Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point, the most southwestern tip of the African continent, is the name given to the cape at the Southwesternmost tip of the African continent, approximately fifty kilometers from the city center of Cape Town. Actually, this area consists of two headlands (Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point) and is part of Table Mountain National Park.

The Cape of Good Hope, is located at the intersection of two main ocean currents. The cold Benguela current from the west coast and the warm Agulhas current from the east coast meet here. Because of the two different sea temperatures, life under the sea is different on both sides. Although the Cape of Good Hope is known as the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, the place where these two oceans meet is Cape Agulhas National Park, which is located further southeast of the cape, about a hundred and fifty kilometers from Cape Point.

Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias crossed the Cape of Good Hope for the first time in 1487 by European sailors, and since then it has been an important point on the sea route to the East. This nose marks the point at which a ship now begins to sail more east than south. The name 'Cabo da Boa Esperança' was given by King Joan of Portugal, for showing the way to India.

We can't see any trees in this rather large national park due to strong winds. We come across monkeys called baboons and also to ostriches. It is possible to go up to the lighthouse on Cape Point hill, both by elevator and on foot. If you are in good condition, we recommend you to take this walk, which takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to climb the stairs, as you will stand on the road and witness magnificent views from different angles.

From here you can continue to Simon's Town and see the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Cape of Good Hope national park is open until sunset and admission is 376 rand. It is possible to go to the Cape of Good Hope with daily tours.