Cape Point exists within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and forms a key part of the vast Table Mountain National Park. It is a truly iconic place in South Africa (and indeed the world) to visit and is one of Cape Town’s Big Six attractions.
Ever since I first visited it in 2014, I’ve been firmly adamant that if there’s one place in the Western Cape and South Africa that locals and tourists alike must visit – it is this fierce, hopelessly beautiful place.
These are ten reasons (among many more) why I love Cape Point Nature Reserve so much:
1) Its Rich Cape History
For a start, there’s something inherently earthy and significant about this place.
It has played a key historic role in terms of global discoveries. As first, Portuguese explorer, Bartholomeu Dias and then countryman Vasco de Gama, served as Cape pioneers who came in search of a new trade route between Europe and the East. (Although it is believed the former missed Cape Point completely!)
Its history also dates back to the days of the indigenous Khoi and San people. Something you can learn about first-hand at the engaging, interactive Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre.
I love that Cape Point has existed and entranced us for so long. (Despite the fact that it has caused a lot of human destruction.)
It wasn’t called the Cape of Storms for nothing. After all, over the years, there have been many devastating shipwrecks (26, to be exact). (You can still easily discover some of these ships’ remains when you hike the Shipwreck Trail.)
Yet, despite its stormy past, Cape Point remains a popular, highly visited place.
It is also an integral part of our Cape coastline. And I suspect it will remain so long after we have all gone. To me, there’s something really poignant about that.
2) The Two Lighthouses
A main attraction at Cape Point is undoubtedly the two lighthouses.
The first, known as the Cape Point lighthouse, can be hiked up to. Or, if preferred, you can catch the fun Flying Dutchman Funicular.
At the top, you’ll find a popular viewing spot from which to truly soak up the wild, untamed Cape Point.
Designed by civil engineer, Alexander Gordon, this first and highest lighthouse at Cape Point was built in 1850. It stands at the reserve’s highest point, some 238m above sea level.
However, due to the low hanging cloud cover, it was not the best place to build a lighthouse. So another was built 87m above sea level at Dias Peak.
This second, all-white lighthouse was completed in 1919. And, at 19 million candlepower – it remains the most powerful light in all Africa.
You cannot hike down to this one unfortunately. However, there is a separate trail that takes you as close as possible. As a bonus, it also offers wonderful views of both lighthouses!
3) Secluded, Breathtaking Dias, Maclear and Platboom Beaches
Although there are several secluded, incredible beaches at Cape Point, my favourite has always been (and always will be) Dias Beach.
It’s accessible via several flights of rather steep wooden stairs. I must emphasise that, while the hike is not an easy one, it is so worthwhile.
When you’re standing on that pristine stretch of beach, with the intimidating cliff faces rising up into the Heavens around you and the aqua waves crashing onto the shore – you feel like you’re at the edge of the world, alone amidst nature’s crowning glory.
As much as I love Dias though, you might also stumble upon, Maclear (a small but pretty little whisper of beach, set amid natural fauna) – or another favourite of mine, Platboom.
Maclear is situated close to the Cape of Good Hope, whereas Platboom is indeed something of a secret find.
To avoid spoiling the fun, I won’t give away its exact location (just follow the signage or map), though I will say this: it’s one of the most wonderfully desolate, endless dune-filled beaches I’ve encountered.
It feels like a bizarre cross between White Sands and the most hidden place on earth. One which only the wild animals (particularly the Cape Point ostriches) seem to have uncovered.
4) The Two Oceans Restaurant, Food Shop and Curio Stores
The Two Oceans Restaurant is, in every sense, a restaurant with a view.
Happily, it also serves some delicious cuisine. Though, if the good food isn’t enough to thrill your senses, the setting undoubtedly will.
It is quite pricey – but you are paying for an incredible view of the False Bay coastline and a restaurant set at the edge of a cliff overhang, overlooking the vast sapphire waters below.
The restaurant, which has existed here since 1995, is one I’ve been fortunate to visit and try for myself. It is well-situated near the edge of the main Cape Point facilities and so, offers a meal with a seriously stunning view.
Walk-ins are allowed – but I recommend reserving a table in advance. Especially as the restaurant can get extremely busy during the peak summer season and on weekends.
For more information, contact the Two Oceans Restaurant directly: +27 (021) 746 6365 or TORbookings@capepoint.co.za.
Cape Point Food Shop
If you can’t afford a meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant or need some quick food supplies, try the nearby Food Shop. It offers everything from takeaway pizzas to hot- and cold-beverages, baguettes, popsicles and more.
Things are slightly marked up but it’s worth the price if you need to refuel, especially in hot weather.
Outside, you can find some seating and bins; just watch out for the baboons and birds who are known to snatch food away here!
Curio Shops
I also really love visiting the curio stores at Cape Point. Cape Point offers three curio shops, namely, Cape Point Logo Store, Cape Point Parks Shop and LH5.
They each offer a range of unique Cape Point-themed gifts, keepsakes and clothing, jewellery, toys, as well as some authentic African wares. While LH5 also reflects the maritime history and has fun things like brass ship wheels or brass bells for sale.
