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Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

Cape Point

Where the Atlantic Meets the Wild

Why Visit Cape Point?

Cape Point sits at the tip of the Cape Peninsula. Tall cliffs drop straight into rough seas, and the Cape of Good Hope lighthouse looks out over one of the most dangerous coastlines in the world.

The reserve is part of Table Mountain National Park and is UNESCO-protected. You will see fynbos, baboons, ostriches and plenty of seabirds. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular up to the old lighthouse, walk one of the trails, or just enjoy the view.

Quick Facts

Time needed
Allow 2–4 hours to explore properly.
Open daily
Oct–Mar: 06:00–18:00 | Apr–Sep: 07:00–17:00
Weather
Often windy. Dress in layers and bring a jacket.
Activities
Hiking, funicular, lighthouse, wildlife viewing.

Top Highlights

Flying Dutchman Funicular
Ride up to the old lighthouse for spectacular 360° views without the steep climb.
Historic Lighthouses
The old lighthouse dates from 1859 and the new one from 1919.
Cape of Good Hope Sign
The famous signpost, a must-have photo at the south-western tip of Africa.
Scenic Hiking Trails
From easy walks to the challenging Lighthouse Keeper's Trail, with routes for all levels.

Flying Dutchman Funicular

Named after the legendary ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman Funicular whisks you up to the old lighthouse in about 3 minutes. It's the easy way to reach the viewpoint without the steep climb.

Return ticket
Adult return: R115 (operator, valid to 31 October 2026)
Operating hours
First funicular: 09:00 | Last: 30 min before park closes
Note: The funicular may close in high winds. Check conditions on arrival.

Wildlife to Spot

Baboons
Keep food hidden and windows closed!
Ostriches
Often seen roaming the reserve.
Seabirds
Cormorants, gulls, and more.
Baboon Warning: Never feed baboons. Keep car doors locked and don't leave food visible. They can open car doors!

Watch & Explore

Experience Cape Point from above

Watch on YouTube (if embed is blocked)

How to Get There

By Car

From Cape Town, take the M3 south to Muizenberg, then follow the M4 coastal road via Simon's Town. The scenic drive takes about 1–1.5 hours. Free parking at Cape Point.

By Tour

Many day tours from Cape Town include Cape Point, often combined with Boulders Beach penguins and Chapman's Peak Drive.


GPS coordinates: -34.3568, 18.4740 | The drive along Chapman's Peak is spectacular but may have toll fees.

Location

Located at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula, about 60km from Cape Town city centre.

Pro Tips

  • Arrive when gates open for the best experience.
  • Visit Cape of Good Hope sign first (before crowds).
  • Combine with Boulders Beach penguins on the same day.
  • Download offline maps. Cell signal is patchy.
  • Take the funicular up, walk down for best photos.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Underestimating the time needed. Allow 2–4 hours.
  • Leaving food visible in your car (baboons will break in).
  • Arriving late and rushing before the park closes.
  • Forgetting cash. Some vendors don't take cards.
  • Ignoring the weather forecast. Strong winds cancel activities.

Nearby Attractions

Boulders Beach

See African penguins up close, just 30 min away.

Learn More
Kirstenbosch Gardens

World-famous botanical garden on Table Mountain slopes.

Learn More
Robben Island

Historic prison island, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Learn More

Cape Point Quiz

Test your knowledge before you go!

Keep going!
1) What is the name of the funicular at Cape Point?
The Flying Dutchman Funicular is named after the legendary ghost ship.
2) What wildlife should you especially watch out for at Cape Point?
Baboons are clever and can open car doors. Keep food hidden and doors locked!
3) What's the best clothing choice for visiting Cape Point?
Cape Point is often very windy, so layers and a jacket are essential.
4) Cape Point is part of which national park?
Cape Point is within Table Mountain National Park, managed by SANParks.
5) How much time should you allow for a Cape Point visit?
Allow 2–4 hours to explore properly. There's a lot to see!
6) When was the old lighthouse at Cape Point built?
The original Cape Point lighthouse was built in 1859.
7) What's a common mistake visitors make at Cape Point?
Leaving food visible in the car attracts baboons who will break in!
8) What famous photo spot is at the Cape of Good Hope?
The iconic signpost marking the Cape of Good Hope is a must-have photo!