All You Need to Know About Cape Agulhas
What a goose bump moment. Turning your back on the land, looking out over the ocean and knowing that the entire African continent is lying behind you.
It’s a must-do at least once in your life: visiting the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas.
If you have always wanted to visit, but have some questions, we’ve got you covered with these 5 FAQs answered.
Isn’t It Too Far To Drive?
Cape Agulhas is actually only 2.5 hours from Cape Town, and definitely worth a weekend or two-day getaway from Cape Town.
How Do We Get There?
There is a beautifully tarred road that takes you all the way from Cape Town right to Cape Agulhas.
Pack your coffee flask and your favourite tunes and get on the N2 through Caledon.
Take the R316 to Napier & Bredasdorp.
Follow the coastal road all the way to the light tower and signage to the southernmost point.
Do the Two Oceans Really Meet There?
Indeed. This is the place where you can put your one foot in the Indian Ocean and the other in the Atlantic Ocean – at the same time.
Although there is a lot of debate around it, this is technically the dividing line along the meridian of 20⁰ East to Cape Agulhas where the oceans meet kilometres into the ocean.
Where Can We Stay Overnight?
The flagship accommodation of the region lies within the SANParks Agulhas National Park who recently added seven brand new chalets to the Agulhas main camp, adding to the eight beautiful chalets already there.
Agulhas Main Camp Chalets: A total of 15 one- or two-bedroom wooden cabins, sleeping up to four people, all with stunning views overlooking the ocean.
Lagoon House Guest House: One four-bedroom historic house situated at the foot of the ocean, sleeping up to eight people.
Won’t I Get Bored There?
Not at all! Although Agulhas National Park is a great escape from the bustling city life, boasting 2000 species of indigenous plants in its 20 000ha area, there is plenty to do in the area.
Here’s a List of Seven Spectacular Things to Do Whilst You Are There:
- Tick it off your bucket list: Take your picture at the southernmost tip of Africa
- Incredible views from Lighthouse: Climb the 71 steps leading the top of the second oldest working lighthouse in South Africa with stunning views over the area.
- Visit the shipwreck: Visit the Japanese shipwreck, just past the southernmost point.
- Hike between the fynbos: Hike one of the many picturesque routes in the area: Spookdraai (L’Agulhas), Two Oceans (Agulhas rest camp), Rasperpunt (L’Agulhas) or Grootberg (Napier).
- Mountain bike your way through: Either go for a leisurely cycle on one of the many routes, or enter the annual Cape Agulhas Classic, taking place in December.
- Go for a cold water swim: It is quite rocky on the coastline, but you can have a lovely dip in the lagoon or go for a swim at Struisbaai.
- Relax at Black Oyster Catcher Winery: For a leisurely afternoon, the ideal place is to relax on the veranda or lawns of the restaurant of the family-run wine farm, close to Elim. They serve lovely lunches accompanied by a variety of their great wines. For more info, visit: https://blackoystercatcher.co.za/about/
To book accommodation at any SANParks establishment, you can contact Cape Town Tourism on +27 (0) 86 132 2223 or send an email to info@capetown.travel. You can also pop by one of our six Visitor Information Centers across the city and our mobile units traveling around.