These Highlights are enticing visitors to the Cape Point National Park
The Cape Point National Park in South Africa offers many highlights which can easily be explored on your own. The Cape Point lighthouse, the Cape of Good Hope landmark, Diaz Beach, the diverse flora & fauna and various hiking trails are always worth a visit.
You can combine a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope / Cape Point National Park with a visit to the Penguin colony at Boulder´s Beach. The Cape Point National Park in South Africa is a real paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike, offering perfect photographic opportunities.
Cape of Good Hope
High season (December to March) is particularly busy with many visitors wanting a snapshot taken at this landmark. The most popular time is around lunchtime with many tour buses arriving. The queue of people waiting to get that perfect picture at the Cape of Good Hope sign can be very long. It is best to embark as early as possible to avoid the crowds and traffic jams on your return trip to Cape Town.
Diaz Beach
“Diaz Beach” can be reached via a hiking trail that connects the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point. A steep wooden staircase leads from the trail down towards the beach. Swimming here is forbidden due to the strong Atlantic Ocean currents as well as very high waves but you could still set up a picnic or enjoy a walk along Diaz Beach – you just have to be willing to climb up the steep stairs to get back up again.
Cape Point – Lighthouse, Funicular and Panoramic View
If you don’t want to walk all the way up to the summit of Cape Point you can also jump into the Funicular (“The Flying Dutchman”). A fantastic panoramic view over False Bay awaits you at the top. On this summit (“Da Gama Peak”) you can see the original lighthouse that was built in 1859.
Cape of Good Hope Tour with Penguins and Chapman’s Peak Drive
An absolute must for any visitor to Cape Town is of course a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope / Cape Point National Park – including a visit to the African Penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach and a drive along the famous coastal road “Chapman’s Peak”.
A full-day tour takes you from Cape Town along the Eastern part of the Cape Peninsula (False Bay) – via Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, St. James, Fish Hoek and Simon’s Town – to the Cape Point National Park. The way home will be via Noordhoek, the famous Chapman’s Peak (best during sunset) and Hout Bay.
Animals and Plants
The Animal and Plant World at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa is very diverse. The vegetation consists of a lot of different species. It also forms one of 6 Floral Kingdoms in the world (“Cape Floral Kingdom”).
You might be able to spot some Cape Mountain Zebras, Ostriches, Eland Antelopes, Bonteboks, Tortoises or Baboons along the way – so keep your camera ready for the perfect shot – and please do not feed the Baboons.
Hiking Trails
The Cape Point National Park in South Africa has a lot of hiking trails on offer. Explore the beautiful nature, for example on the hiking trail that leads from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Point. You can also explore the “Shipwreck Trail” or the 2-day “Cape of Good Hope Overnight Trail”.
