Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is one of the most mythical places in the world — the southwesternmost point of Africa, where the cliffs dramatically plunge into the roaring sea and the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. The Portuguese Bartolomeu Dias called it "Cabo das Tormentas" (Cape of Storms) in 1488 — King John II optimistically renamed it "Cape of Good Hope."
Cape Point & Lighthouse
The cape is located in the Table Mountain National Park, and the visit usually includes both Cape Point (with the historic lighthouse on the cliff) and the Cape of Good Hope (the iconic sign at the southwesternmost point). The Flying Dutchman Funicular (cable railway) takes you to the old lighthouse — or you can hike the 20 minutes steeply uphill. The view from the top is breathtaking: endless sea, cliffs, screeching gulls, and the raw power of the ocean.
Practical Information
- Admission: 376 ZAR (19€) for adults (SANParks Conservation Fee). Funicular extra: 90 ZAR return.
- Getting there: About 70 km from Cape Town (1.5 hours). Best combined as a day trip with Boulders Beach, Simon's Town, and Chapman's Peak Drive.
- Day Planning: Start in the morning via Chapman's Peak Drive heading south, visit Boulders Beach (penguins) first, then the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. Return via False Bay and Muizenberg.
Achtung
Baboons at the Cape of Good Hope are intelligent, bold, and sometimes aggressive. They can open car doors and steal backpacks. NEVER leave food visible in the car, close windows and doors, and keep your distance. Do not feed them — it makes them more aggressive. Park rangers are there to help with any issues.
