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Your All-Inclusive Travel Guide to Cape Point Where Adventure and Beauty Await
Many people mistakenly believe that Cape Point is where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, but it’s actually Cape Agulhas. However, Cape Point remains a spectacular destination in its own right.
I was amazed by the stunning scenery and the ocean smashing against the rugged cliffs. The wild beaches and the Cape Point Nature Reserve, with its hiking trails, historical sites, and amazing wildlife, were definitely the best parts of my trip.
Use this travel guide to discover all that this remarkable destination has to offer!
Things to Know
Website: https://capepoint.co.za/
Phone: +27 21 780 9010
Operating Hours:
- October to March (open daily) – 6 AM to 6 PM
- April to September (open daily) – 7 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fees
- South African Citizens and Residents – R100 (adults) / R50 (children)
- SADC Nationals – R200 (adults) / R100 (children)
- International (non-South African) Citizens – R400 (adults) / R200 (children)
Background
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Cape Point’s history began in 1488 when Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias sailed around the Cape Peninsula and called it the “Cape of Storms” because of its rough weather.
Vasco da Gama later used the same route, leading to its renaming as the “Cape of Good Hope” by King John II of Portugal, who saw it as a new trade route to India and the East.
The point became an important landmark for sailors but was also dangerous due to its rocky waters. To help ships navigate safely, a lighthouse was built in 1859, and a more powerful one was added in 1914.
How to Get to Cape Point
By Bus: Cape Point has a dedicated “Red Bus” offering a full-day guided tour. The bus departs daily from select City Sightseeing bus stops, including Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green Point, and the city centre, with tickets available online or from bus drivers.
By Car: A scenic drive through Table Mountain National Park leads you to the parking area at Cape Point, where you can park near the visitor centre.
By Taxi: Taxis can drop you off at the visitor centre. The base fare is around R20, with an additional charge of about R10 per km.
What to Do and See in Cape Point
Ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular
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Operating hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
Prices:
- Adult (Return Ticket) – R95
- Children & Pensioners (Return Ticket) – R52
- Adult (One-Way) – R80
- Children & Pensioners (One-Way) – R45
One of the highlights of visiting Cape Point is riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular, the only one in Africa. Instead of a tiring uphill walk, you’ll ride one of the two 40-seater rail carriages that take you from the base station up to the old lighthouse.
When you reach the top, about 87 metres above the parking area, the views are incredible. You can see the point, the beaches, and the vast ocean stretching out before you.
Swim, picnic, and walk at the various beaches and pools
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Cape Point has some fantastic beaches and pools that I’ve really enjoyed. At Buffels Bay, I had a great time swimming in the clear blue waters and exploring the tidal and rock pools.
Platboom Beach, with its quiet, vast sands and scenic views, is ideal for a peaceful walk or a picnic. Diaz Beach, though a bit of a trek, rewards you with dramatic cliffs and spectacular waves that are well worth the effort.
Take a walk along the shipwreck trail
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The shipwreck trail at Cape Point is a fascinating walk for anyone interested in history and nature.
The 3 km Olifantsbos trail takes you through beautiful fynbos and leads to the beach where the Thomas T. Tucker, a WWII shipwreck, is a highlight. Its rusted hull has become a popular spot for photography and a nesting site for birds.
Before heading back, you can also spot the remains of the Nolloth, another wreck from 1965, making the trail a unique mix of scenery and maritime history.
Visit cultural and historical spots
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While exploring, I came across two tall white pillars with crosses on top, built to honour explorers Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama. These monuments mark key moments in history, like Dias rounding the southern tip of Africa and Da Gama reaching India.
The area’s history goes even further back with Early Stone Age sites like Bonteberg Shelter. Even the ostriches you see are linked to the old farms that once existed here.
Explore the reserve on an e-bike
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I had the chance to explore Cape Point on an e-bike, and it was a fantastic way to take in the sights without too much effort. The ride through the nature reserve to the Cape of Good Hope was both relaxing and exciting, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
The highlight for me was reaching Cape Point, where I got up close to the lighthouse and enjoyed a well-deserved lunch with a view. If you’re up for more, you can even stop by Boulders Beach to see the penguins.
Trek to the iconic Cape of Good Hope
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I found the 3.5 km walk to the Cape of Good Hope thrilling, especially knowing I was at Africa’s southwestern tip. The views were amazing, with a great lookout point and a stunning view of Diaz Beach.
