Famed for the route the seafaring European explorers took in the 15th century, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are one of the top tourist destinations in South Africa. Located around 64km from downtown Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope covers over 7,000 hectares within Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).
This most southwestern point of Africa is rich in natural and cultural heritage and is the only fenced area of TMNP due to the eland, red hartebeest, bontebok and zebra that roam here. For more info, Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre showcases the indigenous flora and fauna of the area. At Cape Point, visitors can enjoy spectacular views across the Atlantic Ocean and to the Hottentot Holland Mountains from the base of two lighthouses at the cape. The only functional lighthouse is at Diaz Lookout Point. The old lighthouse is accessible by foot from the carpark or you can take the Flying Dutchman Funicular railway to the top through scenic fynbos plants. The funicular is open from 9am to 5:30pm in summer and from 9am to 5pm in winter. An adult return ticket is Rs49 and Rs21 for children aged six to 16 years.
The Cape of Good Hope is also a renowned mecca for the outdoors enthusiast and is an ideal location to enjoy activities such as hiking, surfing, angling and cycling, or relaxing with a picnic and sunning yourself on the beaches. The Cape of Good Hope Trail is an overnight hike following a 33.8km circular route where you can discover indigenous fynbos trails and secluded beaches and stay in a cottage in Rooikrans for Rs210 per person. There are also free guided walks at Cape Point of between three to four hours' duration on the second Sunday of each month.
From the city centre of Cape Town, it's a 80-minute drive down the N2 to merge onto the M5 at Muizenberg via Simon's Town and Miller's Point then follow the M4 to Cape Point. The entry tariff for Cape Point is Rs90 for adults and Rs40 for children aged two to 11 years per day.
