Cape Point Attractions

Discover Cape Point found in the Cape of Good Hope

No Cape Town tour is complete without a visit to Cape Point. See one of South Africa's most admirable tourist attractions. Cape Point a World Heritage Site, is a spectacular nature reserve with one of the most famous landmarks in Cape Town, and for good reason. 

Where is Cape Point?

About a 60 kilometers drive from Cape Town, Cape Point lies within the southernmost tip of Table Mountains National Park and is part of the Cape Floral Region, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cape Point is situated on the very tip of the Peninsula, and not far from here, you'll find the Cape of Good Hope which is the most South-western point in Africa.

What is Cape Point 

The Cape of Good Hope is a narrow, rocky promontory that juts out into the South Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find it at the southern end of the Cape Peninsula in the Western Cape province in South Africa. It is part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Cape Point falls within the southern section of Table Mountain National park. The natural vegetation of the areas – fynbos – comprises the smallest but richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms.

Cape of Good Hope

Many confuse the Cape of Good Hope to be either where the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean meet or the most Southern point of the African continent. It is neither. That title goes to Cape Agulhas which is 105 miles (170km) to the southeast. Cape Agulhas also defines the official geographic divide between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Cape of Good Hope is the south-western point of Africa. 

History of the Cape of Good Hope

The Portuguese explorer, Bartholomeu Dias was searching for a passage to India around the African continent and was the first to round the Cape of Good Hope in 1448. When he found the Cape of Good Hope, he wrote home to the emperor that he had reached the end of the continent, and therefore found a way to Asia. He called the spot, the Cape of Storms because of the notoriously dangerous coastline. Evidence of numerous shipwrecks litters the Cape coast from west to east, some of which may still be seen at Cape Point. Cape of Storms was renamed the Cape of Good Hope to reflect the optimism surrounding the discovery, and to attract more merchants to the Cape Sea Route that passed the southern coast of Africa. 

Experience Cape Point 

The reserve spans wide open landscapes with rocky cliffs, unique vegetation with over 250 species of birdlife, baboons, bucks, and the Cape Mountain Zebra. Rugged rocks and sheer cliffs towering more than 200 metres above the sea, cut deep into the ocean, offering spectacular vista along with rich bio-diversity.

With numerous beaches, dozens of amazing viewpoints, a fascinating maritime history, and plenty of unique fauna and flora, it’s impossible to fit everything that Cape Point has to offer in one visit.

Explore Cape Point on a guided tour 

After entering the park, you'll embark on a slow drive that takes you past endemic fynbos and you might catch sight of ostriches, eland, and other wildlife. You'll have ample time to explore Cape Point and the old lighthouse with a choice of either climbing a few steep steps or taking it easy with a three-minute ride in the Flying Dutchman funicular railway (not included in the price) that transfers visitors to the top. No matter which way you choose you'll be blown away by towering stone cliffs and breathtaking views of the glittering ocean and white sandy beaches.

Spend free time browsing the souvenir shop and have a quick bite to eat (not included in the price) before we exit Table Mountain, National Park.

Interesting Facts about the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa

Plants thrive in the Cape of Good Hope

UNESCO designated the area as a World Heritage Site for the richness of its plant life. UNESCO describes the Cape Floral Region as “one of the world’s great centres of terrestrial biodiversity.” There are around 1100 plant species native to the Cape of Good Hope. This includes large quantities of ‘fynbos’ or ‘fine bush’ vegetation, for instance, erica's, proteas, cone bushes, and tree pincushions.

The Cape of Good Hope is a haven for wildlife

You’ll find around 250 different species of bird, including penguins, in the vicinity of Cape of Good Hope. Other animals also call this area home, like, various species of antelopes, reptiles, antelopes, otters, and rodents. Perhaps the most famous mammal living at the Cape of Good Hope is the Chacma Baboon. There are 11 troops consisting of about 375 individuals throughout the entire Cape Peninsula.

Popular things to see and do in Cape Point:

• Take in some of the most breathtaking ocean and mountain scenery in the world
• Take a ride in the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the viewing point, below the old lighthouses
• Shop for curios and gifts at the three Cape Point shops
• Discover cultural and historical spots, including monuments to explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Dias
• Keep an eye out for the many bird species occurring here, including ostriches
• Spot the Cape mountain zebra and the world’s largest antelope, the eland, and more animals
• Hike along a wide variety of scenic trails through natural fynbos and along sandy beaches
• Walk the shipwreck trail to view a few of the 26 recorded shipwrecks around Cape Point
• Photograph indigenous plant species that grow nowhere else in the world
• Watch massive whales moving past Cape Point on their annual migration (around June to October).
• Take part in a range of exciting outdoor activities, such as Cape Point boat rides, sea kayaking and mountain biking
• Find great swimming spots, picnic sites and walks at the Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay tidal pools
• Explore a wide variety of spectacular dive sites that can be explored on either side of the Cape Point
   Cape Point Entry Fee 
• Description South Africans (with ID)
• Adult - R90
• Kids- R45
• Standard Entry
• Adult - R360
• Kids - R180
• SADC Nationals
• Adult - R180
• Kids - R90