of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, south of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, south of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, south of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

And then it was time to visit Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain. First, a view of Cape Town itself.

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

And then … see that little dot up there in the crevice of the mountain? That’s a cable car. We went there!

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Here’s the view on the way up:

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa · by Lisa Rozmyn

And, oh my goodness, the views from up top are chef’s kiss!

Almost everyone we knew who knew Cape Town insisted that we make time for Table Mountain. This is why.

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The rock formations up top had some … shall we say, conveniently … shaped carve-outs in them to hold my glass of wine while I took other pictures.

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Looking to the north from Table Mountain, we can see the infamous Robben Island. Nelson Mandela was held here along with many other political prisoners for many years.

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

We stayed for sunset on the mountain top. So worth it …

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

We have one more full day in South Africa and then we must begin our journey home. We are sad to contemplate the end of this journey.