Cape Agulhas, a stunning coastal village in South Africa, is a must-visit destination. Located about 2.5 hours from Cape Town by car, it’s the southernmost point on the African continent. Though the drive is a bit lengthy, the breathtaking scenery and the significance of the location make it worth the trip. As you stand at Cape Agulhas, you’ll be gazing out from the very tip of Africa, with dramatic rock formations and wild waves crashing against the rugged coastline.

How Far Is Cape Agulhas from Cape Town?

Cape Agulhas is approximately 139 miles (223 kilometers) from Cape Town. Without stops, the drive takes around 2.5 hours. However, there are charming spots to explore along the way, such as Gordons Bay, a coastal village with a lovely bookstore near the beach.

Fastest Route to Cape Agulhas

The quickest route is via the N2 highway and R316. This route offers scenic views as you leave Cape Town, passing through Sir Lowry’s Pass, Bot River, Somerset West, and Caledon. These areas have excellent lunch spots and wine estates. Though I opted to skip stops during my visit to adhere to Covid curfews, the journey offers plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Best Way to Get There

Driving is the best option to reach Cape Agulhas. If you don’t have a car, renting one is highly recommended to fully enjoy the scenic drive and potential stops along the way.

Things to Do at Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas offers several memorable activities:

Art and Culture: Check out the art gallery near the nature reserve and the kudu horns sculpture at the SAN Parks information center.

Photo Opportunity at the Southernmost Tip: Capture the moment at the southernmost point of Africa. There may be a small line, but it’s definitely worth it.

View the Meeting of the Oceans: While there’s debate about the exact location where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, it’s a fascinating feature to witness.

Explore the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse: Although it was closed during my visit, the lighthouse is a historic site from 1848. Once reopened, it offers spectacular aerial views of the area.

Visit the Japanese Shipwreck: Located just past the southernmost point, it’s a notable historical site.

Hike the Trails: Enjoy scenic hikes through fynbos on trails like the Two Oceans, Rasperpun, or Grootberg Trail in Napier.

Bike Through the Park: Experience the park on a mountain bike. I saw a cyclist having a blast during my visit.

Swim and Relax: Swim at the rocky beach or head to nearby Struisbaai for its soft sandy beach. Enjoy a meal at Sea Shack, known for its fresh seafood.

Picnic or Braai: Have a picnic or barbecue at designated spots outside the nature reserve. Remember to dispose of your trash properly.

Fishing: Cape Agulhas is renowned for excellent fishing opportunities. Several visitors were casting lines during my visit.

When I visited the lighthouse was closed so I couldn’t climb up the steps. There’s 71 in total. Once it does reopen I do want to go back and climb those stairs. Cape Aghulas National Park where the lighthouse is stationed is part of South Africa’s National Parks (SAN Parks) this means you cannot take drone shots of the park. So the lighthouse provides all the vistors to the park with spectacular arial views when it is open.

Accommodation Options

To book a stay at Cape Agulhas National Park, contact Cape Town Tourism at +27 (0) 86 132 2223. SAN Parks offers various accommodation options within the reserve. For private rooms, check booking.com, with prices starting at R500 ($34.37) for two people and up to R4,000 ($276) for larger houses.

Nearby Stays

Struisbaai, just 11 minutes from Cape Agulhas, offers additional accommodation options. Consider the caravan park right by the beach: Struisbaai Caravan Park. Arniston, a nearby seaside village, also provides charming lodging options.

Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions or share your own experiences.

Safe travels,