CAPE POINT

Cape Point was, for a long time, regarded as the southern-most tip of the African continent.  That place is actually now known to be Cape Agulhas, near Bredasdorp.  Cape Point is, however, a far more spectacular experience.  Its cliffs fall about 300m to the Indian Ocean and this is where the warm Mozambique current of the Indian Ocean meets the cold Benguela current of the Atlantic Ocean.  Cape Point and the Cape Peninsula National Park have been nominated as World Heritage Sites and great care has been taken to make sure that this place remains untouched and protected for future generations.

The first person to circumnavigate the Cape was the Portuguese navigator, Bartholomew Dias, in 1488 and he named it Cabo Tormentoso (The Cape of Storms).  It was later renamed Cabo de Boa Esperanca (The Cape of Good Hope) by King John.

Later Vasco Da Gama rounded the Cape on his way to India in 1497.  These journeys later led to the Cape sea route being established.

In the 1850’s a lighthouse was built at Cape Point.  However, it served little purpose, as it was set so high up (238m above sea level) that clouds and mist often hid it from sight.  In 1911 another lighthouse was built 87m above sea level.

There are many tourist attractions at Cape Point including walks and trails,  beaches, tidal pools, historical monuments – such as Dias’ and da Gama’s crosses  - shipwrecks and blockhouses.  Cape Point is also a paradise for anglers and divers (make sure that you have the necessary permits).

Cape Point is also the home of the protected Chacma Baboons – the only protected population of their kind in Africa.  Visitors are not allowed to feed the baboons as this upsets their natural foraging habits.  Other animals to be seen are Zebra, a variety of buck species, ostrich and over 250 species of birds.  In the waters are snoek, tunny, dolphis, seals and Southern Right whales. There are also over 1 200 species of indigenous plants to be seen.

The highlight of a visit to Cape Point will be a ride on the funicular.  At the upper station you will have one of the most magnificent views anywhere on earth. There you will also find the visitors’ centre and curio shop.