Cape Point: Where two oceans meet?

Cape Point: Where two oceans meet?

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are iconic geographical characteristics, but are they really where two of the world's oceans merging?

It's a fantastic advertising slogan, isn't it? The point at which two large oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian, in a powerful, striking drama. It is also very practical that this colossal spectacle only takes place from one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Unfortunately, this bold claim of countless tour operators in South Africa is not entirely correct.

what is the point?

CAPE POINT actually consists of three advances: the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear and Cape Point itself. Dramatically located on the southern tip of the African continent, is the peninsula for legends.

Cape Point is one of the three "big caps" that sailors have to pass to circle the world. There have been a name for each other around the dangerous Cape Point such as Da Gama, Magellan, Cook and Slocum.

alt = "View of the Cape of Good Hope"> Atlas & Boots View along the coast of the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point - or rather the 2.3 km away and somewhat northwestern Cape of Good Hope - marks the point at which a ship that circles the headland of southern Africa begins to go east than south.

However, Cape Point is neither the southernmost point of Africa nor the confluence of Atlantic and Indian ocean. This is closer to the Cape Agulhas, which is about 150 km of the east southeast of Cape Point.

Unfortunately, Cape Agulhas does not benefit from his location (it takes about three hours to achieve it from Cape Town), his fame (it sees a fraction of the visitors who welcome Cape Point) nor to its spectacle (it may be rugged and winding, but it is not breathtaking). ).

It's all quite confusing, but regardless of their nautical importance, Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are a nice day trip from Cape Town. The KAPS are a spectacular sight with high -towering rock cliffs over thundering waves, surrounded by gentle green hills and rugged cliffs.

Visit from Cape Point

The KAPS are located in a 77 km2 section of the Tafelberg national park and, in addition to the wild and extensive landscape, offer a number of sights, hiking trails and viewpoints that are worth examining.

The area is a popular stopover for visitors to Cape Town, so they count on crowds. Nevertheless, it was possible to escape the mass and find a corner of peace. You just have to stretch your legs to find it.

Alt = "The old lighthouse on the Cape Point"> Atlas & Boots The old lighthouse on Cape Point

We hiked to the old lighthouse (1 km / 20 minutes) on the top of the Cape Point Ply Beager (238 m), which was in operation from 1860 to 1919. It was replaced in 1919 because it was built too high and therefore often covered by fog and fog. From here we hiked on the paths that surround the landmark, took photos and watched the sea (should it be oceans?) In the direction of Antarctica, about 4,000 km south.

If you feel really lazy, the Flying Dutchman funicular drives next to the restaurant at the very bottom to the old lighthouse. Another great short hike is the 3.5 km long way from Buffels Bay to the impressive Paulsberg Peak.

If you have time, the Cape of Good Hope Trail leads through the reserve on a wonderful 34 km long circular route. The hike will be completed for two days with an overnight stay in the simple Erica, Protea and Restio huts on the north side of the Da Gama Peak.

to Cape Point we continued to the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point in Africa. It was worth taking our photo next to the famous sign before climbing the short Cape of Good Hope Scenic Walk (15 minutes) to enjoy even more epic coastal views.

Alt = “Peter Cape of Good Hope sign near Cape Point”> Atlas & Boots The Cape of Good Hope is the most southwestern point of Africa

Here, at the top of a rocky harvest, we were surprisingly comfort. Apparently most tourists prefer not to climb to the viewpoint. At the top of the cliffs we sat and enjoyed the far -reaching view of one of the most dramatic coasts we have ever seen.

We combined our day with a visit to the Boulders Penguin Colony, so we returned to the parking lot after about half an hour and met our diver for the return trip to Cape Town via Simon’s Town.

Sir Francis Drake Cape Point described on the famous global conveyor from 1577-1580 as "a highly stately thing and the most beautiful chapter that we saw throughout the world".

We didn't quite cover the same route as Sir Francis and we didn't see that many treats, but I think he had something on the trail.

• Alt = "">
• Alt = "View down to Cape Point">
• Alt = "The signs on the Cape Point">
• Alt = "A trail near Cape Point">
• Alt = "Kia at the Cape of Good Hope near Cape Point">
• Alt = "A beach near Cape Point">
• Alt = "The Cape of Good Hope is 2.3 km from Cape Point">
• Alt = "">
• Alt = "Cape Point">
• Alt = "View of the Cape of Good Hope">
• Alt = "">
• Alt = "">

sights

• old lighthouse on Cape Point
• New lighthouse on the Dias Point (Cape Point)
• Buffelsfontein visitor center
• Two oceans restaurant
• flying Dutch cable car
• chap of good hope and picturesque walk
• Platboom beach
• Bordjiesrif (beach and picnic site)
• Buffels Bay (tidal pool for safe swimming)
• MacLear-Strand
• Diaz-Strand
• hiking trail at the Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point: The essentials

Was: Visit from Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa.

Where: We stayed in the Grand Daddy, a boutique hotel in the Long Street, 15 minutes walk from V&A Waterfront. The hotel is elegant with extremely bizarre accents: the reception is built from old suitcases, the roof has seven artistically renovated airstream supporters and the elevator is considered the oldest in Cape Town.

• Alt = "">
• Alt = "">
• Alt = "">
• Alt = "">

The grandfather

The hotel restaurant serves a great breakfast and the nearby Bombay Brasserie offers excellent upscale cuisine at a reasonable price. The Grand Daddy is a great basis, but note that the room on the "standard" floor has no natural daylight. We were laid on request (according to some scramble with a receptionist). Book a "superior" or "luxury" room to avoid this.

When: The best time to visit Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are the warm summer months from November to April. The temperatures are highest between December and February and this is also the most busy time. Come to the opening time or an hour before closure to defeat the crowds.

When you combine Cape Town with a safari, note that game observations are best in dry winter (May October) because animals gather around water holes and the lack of vegetation offers guests a clearer view. In spring (November to December) you can watch many newborns.

like: The Kaps are part of the Tafelberg national park and have seasonal opening times.

• April - september: 07: 00–17: 00 pm
• Oct-März: 06: 00-18: 00

Further information can be found on the official website, which also contains information about the Boulders Penguin Colony and other sights in the region.

Visitors must pay a nature reserve fee of 303 tsar per person (approx. 20 USD). Further information and contact details can be found in the current tariffs.

We rented a taxi for the day ($ 70, which included a trip to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point and Boulders Penguin Colony). Be sure to arrange the daily rate and working hours with the driver beforehand. You also have to pay for your driver to enter the park (76 tsar / 5 USD for a resident in South Africa). If you drive yourself, arrive early to make sure you find a parking space.

You can also visit Cape Point with the Cape Point & Penguin Explorer Tour from City Sightseeing. We organized the logistics during our visit with a travel SIM that works in numerous countries with a single card and telephone number.

alt = “>

Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Swasiland is a comprehensive travel guide for South Africa, ideal for those who want to explore the most important sights and choose less busy roads.

Mission statement: HandmaDepictures/Shutterstock

 .