Africa - Cape Town - when to rent a car/suggestions

Hi,

With the help of Flyer Talk, my husband and I are finalizing our trip to Southern Africa (leaving in a few weeks!). So far our itinerary is

1 day Joburg
3 days Vic Falls
4 day safari in Kruger and Sabi Sands
6 days in Mozambique
6.5 days in Cape Town

I am wondering at what point during our stay in Cape Town to rent a car, as we want to drive around the peninsula, see Hout Bay and spend some time in Stellenbosch and Franschoek. We booked 1pm Robben Island tickets for our first full day in Cape Town, since we want to make sure to go there and Table Mountain and I have heard that both can be cancelled. The last day we need to drop the rental car off at the airport by 3:30pm to fly back to Joburg for our trip back to the States.

Can we do Hout Bay and the Peninsula in one day? Also, we are flexible with where we stay. Would it make sense to drive back from Franschoek the last day? Also, if there are any places we should go please let me know!

Day 1 - 1pm Robben Island/waterfront
Day 2 - Table Mountain
Day 3
Day 4 - Rent car? Hout Bay?
Day 5 - Peninsula (stay in Cape Town or en route to Stellenbosh?)
Day 6 - Stellenbosch
Day 6.5 - Franschoek/return to airport?

THANKS!

Getting to Hout Bay from the city is very quick (and a picturesque drive) so you could easily cover Hout Bay/Cape Point/Boulders Beach in one day if you wish.

I'd recommend walking up Table Mountain if you can. Perhaps visit twice so you can go on the cable car as well.

Oops I realized that we only have 5.5 days in Cape Town so our itinerary might look something more like this.

Day 1 - 1pm Robben Island/waterfront
Day 2 - Table Mountain
Day 3 - Rent car? Hout Bay? Peninsula?
Day 4 - Peninsula (stay in Cape Town or en route to Stellenbosh?)
Day 5 - Stellenbosch
Day 5.5 - Franschoek/return to airport?

Has anyone been to Seal Island and would you recommend it? How long does a trip out there usually take?

Thanks!