Discover and Consider Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is located in the Overberg region, 170 kilometres southeast of Cape Town.

South of Cape Agulhas the warm Agulhas Current that flows south along the east coast of Africa, retroflex back into the Indian Ocean.

The region of Cape Agulhas has a spectacular coastline, consisting of a gradually curving coastline with rocky and sand beaches. A survey marker and a new icon depicting the African continent are located at the most Southern Tip of Africa. The waters of the Agulhas Bank off the coast are quite shallow and are renowned as one of the best fishing grounds in South Africa.

Guests and tourists are urged to visit the ancient fish traps and middens that tell a life before the time. Experience the ghosts of violent shipwrecks that whisper of man’s quest to conquer and discover.

Cape Agulhas is indeed a region deeply steeped contrast, memories, and exotic influences.

1. ARNISTON / WAENHUISKRANS

The small seaside settlement of Arniston / Waenhuiskrantz  is situated on the coast of the Overberg region of South Africa, close to Cape Agulhas, the Southernmost Tip of Africa. Prior to the wreck of Arniston, it is also known as Waenhuiskrans, an Afrikaans name meaning literally “Wagon house cliff”, after a local sea cave large enough to accommodate a wagon and a span of oxen.

The small seaside town tucked away behind the rolling hills of golden sand and azure areas, is officially the only town in South Africa with TWO names.

Whale watching is a popular tourist activity. The Arniston Hotel is a popular tourist destination that looks out over the ocean. A popular tourist attraction, the cave can only be accessed during low tide, but is worth the experience as it transports you into a different time and space as you behold the wonder of the ocean.

• BREDASDORP

Bredasdorp, also known as the main economic and service hub of Cape Agulhas,  lies on the northern edge of the Agulhas Plain, about 160 kilometres south-east of Cape Town and 35 kilometres north of Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

Tourist attractions of Bredasdorp include the Heuningberg Nature Reserve, many historical churches and various art galleries and craft shops. Bredasdorp is also home to the Shipwreck Museum which tells the stories of the 150 ship wrecks along the nearby Agulhas Reef. It is the only museum of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Kapula Candles has unique candles and ceramics that are all handmade in Bredasdorp.

De Hoop Nature Reserve is one of the largest natural areas managed by Cape Nature. This beautiful reserve is a favourite for hikers, cyclists, and bird and whale watchers. The reserve, which is 34 000 hectares, is just three hours from Cape Town, in the Overberg.

De Mond nature reserve is a complete hidden gem, kudos to conservation for preserving this pristine stretch of coastline, excellent fishing, powder white beaches, aquamarine waters, could be anywhere in the world! We encountered gull’s nests, fledglings and a feeling of privilege and serenity in this special place. A definite must-see if in the area, dirt road nor far and acceptable quality without 4×4. New favourite place!

The Voet Van Afrika marathon was established in 1977 by the Bredasdorp Athletics Club and takes place annually in Bredasdorp.  The marathon is unique, because it takes place at the southernmost tip in Africa and the beautiful routes with fynbos and other sceneries. 

• ELIM

The charming little Moravian village known as Elim, dominated by white-washed fishermen’s cottages and fig trees, is one of the few surviving South African mission stations, founded in 1824 as the third Moravian mission station in the Cape, that today lies halfway between Bredasdorp and Gansbaai, a wonderfully conserved little historical town.

Elim, which means ‘place of God’, might lie in the middle of a particularly sparsely populated area, but it has recently been firmly placed on the wine map. Four wine producing partners in the Elim ward – Black Oystercatcher, the Berrio, Zoetendal and Strandveld – have joined forces to create the Elim Winegrowers reminiscent of the self-sustaining farming community of Elim that used to supply farm goods to surrounding settlements.

The town of Elimis becoming known for the export of Fynbos, and as an emerging area in the production of wine.  There is a small but comfortable variety of accommodation options available from Bed and Breakfasts to Self-Catering units.

• NAPIER

The quaint, characterful village of Napier is situated at the foot of the Soetmuisberg between Bredasdorp and Caledon. It is an easy, scenic drive of less than two hours from Cape Town. Tucked into a green valley and retaining much of the original architecture, the village has a distinct charm.

Top Attractions include various art galleries, a giant sundial at the municipal offices, and an Ox Wagon monument (Kakebeenwa) to commemorate the Ossewa Trek of 1838. The ox wagon monument has an impression of a wagon wheel track made in concrete to commemorate the exodus of dissident Afrikaners from the Western Cape.

Napier is an ideal stop over for a refreshing break or peaceful rest. A meander down the main road will be rewarded by an aroma of cappuccino’s contemporary art, antique collections, the sounds of chickens and neighbourly nods from the locals.

• STRUISBAAI

The coastal settlement of Struisbaai, is situated in the Overberg region of South Africa‘s Western Cape province. The town is in the Cape Agulhas Local Municipality in the Overberg District, about two hundred kilometres south east of Cape Town, and four kilometres from Cape Agulhas, which is the southernmost point of the African continent.

The town is an old fishing village which for many years sported a beautiful natural harbour. Some development has taken place since then but Struisbaai is still relatively untouched by the rigours of over-development. Many fishermen still reside in this settlement, but it is now known better for its leisure activities, which include fishing, horse-riding, hiking, paintball, quad biking and diving.

Struisbaai also hosts the annual Geelstertfees (Yellow Tail Festival) which revolves around food stalls, artists, and musical performers. Other Top Attractions in the town include the colourful, bustling Struisbaai Harbour where visitors can see the traditional fisherman bring in their daily catch and buy fresh fish. Also, not to be missed, is the resident stingray Parrie making an appearance.

• L’AGULHAS

Known as the Southernmost Tip of Africa, L’Agulhas this coastal village and holiday resort located within the Cape Agulhas Municipal (CAM) area. It is situated next to the town of Struisbaai and about 30 kilometres south of the regional centre of Bredasdorp.

Agulhas National Park is located at the official meeting place of the Atlantic and Indian oceans and is a place of rugged beauty with rich cultural and natural heritage.

Tourist interests and activities include:  A visit to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse with a view from the tower and a walkway along the seafront to the new most southern African monument and a place where two oceans meet at the foot of Africa. A little further along the walkway is the shipwreck of Meisho Maru.  Tourists also enjoy the local fynbos plants, bird watching, hiking, swimming in the local tidal pools or a game of Jukskei on Saturday mornings.   Other interests are visiting arts and craft shops, local wine sales, shops and restaurants or enjoy a meal at one of the best local fish restaurants in the area.   L’Agulhas is a peaceful town and a ‘get away’ from busy city living.  

Hiking enthusiast can explore the easy to moderate two- to three-hour Spookdraai shipwreck Trail or the 5.5 km Rasperpunt Trail with its rocky sea pools.