(Also, just outside the main entrance to the reserve, you find local traders selling wonderful wooden animal carvings.)
5) The Chacma Baboons
The troops of Chacma baboons who frequent Cape Point are one of my favourite things about Cape Point. Purely because they are such unique, endlessly naughty characters.
They are very mischievous and bold (I’ve seen them hopping onto car roofs and stealing food straight out of someone’s hand near the Food Shop) – so caution is strongly advised.
Please don’t provoke, feed or anger them in any way (as much for your safety, as for theirs).
If approached by a baboon, remain calm or quiet, stay motionless and avoid direct eye contact.
They are afforded special protection here, so anyone found feeding them will be fined, as a ‘fed animal is a dead animal.’
Look out for them on the beaches during low tide, eating roots and insects along the side of the roads or even perched at viewing spots near the main facilities.
6) For the Rich Cape Flora and Diverse Fauna
I also really love Cape Point for the different buck, baboons, birds, ostriches and of course, natural vegetation one can see here.
In fact, during our annual whale season, you can sometimes even spot whales from the various viewing spots; near the restaurant precinct; and from the lighthouse walk.
I’ve seen my fair share during my visits and it’s always so special to see them, if only from afar!
In fact, Cape Point is one of the richest, most diverse regions in the world.
It forms part of the Cape Floral Region, the smallest, yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. Here, you can find some 1,100 indigenous species that grow nowhere else in the world.
Inside the Cape of Good Hope Reserve, when it comes to fauna, you can hope to spot: Eland, the endangered Bontebok, Red Hartbeest, Chacma baboons, Cape Point ostriches, rock hyraxes (or dassies), Cape Zebra and some 250 bird species.
When you visit this spectacular reserve, keep a look out for all the amazing fauna and flora! 🙂
7) The Twin Crosses
I have visited both crosses erected in honour of Portuguese seafarers, Bartholomeu Dias and Vasco de Gama. (These are located relatively close to the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre.)
I like the simple beauty of them and the fact that these two foreigners and brave sea explorers are still remembered here centuries later.
It’s a wonderful touch and they’re worth stopping by for some added historical insight!
8) The Cape of Good Hope
You can either walk (along a relatively well-maintained wooden walkway) or drive down to the Cape of Good Hope.
Either way, it’s definitely worth a visit (if only for some awesome photos), as it is Africa’s most south-western point! (There’s normally a queue at the sign, so be patient and wait your turn for a photo.)
Here, you can scurry about on nearby cliffs, which tower above the famous sign, or explore the coastline. (It is pretty rough and rocky at this point, so be careful!)
On my first visit to Cape Point in 2014, this is one of the places that made me feel most alive.
Although it’s pretty much always windy here, it’s a truly wonderful place to visit and certainly adds another element to Cape Point.
9) Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif
Closer to the reserve’s main entrance, you can find the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, as well as nearby Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif recreational sites.
The Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre has undergone an impressive revamp and now offers truly engaging, interactive exhibits and displays.
These teach us about the origins of man in Africa, as well as the rich history and heritage that’s so unique to Cape Point.
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif, meanwhile, are great places to explore. Especially if wish to enjoy a more relaxed day out at this amazing reserve.
We’ve enjoyed a picnic by the sea at Buffels Bay but you can braai and picnic at both recreational sites.
They also offer relatively safe swimming in their tidal pools.
10) Fresh Discoveries with Each Visit
Although you can certainly discover so much about Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, even if you only visit it for a few hours at a time – it is a place that reveals something new to you each time you visit.
Given this, it is worth setting a whole day (or several) aside for.
If you’re brave enough to venture off the beaten track, there are so many hidden wonders to discover here.
Think: hidden caves accessible only at low tide; stunning viewing spots and benches; secret radar stations from WWII; secluded beaches along the wild coastline; braai- and picnic-sites and rustic accommodation – and above all, trails and roads that lead to several historic- and natural-wonders alike.
These are just ten things I love about Cape Point – but there are so many others besides! 🙂
Every time I visit (and I’ve been fortunate to have visited thrice now), I find some new reason(s) to love it and feel a fresh desire to return here.
You could say I’m powerless to resist its fun adventure and wild siren’s call.
For more information on Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, please contact them directly on: +27 (021) 780 9010 (Visitor Centre) or +27 (021) 780 9526 (Park Entrance) or visit their website.
Please note:
- Current entry fees for the Cape Point, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve can be found here.
- Park entry fees must be paid – even if you are merely visiting the Two Oceans Restaurant.
- Once a year, during SanParks’ SA National Parks Week, SA citizens can visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point for free. You just need to present a valid SA ID. (Note: SA Parks Week is usually held sometime in September.)
- Entry times change depending on the season – but you must always exit by sunset. Late exits result in a hefty R500 fine.
About the Author
I’ve only been to Cape Point once and didn’t have enough time for a walk down to the beach. So you’re right, there’s new discoveries with every visit!
Yes, there really are! I also couldn’t visit the beach the first time but even after two amazing visits, there are so many spots I want to go back and explore. 🙂