Jaunted

It wasn't the most comfortable ride, but the Baz Bus tour was still an ideal way to meet other young and like-minded travelers. (Who in turn, shared their tips about accommodations, dining and drinking in the city center.)

By 7 am, we were on the road, headed towards Clifton, where Cape Town's nouveau riche go to play. Huge houses (most costing around R48 billion) line the coastal cliffs, and while it wasn't exactly one of the natural wonders we had in mind, it was definitely a sight to see. From there it was on to Hout Bay, where riders could take an optional 30-minute boat tour of the port and catch a glimpse of some African seals and even whales. There were numerous breaks along the coast for random snacks and amazing photo ops.

The final stop before the Cape Peninsula was Boulders, home to a thriving colony of African Penguins. The quiet park (whose entry fee is included in the cost of the tour) offers an up-close look at one of the country's most vulnerable animals. Our driver explained that in 1982, homeowners in the residential area found two African Penguins nesting along the sandy coast. Knowing they were at risk in this not-so-natural place, residents made it their mission to protect the odd couple. Today, the colony has grown to about 3,000 penguins, and boardwalks along Foxy Beach offer an ideal vantage point for watching the playful creatures.

By early afternoon we'd arrived at the Cape of Good Hope. Known for its scenic views, rocky cliffs, indigenous flora, hiking trails and lighthouse, the Cape is the southern-most point of the entire continent and one of the largest tourist destinations in the area--for good reason.

We entered the park and immediately hopped on the Baz Bus-provided bikes for a 10 km ride through rolling hills, scenic plains and floral fields. The route was easy enough for recreational riders but still a little challenging. The tour ended at Cape Point, where we unloaded once again, for a hike to the lighthouse followed by a trek along the rocky cliffs.

Related Stories:
· Baz Bus [Official Site]
· South Africa Field Trip [Jaunted]
· South Africa Travel coverage [Jaunted]