Cape Point & the Cape of Good Hope: Where Two Oceans Meet

The Edge of Africa

There is something profoundly moving about standing at the southwestern tip of the African continent. Below you, massive Atlantic swells crash against 200-metre cliffs. Behind you, the ancient fynbos-covered mountains of the Cape Peninsula stretch north towards Table Mountain. This is Cape Point — one of the most spectacular and ecologically significant places on Earth.

The Lighthouse

The original Cape Point lighthouse, built in 1860, sits at 238 metres above sea level — making it one of the highest lighthouses ever constructed. Unfortunately, its elevation often placed it above the cloud line, rendering it ineffective. A new lighthouse was built lower down in 1919 and still operates today. You can reach the old lighthouse via the Flying Dutchman funicular or a scenic hiking trail.

The Cape of Good Hope

Despite popular belief, the Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point of Africa (that honour belongs to Cape Agulhas, about 150km to the southeast). However, it is arguably more dramatic and photogenic, with its iconic sign marking the southwestern corner of the continent.

Flora and Fauna

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve hosts over 1,100 plant species, including many that are found nowhere else on Earth. Wildlife includes baboons, ostriches, eland, bontebok, and Cape mountain zebra.

The Full Peninsula Tour

Our Cape Peninsula tour combines Cape Point with Chapman's Peak Drive (one of the world's most scenic coastal roads), the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the fishing village of Kalk Bay, and the charming naval town of Simon's Town. It's widely considered the single best day tour in all of South Africa.