Cape of Good Hope
The dramatic cape at the south-western tip of Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet and every traveller wants to stand.
Overview
The Cape of Good Hope is the south-westernmost point of the African continent and historically an important landmark on the sea route from Europe to Asia; Vasco da Gama rounded it in 1497, opening the Indian Ocean route. The reserve is home to baboons, penguins and bontebok, and the view from the lighthouse over the meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans is the essential finale to a day trip around the Cape Peninsula.
History
The cape was named Cabo das Tormentas, or Cape of Storms, by the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 before being renamed the Cape of Good Hope by John II of Portugal as a sign of the sea route to India. It became a vital waypoint for European trade with Asia. The surrounding area became a nature reserve in 1939 and now forms part of Table Mountain National Park.
Highlights
- •The meeting point of two oceans
- •The Cape of Good Hope lighthouse
- •Baboons and penguins
Practical tips
- •Do not feed the baboons, which will snatch food
- •Combine with Boulders Beach nearby
Practical information
- Best time
- November to April
- Tickets
- About ZAR 300
- Opening hours
- 7:00 to 17:00
- Local food
- Wine, braai and seafood
- Getting around
- The Garden Route suits self-drive, and the wine estates can be visited on a tasting tour
- Visa
- A tourist visa is required, with documents prepared about a month ahead; some border crossings offer a visa on arrival, subject to official announcements.
Traveller reviews
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