Cape Point - Cape Town, Western Cape
Cape Point - Cape Town, Western Cape
Cape Point, located within the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa, is a rugged promontory at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula. It is a place of natural beauty, where dramatic cliffs meet the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. The iconic Cape Point lighthouse stands as a sentinel, guiding ships through the treacherous waters that have claimed countless vessels over the centuries. The area is renowned for its stunning panoramic views, diverse flora and fauna, and historical significance.
Visitors to Cape Point can explore a variety of walking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the ocean and the rugged coastline. The most popular trail leads to the Old Cape Point Lighthouse, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding seascape. From here, visitors can also spot wildlife such as baboons, ostriches, and various bird species amidst the fynbos vegetation that blankets the landscape.
Cape Point is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique plant species. The area boasts over 1,100 indigenous plant species, many of which are endemic to the region. During spring, the landscape bursts into color with blooming wildflowers, creating a vibrant tapestry that stretches across the peninsula. The diversity of plant life supports a range of wildlife, including small mammals, reptiles, and insects, making Cape Point a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
In addition to its natural attractions, Cape Point has a rich history that dates back to the early explorations of the Cape by European navigators. The promontory was originally named the "Cape of Storms" by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias in 1488 due to the perilous seas and unpredictable weather. It later became known as the "Cape of Good Hope" by John II of Portugal, symbolizing the optimism and promise of a sea route to the East. Today, Cape Point continues to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its beauty and historical significance.
5 Facts about Cape Point:
1. Geographic Significance: Cape Point is often mistakenly referred to as the southernmost point of Africa, but that title actually belongs to Cape Agulhas, located about 150 kilometers to the southeast.
2. Two Oceans: Cape Point is the place where the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean are said to meet, although the exact point of convergence varies and is not clearly defined.
3. Wildlife: The area around Cape Point is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, ostriches, dassies (rock hyraxes), and numerous bird species adapted to the coastal environment.
4. Lighthouses: There are two lighthouses at Cape Point. The Old Cape Point Lighthouse, decommissioned in 1919, is now a museum and offers panoramic views. The newer lighthouse, built higher up to overcome mist and cloud, remains operational.
5. Accessibility: Visitors can reach Cape Point by driving through the Table Mountain National Park, enjoying scenic views along the way. The park entrance fee includes access to Cape Point and other attractions within the park.
Accommodation Near Cape Point - Cape Town, Western Cape
Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
14.5km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeAqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse is situated in the quiet suburb of Murdock Valley in Simon's Town and offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.Situated in a prime position 5 minutes from the beach, this landmark house overlooks the entire False …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders
16.4km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeBoulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mariner Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
17.1km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeCustom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bay Splendour
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town
19km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeBay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Atlantic Dream Beachfront Villa
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Scarborough
20.3km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeThis luxurious double storey beachfront villa in Scarborough (sleeps 8) offers privacy, beauty and security. If you seek a safe and peaceful beach retreat within easy reach of the Cape Town Buzz, don't miss here. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Moonglow Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
20.4km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeMoonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Blue Yonder
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
22.4km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeBlue Yonder enjoys one of Fish Hoek's most enviable locations. Ideally situated on the mountain slope, these self catering apartments combine luxurious holiday accommodation with breathtaking views of the beach and sea. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Crags
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
22.5km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeCome and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek
22.9km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeBed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Upstairs @ No. 42
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
23.1km from Cape Point - Cape Town, Western CapeUPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV & …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape Peninsula (0.04km)
- Cape of Good Hope Old Lighthouse (0.76km)
- Flying Dutchman Funicular - Cape Point (0.86km)
- Cape Point Nature Reserve - Cape of Good Hope (1.33km)
- Diaz Beach, Cape Point (1.51km)
- Maclear Beach (2.52km)
- Platboom Beach (5.14km)
- Buffels Bay Beach and Tidal Pool - Cape Point (5.21km)
- Gifkommetjie Trail - Cape Peninsula (8.63km)
- Smitswinkel Bay Beach (9.68km)
- Partridge Point (10.44km)
- Cape Point Ostrich Farm (11.37km)
- Millers Point Tidal Pool (12.74km)
- Cape Peninsula National Park - Cape Town (13.41km)
- Olifantsbos Beach (15.14km)
- Fishermans Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (15.84km)
- Windmill Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (16.09km)
- Spring into Fynbos (16.23km)
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town (16.79km)
- Seaforth Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (17.09km)
