Cape of Good Hope

Posted on July 24, 2017

Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope

Before we talk about this beautiful spot- we need to explain the confusion between Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope.

Both of these places are within the greater Table Mountain National Park. This park is much more expansive than just its namesake in the heart of Cape Town. Table Mountain National Park includes the Cape Point Peninsula. On the map of the Cape Point Peninsula below, you can see that there are two separate places that are Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point National Park which are technically both in The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Traveling to Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope

There are three ways to get to Cape Point – via Hout Bay, Chapman’s Peak, and Kommetjie, via Simon’s Town/Main Road, and via Simon’s Town/Red Hill Road. The latter two routes take you through the Southern Suburbs and along the Indian Ocean coast of False bay. Red Hill Road turns off just prior to Simon’s Town and takes you up and over a Mountain where you can join the M65 to continue South to the entrance of Cape Point.

Otherwise, you can continue on through Simon’s Town on Main road which will ultimately run into the M65 as well and approach from the opposite side. The former takes you along the Atlantic Seaboard through Hout Bay and on to the toll road of Chapman’s Peak. This drive is utterly beautiful. Chapman’s Peak Drive ends in Noordhoek where you can join the M65 to Kommetjie and continue on to Cape Point. This drive takes you through some fantastic little towns such as Scarborough and Misty Cliffs.

Cost of entering Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope

Many parts Table Mountain National Park are free, but Cape Point and The Cape of Good Hope are not. To get into the park, it costs R135 (adults) and R70 (children).

It took Max and I a long time to actually visit this spot because I was upset at the steep cost. The people of South Africa should be able to see this part of their community at a much lower and more manageable cost. It is clear that they target tourists who can more easily afford this entrance fee.

If you have the Wild Card, your cost is covered. Luckily this applied to us during this visit. Can’t emphasize the value of the Wild Card enough.

Cape Point

Cape Point is the location where the two oceans converge. There will be a skinny strip of land that you are able to see both the Indian and the Atlantic Ocean. Most people like to go to the lighthouse to get the best view. Please be warned that it is a significant uphill journey. If you are not able to do stairs or steep inclines, I would recommend taking the funicular up.Though you can climb further than the lighthouse, this is the highest point and has the best view.

You’ll notice to the West (Atlantic side) a beautiful beach. This is Dias beach and you are able to hike down to it. There is hiking all over the Cape Peninsula, so if you are into actual hikes, bring things to do some! Though you can climb further than the lighthouse, this is the highest point and has the best view.

*Beware that baboons are residents of Cape Point and are habituated to humans. They are unafraid and if you have food out, they will attack you for it. Just be aware and have your snacks tucked away! You know how much we love primates….*

The Cape of Good Hope

The turn off for The Cape of Good Hope is on the main road leading to Cape Point but well before Cape Point. There are clear signs along the way, but know that if you get to Cape Point, you went past The Cape of Good Hope. There is a small parking lot near the famous sign, but there is not much else. Be prepared to wait in a queue for awhile to take a picture with the sign.

The area in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is beautiful and houses many animals. Take you time driving from the entrance gate to each of these destinations as this landscape is unlike any other place on the planet. That might sound like an exaggeration, but if you look into Floral Kingdoms around the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom is the smallest by area which means it is unique.

We really enjoyed our day spend on the Cape Point Peninsula. The high entrance fee is worth seeing this place!