Enjoy stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage and an eclectic variety of wildlife – all within reach of Africa’s most southerly tip.
The explorer Sir Francis Drake wasn’t wrong when he named the Cape of Good Hope "The Fairest Cape in the Land". Indeed, he may have even sold it short! Located 50 kilometres south of Cape Town in Table Mountain National Park, the Cape is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the world.From the car park, hop on board the Flying Dutchman Funicular and enjoy the views as you glide all the way to the old lighthouse. Here, on the edge of a 200-metre cliff, the scenery is king. Sweeping panoramic views over a pounding ocean will literally take your breath away. The cliffs also offer a fantastic vantage point for spotting some of the whale species that populate the surrounding waters. Eagle-eyed visitors can see humpback whales, Bryde’s whales and, if they are really lucky, even the odd killer whale.This is a nature lovers’ paradise with a multitude of native species given free rein across a number of diverse habitats. The area is teeming with natural flora and fauna, with over a thousand varieties of plant life as well as 250 species of birds.If you wander near the fenced-off areas, keep a special eye out for the red hartebeest, bontebok and the rarely-spotted Cape mountain zebra. However, it’s more likely that visitors will spot one of the many chacma baboons whose cheeky behaviour always allow for some great photo opportunities.Outdoor enthusiasts can also take advantage of the many tramping and biking trails that traverse the natural fynbos vegetation and golden, sandy beaches. If you are an adventurer with an interest in maritime history, take the Shipwreck trail to discover a wealth of historical and archaeological information on twenty-six wrecked vessels.There’s nothing like bracing sea air to work up an appetite. If you haven’t had the time or the foresight to bring a picnic, head to the Two Oceans Restaurant for some well-earned nourishment.Although it is not strictly the southernmost tip of South Africa – that title goes to Cape Aguhlas which lies 150 kilometres further southeast – the Cape nonetheless benefits from the association, as can be seen from the thousands of visitors who flock here every year. Now that you know all it has to offer, why not join them?
