Explore the Cape Peninsula by sidecar

Whizz along the Cape Peninsula in a 1950s sidecar for incredible coastal views. The whole idea for Cape Sidecar Adventures came about when I met an Australian expat in China who had this beat-up old sidecar, which I loved. So, back in Cape Town I bought a dozen vintage 1950s models and started offering tours along the peninsula and the winelands. Since then, it’s become very popular – we now have a fleet of over 40 vehicles, about 50 driver-guides and our mascot Brody, a rescue dog who loves to ride with us.

On the full-day tour, we start with a hotel pick-up around 9am and get you geared up in retro leather jackets, goggles, bandanas and helmets. You’ll be paired with one of our brilliant drivers from Cape Town; they’re all big personalities with lots of stories to tell. Leaving the waterfront, we head out along the Atlantic Seaboard through coastal suburbs like Clifton and Bantry Bay. The ocean is on the right and the Twelve Apostles mountain range on the left – it’s a beautiful drive. When you’re whizzing along on this noisy, 60-year-old sidecar you get lots of smiles and waves. Many people haven’t been on a motorbike before but within 20 minutes they’re relaxed, laughing and enjoying the ride.

Highlights include passing Llandudno and the fishing village of Hout Bay before we reach famous Chapman’s Peak drive. This is known as a spectacular scenic route, winding right along the coast next to mountains and through tunnels. When we arrive at Cape Point you get the option of taking the funicular up to the lighthouse, which is a great place to take photos. The trip continues all the way to the Cape of Good Hope where we have a lunch stop at a local seafood restaurant. The highlight of the afternoon is visiting the Boulders penguin colony before heading back towards Cape Town.

If you don’t have time for the full-day tour, we also offer a shorter two-hour option along the peninsula. Whichever trip you choose it’ll change your perspective, you’ll feel the wind and smell the salty air, you’ll see the ocean, mountains and vineyards. I think the sidecar tour appeals to people because it feels adventurous and quirky – it’s not your typical Cape Town tour. There’s a motorbiking quote that goes something like this: “when you’re travelling by car it’s like watching a movie but when you’re on a bike, you’re actually in the movie” – that’s the experience we want guests to have.