We've already answered when you should climb Table Mountain. This is what to do with the day after. The Cape Peninsula loop from Cape Town, down one coast and back up the other, is one of those rare drives that lives up to the fuss. As someone who'll always choose a good road over a good lounge, my verdict is simple: yes, it's worth a full day, and it's the single best day trip from the city if you can only do one. It is also longer than it looks on a map, and there are a couple of things that can catch you out.

The Route

The basic loop runs south down the False Bay side, around the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, and back up the Atlantic side over Chapman's Peak. Going clockwise or anticlockwise is a matter of taste. I'd start with the False Bay side and get to Boulders early, then save Chapman's Peak for the late-afternoon light, assuming it's open.

One day-trip guide calls it the pick if you only have one day outside the city, because the stops link together as one trip rather than a list, and I think that's right. Guided versions are sold as full-day tours, so don't try to cram a wine farm in too.

Muizenberg and Kalk Bay

Muizenberg is the warm-water, swimming and surfing beach on False Bay, and Kalk Bay is known for its fish restaurants around a picturesque working harbour. Either one will happily absorb your whole morning if you let it. Don't let it.

Simon's Town and Boulders

Boulders Beach, near Simon's Town, is where you'll find the African penguins, and yes, they're as good as everyone says. The colony started with just two breeding pairs in 1982 and has grown to around 3,000 birds. The species is now classed as critically endangered, so stick to the boardwalks and keep your distance. It's part of Table Mountain National Park, with an entry fee.

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

Two capes, one common confusion. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are separate headlands about 2.3 km apart, and the lighthouse is at Cape Point. Neither is the southernmost point of Africa, whatever the souvenir stalls imply; that honour goes to Cape Agulhas, about 150 km east-southeast.

The old lighthouse, at around 262 m, operated from 1860 to 1919 and was replaced by a lower one because fog often hid the higher light. The Flying Dutchman Funicular runs up from the car park to just below it, and steps take you to the viewing platform. Check that it's running before you count on it, and bear in mind that the walk from the top includes steep, narrow stairs.

Travellers on this route report seeing baboons along the way. Keep food out of sight and car windows closed.

Chapman's Peak Drive

Save the best for last. Chapman's Peak Drive, a toll road running about 9 km between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, is described as "one of the most spectacular coastal roads in the world", and for once I wouldn't argue. One important warning: this road can close without much warning, so check the official Chapman's Peak site on the morning you drive, and have a backup plan for getting back to the city.

What It Costs

Both Boulders and Cape of Good Hope charge conservation fees, set per person by SANParks on a sliding scale, with higher rates for international visitors and a new tariff year from 1 November. Rather than quote a figure that may be out of date, I'd check the current SANParks fee schedule before going. Reports indicate both gates are cashless, so bring a card.

Safety on the Peninsula

The peninsula is popular and generally straightforward to drive, but South Africa's crime picture is real, and the FCDO is specific about Cape Town:

• Getting to and from the airport. Violent crime has increased on the airport roads, including attacks involving hire cars. Stay on the M3 and N2 rather than the R300, use the airport approach road off the N2, and don't let GPS lead you away from the main roads.

• Hikes and viewpoints. There have been violent attacks and muggings against hikers and tourists, including on Lion's Head and Signal Hill. Stay on busy, marked routes, avoid quiet spots early and late, and hike in groups.

• Beaches. Avoid isolated beaches, especially after dark.

• Parked cars and junctions. Keep valuables out of sight, doors locked and windows closed at junctions. Emergency numbers are 10111 for police and 112 from a mobile.

Should You Drive or Take a Tour?

If you're comfortable driving on the left and don't mind parking at busy spots, self-drive is the more rewarding choice, because you can linger. If you'd rather not deal with the airport-road warnings or a day of navigation, a small-group tour covers the highlights. Both are valid. Just don't book the whole thing as a rushed half-day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cape Peninsula drive worth it? Yes. In one long day you get penguins, sea cliffs, a historic lighthouse and one of the world's great coastal roads.

How long does the Cape Peninsula drive take? Plan for a full day. Guided versions are sold as full-day tours.

Is Chapman's Peak Drive open? It's a toll road that can close at short notice. Check the official website on the day.

Is Cape Point the southernmost tip of Africa? No. That's Cape Agulhas, about 150 km east-southeast.

Do you have to pay at Boulders Beach and Cape Point? Yes, SANParks charges conservation fees at both. Check the current schedule, and bring a card.

Final Thoughts

For one day, this is about as much scenery as you can sensibly fit in a hire car. Go early, respect the penguins, check that Chapman's Peak is open, and leave the wine for another day; or better still, make it a separate one in Stellenbosch. If you have more time in the region, Hermanus makes for another fine day on the coast.