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Cape Point
Published: 31/01/2011 by Carrie Hampton
With Cape Point at its tip, the Cape Of Good Hope is perhaps the most popular section of Table Mountain National Park, and is one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as antelopes like bontebok, eland and red hartebeest, cheeky chacma baboons, an array of reptiles and a great selection of birds - it literally teems with life.
Cape Point and the Cape Of Good Hope are part of Cape Town’s South Peninsula, which is also steeped in history, for it is here that the great Portuguese voyagers Bartholomew Dias and Vasco da Gama historically rounded the Cape Of Good Hope in the 16th century, and opened up the sea trade routes between east and west. This revolutionised global economics (although some historians argue that this is a Eurocentic record of history and that Persian and Arabic seafarers should claim this honour).
Cape Point Shipwrecks
The coastline is littered with the wrecks of ships that fell prey to the violent storms and deceiving reefs that have earned this passage the accolade, “Cape of Storms” or "Cape Of Good Hope". The original Cape Point Light house still stands and visitors can take the funicular up the hill to see for themselves, the treacherous conditions that caused it to be erected in the first place. While at Cape Point, dine at the Two Oceans Restaurant, which boasts spectacular sea views. If you prefer a picnic, head down to Buffels Bay – but you may have company, so look out for baboons. Be sure to visit the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre for coffee and a snack, while looking at the exhibits showing all the plants and animals in each season. The centre also provides first class conference facilities.
Overnight in the Park
For a really awesome experience, book yourself a night or two in the Olifantsbos cottage. Remotely situated in the far south of the Park, this isolated getaway affords you star spangled nights with only the sound of the Cape Point waves, and the nocturnal animals in moonlight. A rare treat indeed.
For the more active, a two-day hike in this section of the park gives a true wilderness experience with exceptional views. Or for the serious hiker, book on the six-night Hoerikwaggo Trail - a hike starting in Cape Town and finishing at Cape Point. You stay overnight in renovated park accommodation along the way. This trail will open in stages, starting in early 2005. A true adventure to explore the Cape of good hope.
For more suggestions regarding what to do in Cape Town and for an even more detailed covergae on Cape Point and the Cape Of Good Hope you might also visit our online travel shop and order our travel book.