The wooden boardwalk made the hike more enjoyable and led me to the iconic sign on the rocky shore below. For a photo with the sign, I took the road past Maclear Beach to a parking area on the western shore.
Try wild-food foraging
Website: https://veldandsea.com/
Phone: +27 72 234 4804
I joined some of Roushanna Gray’s foraging trips, and it was quite an adventure! In winter, we delved into the fynbos to find wild plants and herbs, and in summer, we explored the tidal pools for edible seaweed and mussels.
The highlight was preparing a delicious three-course lunch at the Veld & Sea Glasshouse with the ingredients we gathered. Plus, I came away with useful recipes and notes to recreate the experience at home.
Spot wildlife
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Wildlife is abundant at Cape Point, with chacma baboons, ostriches, and Cape mountain zebras commonly seen. I’ve also spotted dassies and occasionally a Cape clawless otter or caracal.
The area is fantastic for birdwatching with over 250 species, and in winter, you might see a southern right whale off the coast.
Just remember to keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially baboons, and enjoy the diverse nature around you.
Enjoy the mountain views through a boat trip
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Website: https://www.capeboatcharters.com/scenic-eco-tours
Phone: +27 83 544 6748
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 7 AM to 4 PM
The scenic eco-tour took us along the stunning coastline and stopped at Seal Island. For a thrill, I’d recommend the fishing trips. They head up to 40 nautical miles off Cape Point, where you can catch tuna, yellowtail, snoek, and even crayfish in summer.
The boat had snacks and refreshments, and the small group size made it feel intimate. Remember, trips depend on the weather, and fishing options vary by season.
Climb up to reach the lighthouses
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When I climbed up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point, the views were absolutely breathtaking. The short, steep trail is worth it for the sweeping ocean vistas, and if you’re visiting in winter, keep an eye out for whales.
For the new lighthouse, I enjoyed taking the 2 km Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail from behind the funicular station. The walk along the cliffside, with its historic bunkers and fynbos, made the whole experience even more memorable.
Where to Eat and Drink in Cape Point
Two Oceans Restaurant
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Phone: +27 10 746 6365
Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 11 AM to 4 PM
At Cape Point’s Two Oceans Restaurant, you’ll find a bright, airy space with large windows that offer stunning sea views. Since opening in 1995, it’s been a favourite spot for visitors looking for a good meal with a view.
The menu includes seafood platters, pork belly, and vegetarian options, but the highlight is definitely the panoramic ocean scenery.
The Food Shop
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Operating Hours:
- Open daily – 9 AM to 5 PM
The Food Shop is a handy spot to grab a quick snack, drink, or meal and enjoy it right outside with a view of the bay or take it with you to a picnic spot. They offer a variety of light meals and snacks, like pizza, biltong, and droëwors.
Where to Shop in Cape Point
Cape Point Logo Shop
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The Cape Point Logo Shop is the go-to spot for souvenirs. It offers a range of items like T-shirts, hats, mugs, and key rings, all featuring the Cape Point logo.
I even picked up a Cape Point Certificate, which felt like the perfect way to commemorate my visit.
Cape Point Parks Shop
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At Cape Point Parks Shop, I found bath products featuring African extracts like rooibos and aloe, which are perfect for a touch of local luxury.
The shop also offers protea seeds and informative books about the region’s flora and birds, making it a fantastic place to remember your visit. Plus, the locally made ceramics and clothes are vibrant and reflect the rich African heritage beautifully.
Lighthouse 5 (LH5)
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When I visited LH5, I was struck by its maritime charm, with its rich dark wood and polished brass creating a classic nautical atmosphere. They offer unique items like ship wheels, brass bells, and detailed replicas of old sailing ships.
I was particularly drawn to their great white shark jewellery and beautifully decorated ostrich eggs. For kids, the shop has a fun selection of marine toys and colourful accessories that are sure to catch their eye.
Where to Stay in Cape Point
Olifantsbos Cottage
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Olifantsbos Cottage offers complete seclusion right on the beach. The main cottage includes three double rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a cosy lounge with a fireplace.
I loved relaxing on the spacious patio and braai area, with the beach just a short boardwalk away.
For larger groups, there’s an annexe that accommodates an additional six people. While the amenities are powered by solar and water is sourced from tanks, the setting and comfort make it well worth the effort.
