🌊 Overview of Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope
Situated at the southernmost extremity of the Cape Peninsula within Table Mountain National Park (~65 km south of Cape Town), Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope form one of the world’s most legendary maritime landmarks.
Rising 238 meters above sea level, vertical sea cliffs plunge into crashing Atlantic swells, marking the historic navigational turning point between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade routes.
7,750 ha
Reserve Area
238 m
Cliff Height Above Ocean
R515
2026 Adult SANParks Entry
250+ Birds
Recorded Avian Species
🚗 How to Drive: The Chapman’s Peak Scenic Route
The journey to Cape Point is as breathtaking as the destination itself:
- Atlantic Route via Chapman’s Peak: Drive south through Hout Bay and take Chapman’s Peak Drive (Toll: ~R64 per vehicle). Carved into vertical granite cliffs between 1915 and 1922, this 9-kilometer highway features 114 curves overlooking the ocean.
- Return via False Bay: On the return leg, travel north through Scarborough, Simon’s Town (Boulders Beach), and the colorful fishing harbor of Kalk Bay.
🚡 Flying Dutchman Funicular vs. Lighthouse Walk
- The Funicular: An electric railway named after the mythical ghost ship The Flying Dutchman, taking visitors from the lower car park up 87 vertical meters to the upper lighthouse in 3 minutes (R105 return / R85 one-way).
- The Walking Path: A scenic, paved pedestrian pathway with steady inclines taking 15 to 20 minutes to walk.
💡
Secret Panoramic Spot: The New Lighthouse Trail
Most visitors only visit the upper (old) lighthouse, which was decommissioned because maritime fog frequently obscured its beam. Take the 1.5-hour return cliff path out to the lower (new) lighthouse perched just 87 meters above the crashing surf for isolated ocean vistas.
🐵 Wildlife Warning: Chacma Baboon Safety
Troops of indigenous Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) live throughout Cape Point. They have learned to recognize backpacks, food packaging, and car door handles.
- Vehicle Security: Always lock vehicle doors and keep windows fully rolled up when parked.
- No Open Food: Do not carry open sandwiches, snacks, or fruit in your hands near car parks.
- If Approached: Stay calm, do not run or scream, and slowly step backward. Feeding baboons is illegal and incurs substantial fines (R500+).
💰 2026/2027 SANParks Entry Fees
- International Adults: R515 per person (Children: R255).
- South African Residents: R115 per adult (with valid SA ID).
- Payment Method: Strictly cashless (Credit/Debit cards only). Free for SANParks Wild Card holders.