Recently named one of the world’s best beaches by TripAdvisor, Cape Town’s Boulders Beach Penguin Colony is beloved for its pristine sands, swimming coves, and the colony of African penguins that wander freely along the shore. Cape Town local, former safari guide, and owner of luxury tour operator Stanley Safaris, Shaun Stanley has built his career around a passion for authentic travel, especially Cape Town. Constantly traversing the continent in search of experiences beyond the tourist trail, he is driven to uncover the hidden gems few have the privilege to see. When it comes to Cape Town, Shaun brings an insider’s perspective on the destination’s most standout spots, straight from a local who knows it best.
What to See:
Shaun recommends visiting the award-winning Boulders Beach, but with a local twist. Rather than staying on the busy boardwalks, he suggests heading to the quieter end of the beach, where the crowds thin out and the experience becomes far more intimate. Here, penguins often waddle right alongside visitors on the sand or swim close by in the water, offering a much closer encounter than simply viewing them from the boardwalk.
What to Do:
Cape Town is perfect for hiking as it’s surrounded by stunning mountains that offer many opportunities for active holiday makers to enjoy, according to Shaun. Some of the more popular hikes that Shaun notices include Lion’s Head to watch the sunrise over Cape Town. He states that this “is a relatively easy hike that takes around 1 to 1.5 hours and starts with a gentle hike along a wide path that circumnavigates the mountain. About halfway up, the path changes to single track and includes a few small ladders. The top portion is a little tougher with a bigger ladder section and the very last section involving a scramble up the rocks. Once hikers reach the top they have the most amazing views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Cape Town, the Waterfront, Twelve Apostles and Robben Island.”
What to Eat:
Shaun has three top restaurants that he and his team recommend to guests – Fyn, VUUR, and Salsify for their incredible food, sustainability, and local influences. All are very different and can be easily visited on a trip to the city, and Stanley Safaris has a dedicated concierge who solely provides their guests with restaurant suggestions and reservations.
Where to Stay:
The Fish Eagle Residence is a private safari home within Lion Sand Reserve in Cape Town. Recently totally rebuilt, this serene retreat is designed to feel like a home away from home, blending comfort with a deep connection to nature. Guests enjoy complete privacy and the freedom to experience the surrounding wilderness on their own terms. With two suites upstairs and a spacious, apartment-style bedroom on the lower level, the residence is ideally suited for multigenerational families or big groups seeking a remote space in the bush for togetherness.
