Cape Point is arguably the most dramatic and wild cape the world over. Sir Francis Drake, English Navigator, dubbed it “…the fairest Cape in the whole circumference of the Earth…” and we agree! The Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park is a spectacular natural sight and very much an essential part of any Cape Town visit.
Located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Find Cape Point on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route. The southern tip of the Cape Peninsula is divided in two by the gorgeous white sands of Diaz Beach, with Cape Point lying to the east and the Cape of Good Hope positioned to the west. Cape of Good Hope is a tad further south compared to the sharp-tipped ‘Point’ and as such claims the title of the most south-westerly piece of land on the African continent.
A 45min meander from the parking area at Cape Point will take you along boardwalks above the beach (a jaw-dropping sight!) and onto Cape of Good Hope itself. When looking down you may see the small resident Cape Fur Seal colony on the rocks, and when looking back over your shoulder you’ll notice the functional lighthouse just above the water at Cape Point.
Two lighthouses add rich history to a Cape Point visit and stopping off at one of the viewing platforms is a MUST! Dreamy turquoise waves crashing against the granite rock at the tip of the peninsula, while cormorants come and go from their nests on the sandstone cliffs. One can stand here all day, but the fresh ocean breeze that Cape Point is known for will probably push you along your journey!
A funicular, the Flying Dutchman, carries passengers up and down the hill cutting out a section of the walk between the old lighthouse and the Two Oceans Restaurant. Lunch here always goes down well with views over False Bay and if you’re visiting at the right time of year (Aug-Oct is best) you may get lucky with seeing a Southern Right Whale or two down below.
While visiting these parts you’re likely to catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife roaming the Park. Eland, ostrich and chacma baboons are regular sights as too are the cute little dassies and sun-hungry lizards.
There are a number of other highlights in this section of the National Park which include Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif tidal pools to cool off in on a hot summer’s day, rewarding circular hikes at Kanonkop, Gifkommetjie and Olifantsbos, spectacular bird-watching opportunities along the coastline and a highly informative Visitor Centre at Buffelsfontein.
Cape Point is located on the West Coast Way Cape Way Route
Open 7 Days a week
Distance from Cape Town: 70.9km
Where: M3, Table Mountain National Park
Contact: +27 (0)21 7809010 | [email protected]