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National park · Simon's Town, Cabo Ocidental
Cape Point e Cabo da Boa Esperança
The tip of the Cape peninsula, with the old Cape Point lighthouse atop the cliff and the sign for the Cape of Good Hope, rounded by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cape Point e Cabo da Boa Esperança
The Cape of Good Hope area occupies the tip of the peninsula within Table Mountain National Park. The cape was rounded in 1488 by the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias, who named it the Cape of Storms; King D. João II is said to have renamed it the Cape of Good Hope for the promise of a route to India. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the southernmost point of Africa—that is Cape Agulhas.
Cape Point is the promontory on the east side, with cliffs over 200 meters high. A funicular, the Flying Dutchman, climbs from the parking area to near the old 1860 lighthouse. It was so high that fog often hid it; after the wreck of the Portuguese ship Lusitania in 1911, a newer, lower lighthouse was built, reachable by a trail.
The Cape of Good Hope sign is about 2 km to the west at sea level and is the obligatory photo spot. A trail links the two points along the cliff top.
The reserve has fynbos, deserted beaches and animals such as ostriches, elands, bontebok and baboons.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
3 to 5 hours.
Best time
Early, before tour groups arrive, or late afternoon. The summer southeasterly wind is very strong at the lighthouse; in winter the weather can close in. Check the funicular operating times.
How to get there
It is about 25 km from Simon's Town and 65 km from central Cape Town via the M65. It is accessible only by car or on a tour; the entrance is through the park gate.
Tip
Do not feed the baboons and do not leave food visible in the car: they open doors. Those who are fit can walk up to the lighthouse instead of taking the funicular.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cape Point e Cabo da Boa Esperança
Is the Cape of Good Hope the southernmost point of Africa?
No. The southernmost point is Cape Agulhas, about 150 km to the east-southeast.
Who discovered the Cape of Good Hope?
The Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias, who rounded the cape in 1488.
How to get up to the Cape Point lighthouse?
By the Flying Dutchman funicular or by a short, steep trail from the parking area.
How long does a visit to the Cape of Good Hope take?
3 to 5 hours for the lighthouse, the Cape sign and a short hike.