Everyone knows you can go on safari in South Africa… but did you realize there’s a penguin beach colony and steampunk cafe here? No? Then waddle along with me as I discover these unexpected places… and get bitten by a few animals long the way.

From Cape Town, our driver took us for a 1.5 hour scenic drive to Cape Point, the southernmost tip of Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. (Technically, the meeting spot fluctuates slightly, and Cape Agulhas is located furthest south on the continent — but let’s not nitpick.)

The winding road gave us incredible views of the mountains and fishing villages. We saw some hitchhikers, hanging out on the rails…

These red-bummed monkeys are native baboons! (More on them later.)

My team and I stopped briefly to take in this view of the mountain ranges and ocean. July is winter in South Africa, hence the slightly menacing weather. I kept warm with a Hakuna Matata cat hoodie from Artbox in Seoul.

My Gothic version of Baywatch “running on the beach.”

This little dog seemed to be sniffing for seafood. Photography by me, Melissa Rundle and Eric Bergemann.

Back to the road trip along the peninsula. It’s as good thing we didn’t stop to pick up a barrel of monkeys…

… since all the road signs warned us to steer clear of “Baboons!”

Another quick stop, this time at Cape Point ostrich farm. It was established in 1960s, as a breeding ground for these fluff-bodied, bald-headed birds.

Visitors can aww at the baby ostriches in the pen. If you are brave, you can purchase a bag of food to hand-feed the ostriches…

I gave it a try, and this angry-looking ostrich pecked my palm! Yes, I screamed.

Finally, we made it to Table Mountain National Park. The sign shows the coordinates of Cape Point. From there, it’s an easy 30 minute walk to the lighthouse.

We filmed so many incredible shots from up high — can’t wait to show you the video. After this mini-hike, we were ready to eat. A lot.

We dined like kings at Two Oceans restaurant: grilled local hake, langoustines and other sustainable seafood, washed it down with white South African wine. (Very impressed with the wines here, particularly from Stellenbosch.)

And then… it was time to see the African penguins! Wait, what? Yes, there’s a breed of black-footed Happy Feet, found only in these South African waters.

Boulders Beach is only a short drive from Cape Point, and it’s home to a large colony. These penguins flocked here in the 1980s and took over the beach.

Today, this is a popular attraction for visitors. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see hundreds of cute penguins?

There’s a small entrance fee, which lets you get up close and personal with the little guys. A sign warns, don’t pet the penguins.

But filmmaker Melissa didn’t listen, and found out the hard way. Cute as they look, these penguins bite! (Remember she also touched the Table Mountain dassie…)

The closer we got to the sandy beach, the more penguins we saw. Some of them clustered together and played.

Others were babies, still with their fluffy down overcoats. The park set up these little cave-homes for the penguin families to live and breed in.

How cute, this pair of penguins leaving webbed footprints in the sand.

At the end of the path, it was penguin-mania! This breed makes a funny braying noise, like a donkey. A few were waddling around, but most were resting on their stomachs.

A lone penguin dips his foot in the ocean. Isn’t the Cape Peninsula gorgeous?

As you can see from the shadows, Boulder Beach is a favorite destination. Coming here was one of my favorite moments in our South African press trip.

Another highlight was visiting Truth Coffee Roasting, a Steampunk cafe. (Address: 36 Buitenkant Street, Cape Town)

These “pirates” are passionate about producing the best artisan, small batch coffee — ever. Truth’s steampunk decor captures this spirit of experimentation and adventure.

I’m drinking a “flat white,” a beverage similar to a cappuccino, but with less milk and a velvety foam.

(My fringe top is by Japan pop-punk brand Listen Flavor, from Shinjuku Closet Child.)

All around the cafe, I saw gears, brass, clockwork and old-time machine parts. The baristas even dressed in top hats and suspenders.

The food here is as excellent as the coffee, including the chocolate croissants, and “steampunk breakfast” of organic eggs, vegetables and flatbread.

The focal point of Truth is “Colossus,” a 1940s Probat roaster with a cast iron drum, tricked out with mad scientist parts.

Truth Coffee often has wild performances and events befit for airship pirates, such as burlesque shows and steampunk parties. How cool, to see how people around the world are inspired by this subculture.

Were you surprised to see penguins and steampunk in South Africa? The more I travel, the more I discover…