OFFBEAT

Exploring Cape Agulhas And Its Many Wonders

Ragini Mehra

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

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See

Clifton Beaches, Sea Point Promenade and Cape of Good Hope

Do

Take an exciting Cape Town helicopter tour

Shop

Souvenirs from Watershed and African textiles and crafts from Africa Nova

Eat

Bunny Chow (bead stuffed with curry) and Malva Pudding (a sticky baked pudding with apricot jam and hot cream sauce)

Greetings

Hello: Hallo
Yes: Ja (pronounced Yah)
Please: Asseblief (pronounced pronounced asserbleef)
Thank You: Dankie (pronounced Dunkey)
Goodbye: Totsiens (pronounced totseens)

Want To Go ? 
   

Welcome to the African continent. Travel along the N2 highway from Cape Town towards Bredasdorp. From here, hire a car to Cape Agulhas. You are now at the southern-most tip of South Africa!

The Legend of Shipwrecks at Cape Agulhas

Located in the Agulhas National Park, Cape Agulhas is South Africa’s southern-most tip and is at the longitudinal point 34° 49’ 58" south and 20° 00’ 12’’ east. Originally christened Cabo das Agulhas or Cape of Needles by the Portuguese, it is also often referred to as The Ship's Graveyard owing to the number of shipwrecks that can be found along its coastline. These include Meisho Maru, Zoetendal and Birkenhead to name a few.

exploring-cape-agulhas-and-its-many-wonders
Meisho Maru shipwreck at Cape Agulhas
 

To the Lighthouse

While the place is a sanctuary for solace seekers, it also offers many points of interest to its visitors. The beautiful red and white Cape Agulhas Lighthouse (built in 1848) is the second oldest of its kind in South Africa and a must see while you are here. Over 150 years old, the lighthouse is still operational and is a national monument. It is home to a lighthouse museum, housing ancient stone fish traps and other remains, and a small rustic restaurant. Climb up the 71 steps to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy uninterrupted views of the two oceans. In addition to being a wonderful photo opportunity, the sight is sure to remain etched in your heart for a long time to come.

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Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, a national monument
 

Where Two Oceans Meet

Cape Agulhas is the point of convergence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Take a walk along the Agulhas Beach to enjoy breathtaking views, to frolic in the waves and indulge in fishing. One thing to keep in mind here is that fishing permits must be obtained from the Struisbaai Post Office in advance. Another interesting idea is to hire a mountain bike/cycle to explore the fascinating flora and fauna of the region.

exploring-cape-agulhas-and-its-many-wonders-indian-ocean
The meeting point of Indian and Atlantic Oceans
 

Looking for an out-of-the-box experience? Don’t miss visiting the iconic Cape Agulhus on your next trip to South Africa.

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