Day 3: Dancing, Penguins, and Cape Adventures

We kicked off Day 3 with another fantastic breakfast at the Portswood Hotel. Their spread of fresh fruit was incredible, but the standout for me was the passion fruit. If you've never had fresh passionfruit, do yourself a favor—go find some, eat it immediately, and then thank me later.

After breakfast, our awesome driver, Terrance, and guide, Andre, picked us up for a day packed with coastline charm and unforgettable moments. Our first stop was Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing town nestled between dramatic mountains and a sparkling bay. While the town has a great local market by the port, the real highlight lies just offshore—Duiker Island, often called Seal Island, thanks to the thriving population of Cape fur seals.

We boarded a boat for a peaceful 1.5-hour cruise out to the island. Watching the seals splash, dive, and bask in the sun was pure joy. From the boat, we also had a striking view of the coastal roadway we’d soon be traveling, winding along the cliffs and through the Tokai Forest Reserve.

As we made our way along the scenic route, we stopped at an overlook with a jaw-dropping view of Hout Bay from the other side. But it wasn’t just the scenery that made this stop special. A group of locals had gathered there, enjoying the view with music and dancing. Andre, always the connector, introduced us—and soon enough, the students and I were learning their dance moves. It was spontaneous, full of laughter, and absolutely one of those golden moments you remember forever.

The drive itself was a marvel—winding roads clinging to the edge of the continent, showcasing both nature’s beauty and human engineering. Our destination? One I’ve dreamed of visiting for years: the Boulders Beach African Penguin Colony.

Let me just say it—I LOVE penguins. And this colony, nestled within the Table Mountain National Park near Simon’s Town, is home to a unique population of African penguins, also known as “jackass” penguins for their braying call. They’re endangered, but here they thrive among granite boulders, sandy beaches, and protected boardwalks that let you get surprisingly close. Watching them waddle around, dive into the water, and nestle together was a total bucket-list moment.

After all that penguin cuteness, we headed to Bertha’s Restaurant, right on the water, for a dinner that showcased Cape seafood at its finest. Think fresh fish, ocean breeze, and lots of happy taste buds.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we made our way toward Cape Point, Cape Agulhas, and the legendary Cape of Good Hope. These rugged points mark the meeting of currents, dramatic cliffside views, and the end of the African continent. Cape Agulhas is officially the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are often confused with it, but they offer their own kind of magic—crashing waves, historic lighthouses, and a deep sense of awe.

As if the day hadn’t already been full of surprises, we had one final wildlife encounter: a random group of wild ostriches strutting by the roadside! South Africa never stops delighting.

We ended the day back in Cape Town with a relaxing dinner down on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, watching the harbor lights twinkle and reflecting on a day none of us will ever forget.