Africa's Southernmost tip explored
Sights to see at Africa's Southernmost tip, situated at L'Aghulas (also called Cape Agulhas), in the Western Cape, South Africa. If you plan to visit South Africa, the trip to Africa Southern tip is worth the effort!
How do you get to Africa's Southernmost tip?
First you've got to know where it is, not so? Well, Africa's Southern tip is located in South Africa. In the Western Cape Province of South Africa, to be more specific. To drill it down even further, it's in the Overberg region, at Cape Agulhas (also known as L'Agulhas). About 250km from Cape Town.
From Cape Town you travel along the N2 highway, towards Somerset West. From there continue up to Caledon (see the map below).
At Caledon turn off to Napier/Bredasdorp and travel through the Overberg region. Pass through the little town of Napier. When you get to Bredasdorp, take the turnoff to Struisbaai / Agulhas.
Drive straight through the village of Struisbaai. (Or Struis Bay.)
Just keep going, through the village of Agulhas. Go right to the end of the tar road, until you get to the lighthouse.
Follow the gravel road past the lighthouse, and you will find the parking spot. The last few meters you must walk by foot!
From Cape Town you travel along the N2 highway, towards Somerset West. From there continue up to Caledon (see the map below).
At Caledon turn off to Napier/Bredasdorp and travel through the Overberg region. Pass through the little town of Napier. When you get to Bredasdorp, take the turnoff to Struisbaai / Agulhas.
Drive straight through the village of Struisbaai. (Or Struis Bay.)
Just keep going, through the village of Agulhas. Go right to the end of the tar road, until you get to the lighthouse.
Follow the gravel road past the lighthouse, and you will find the parking spot. The last few meters you must walk by foot!
Near Africa's Southern tip
After the lighthouse, and the parking spot, you will find a notice board pointing out Africa's Southernmost point. You will have to walk from there, but don't fear, it's not too far! So you don't have to be too fit! It's not a difficult pathway, as you can see below!
Southernmost point notice board
Pathway to Southern tip
The Southern tip is clearly marked!
The Southernmost point of the continent of Africa not a very spectacular or scenic place. There's just the sea with some dangerous rocks. But it is clearly marked, so you can't miss it.One thing you may find is that this place can be very windy indeed. So hold on to your hat!
Southern Tip marker
Indian & Atlantic Oceans meet here!
The Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet each other at the Southern tip of Africa. A number of ships have been wrecked in this area, on dangerous rocks along the coastline, including the Arniston. Bredasdorp actually has a museum about these shipwrecks. You may enjoy visiting it!
Dangerous rocks at the Southern Tip of Africa
Lighthouse near the Southern Tip
Though the Southern tip of Africa itself is not particularly spectacular, the area is beautiful. What's more, it does have a distinguishing landmark, an old lighthouse, as you can see below! Because of the dangerous coastline, this lighthouse had to be built.
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse - another view
Building commenced on the lighthouse on the 1st of April 1847. It was completed during December 1848. The light of the lighthouse was first lit on 1 March 1849. Read more about its fascinating history (the source of this information). Visit the museum at the lighthouse for more first-hand information!
You will find a grave as you come into the parking area of the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas. The grave is that of Daisy, daughter of lightkeeper Rowe. Daisy Rowe died of diphtheria when she was only 7 months old, in January 1899.
You will find a grave as you come into the parking area of the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas. The grave is that of Daisy, daughter of lightkeeper Rowe. Daisy Rowe died of diphtheria when she was only 7 months old, in January 1899.
Grave near lighthouse
Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas is the town closest to the Southern tip of Africa.
A website with excellent and comprehensive information about Cape Agulhas is www.lagulhas.co.za. It has information about the town, lighthouse, point, surroundings and ships, including some interesting photos.
Wikipedia also has a short article about Cape Agulhas.
Do you need accommodation near the Southern tip of Africa? Why not try Agulhas Country Lodge. It has a beautiful limestone building, and nice views.
A website with excellent and comprehensive information about Cape Agulhas is www.lagulhas.co.za. It has information about the town, lighthouse, point, surroundings and ships, including some interesting photos.
Wikipedia also has a short article about Cape Agulhas.
Do you need accommodation near the Southern tip of Africa? Why not try Agulhas Country Lodge. It has a beautiful limestone building, and nice views.
Arniston
From Cape Agulhas consider travelling to Arniston, some way up the coast, going eastwards. As the crow flies, it's not that far, but by road it could be quite a way to get there. One way is to go part of the way back towards Bredasdorp, and turn off at the dirt road to Arniston. The further route (by tar road) is to go all the way up to Bredasdorp, then down to Arniston. That is a bit of a roundabout trip, but it's tar all the way.
Arniston - beach and sea view
A place worth visiting near Arnistion, is Waenhuiskrans. The name "Waenhuiskrans" is an Afrikaans word meaning "wagon-house-cliff". It refers to a sea cave under the cliffs. This cave is big enough to house a wagon and a span of oxen. The cave is about 2 km south of Arniston, and can be visited at low tide. But be careful, as at high tide the cave is under water, and the area can be quite dangerous. It's a bit of a walk to get there, but the area has lovely views with its big sand dunes.
Signboard to Waenhuiskrans cave (in Arniston )
Tourism links
- South Africa Accommodation
- South Africa accommodation, 5124 establishments. http://static.squidoo.com/images/icon-reorder.gif
reorderAfrica's Largest Accommodation Booking Site. - cybercapetown.com
- Free accommodation reservation service with a selection of Hotels, Apartments, Car Hire, Flights, Airport Transfers, Package Tours, Tourism Services & Tours.
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d-artist wrote...
I have an artist friend that lives in Howick, Natal, South Africa would love to visit that part of the world someday...great lens...5*s
Posted July 18, 2008
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I love your lenses... this one gets my Squid Angel Blessing today!
Posted April 25, 2008
Lensmaster
Great Lens and some lovely pics 5 * and thanks for joining Travelmania Group.
Posted April 20, 2008
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