Cape Point In Cape Town

History of Cape Point

Cape Point has a very interesting history, which adds up to the charm of Cape Point and Peninsula tour. The area was first explored by the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Dias in 1488, who named it the Cape of Storms for extreme weather conditions. Vasco da Gama was a later visitor of the same route as well. Ever since the days of Dias, the Cape Point has been treated with great reverence because of the menace it posed for the sailors. To make it safer, the first original lighthouse was built in 1859, and then the second one in 1914, which is the most powerful one in the South African coast.

Attraction of Cape Point

Although many people argue that Cape Point (or Cape of Good Hope) is the southernmost tip of Africa; that particular title actually lies with Cape Agulhas. Nevertheless, Cape Point tour brings to you the spectacular sights of lush green hills and valleys, towering cliffs and stony edges, a host of endemic creatures like fynbos and azure blue water stretching from rocky and sandy beaches.

The old Cape Point lighthouse still stands at the highest summit of Cape Point, atop Da Gama Peak at 238m above sea level. One can access the observation deck of the older lighthouse with the iconic Flying Dutchman Funicular, which will take you right to the base of the towering building. From here a flight of stairs takes you up to the viewing platform from where you can see the entire stretch of Cape Point, where two oceans meet, and a second path leads you to the lower peak of second lighthouse. There are also other activities like animal spotting and whale watching on your Cape Point day tour.

Things To Do In Cape Point

Go for a Free Audio Tour of the Cape Point: This is an informative tour started by the VoiceMap app which allows the visitors to take a free audio tour of Cape Town in which they are told about various unique facts of the national park, the variety of flora and fauna and the history of the park, This tour is a good option for all those who are eager to learn about the wildlife of Africa.

Visit the Old Lighthouse: Built in the year 1859, the lighthouse is one of the most splendid structures and is famous for offering breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and ocean nearby. One can even catch views of the whale using binoculars. The old lighthouse has often been the cause for many mishaps, hence a new lighthouse was built in the year 1911 to give safety to the ships.

Explore Secret Beaches at Cape Point: Cape Point is famous for its secluded beaches which will give ultimate pleasure. The scenic beauty and the tranquility of these beaches will leave you awestruck. Diaz Beach is one such beach which is famous for its beauty and charm. Some other beaches to explore in Cape Point are Olifantsbos Beach and Maclear Beach.

Visit Cape of Good Hope: Cape of Good Hope is Cape Point’s most striking tourist place to visit. The place offers a plethora of fun-filled activities like hiking, cycling, picnicking, and many such activities. The place is rich in flora and fauna especially marine life.

Enjoy Whale, Birdwatching and Explore Fauna: Cape Point has a great variety of fauna and one can catch the views of whales with the help of the binoculars. Various birds keep roaming around Cape Point. One can catch glimpses of ostriches, mongooses, baboons, antelope, and porcupines.