Attraction
Table Mountain
Cape Town's flat-topped mountain rises above the city, reached by a cableway with rotating cars from Tafelberg Road or on foot via routes such as Platteklip…
Cape Point
At the tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point combines sea cliffs, two lighthouses and fynbos within the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park.
At a glance
- Type
- Nature reserve and lighthouse viewpoint
- Area
- Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, South Africa
- Official site
- capepoint.co.za
Good to know
- Flying Dutchman Funicular
- Lighthouses
- Restaurant
- Food shop
- Free audio tour
Why we recommend it
Cape Point sits near the southern end of the Cape Peninsula, inside the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park. Here the land narrows to a rocky headland with cliffs that rise more than 200 metres above the sea, and the views stretch across False Bay on one side and the Atlantic on the other. It is not the southernmost tip of Africa, which is Cape Agulhas about 150 kilometres to the east, but it is the dramatic finale of the peninsula.
The main sights are the two lighthouses. The old lighthouse, in use from 1860 to 1919, sits high on the peak, but it was often hidden by cloud and fog, and after the Lusitania was wrecked nearby in 1911 a new lighthouse was built lower down the point. Walkways lead from the car park up to the old lighthouse and on to viewing platforms, and the Flying Dutchman Funicular saves the climb for anyone who prefers to ride. The Cape of Good Hope itself, the rocky promontory with the famous sign, is about two kilometres away.
The reserve is also a good place to see fynbos, the distinctive vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, as well as birds, antelope and baboons. Never feed the baboons and keep food out of sight, as they are bold and will raid cars and bags. A free VoiceMap audio tour covers maritime history, plants, animals and local legends, but mobile signal is limited, so download it before you arrive.
Park entry opens from 06:00 to 18:00 between October and March and from 07:00 to 17:00 between April and September, and visitors must leave by sunset. The funicular, Two Oceans Restaurant, food shop and gift store keep shorter hours. A conservation fee applies for entry to the park, and the funicular is charged separately.
The drive from the city takes around an hour or more each way, so most people make a full day of it, combining Cape Point with Boulders Beach in Simon's Town and the coastal roads of the peninsula. Go early to beat tour buses, bring water, sun protection and a windproof layer, and allow at least two to three hours inside the reserve.
Cape Point FAQs
Is Cape Point the southernmost tip of Africa?
No. That is Cape Agulhas, about 150 km to the east-south-east.
Is there a funicular?
Yes. The Flying Dutchman Funicular runs from the car park up to just below the old lighthouse.
What are the gate opening hours?
06:00 to 18:00 from October to March and 07:00 to 17:00 from April to September, with visitors exiting by sunset.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. The Two Oceans Restaurant and a food shop are at the site.
How far is the Cape of Good Hope from Cape Point?
About 2.3 km, and the two are in the same section of the park.
Are there baboons?
Yes. Do not feed them and keep food out of sight in cars and bags.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. A free VoiceMap audio tour is available; download it in advance because signal is weak.
How long should I allow?
At least two to three hours in the reserve, plus the drive from the city.