Other Places of Interest in Cape Point National Park
There is a lot more to see in this nature reserve in South Africa other than the famous sign at the Cape of Good Hope or the lighthouse at the Cape Point summit.
Several viewpoints, tidal pools, picnic spots and secluded beaches are waiting to be discovered. You might also spot animals hiding in the Fynbos. Additionally, you can visit the monuments for Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama. Sturdy shoes are recommended for all hikes in the Cape Point National Park.
“Dias Cross” Monument
The Dias Cross monument at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa was erected in honour of Bartolomeu Dias. It was inaugurated by the Portuguese ambassador in 1965.
On one side, the Dias Cross is painted black, which offers a good contrast to the blue sky and white clouds. This was done so that the seafarers can easily recognize it.
Rooikrans (Hiking Trails, Accommodation)
Near Rooikrans, there are a few cottages that serve as accommodation for hikers on the 2-day “Cape of Good Hope Overnight Trail”. In winter, this area offers great opportunities for Whale watching.
Buffels Bay (Beach, Tidal Pools, Hiking Trail, Picnic Spots)
The beach and dunes at Buffels Bay are a famous spot, especially during the South African summer months. The 3,5km long hiking trail (“Antoniesgat Trail”) runs along the eastern side of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.
In Buffels Bay, you can also swim in the tidal pools, enjoy a picnic or make use of the barbecue (“braai”) areas.
Olifantsbos (Hiking Trails, Shipwrecks, Accommodation)
Olifantsbos is situated on the western side of the nature reserve. It is the starting point for many hiking trails to different shipwrecks at the Cape of Good Hope (“Shipwreck Trails”). You can also overnight at the Olifantsbos Cottage, which is located at a secluded beach.
Bordjiesrief (“Da Gama Cross” Monument, Tidal Pools, Picnic Spots)
On the way to Bordjiesrief, which is located on the eastern side of the Cape Point National Park, you drive past the “Da Gama Cross” – a monument that was erected in honour of the seafarer Vasco da Gama. Bordjiesrief also offers tidal pools, picnic spots and barbecue (“braai”) areas.
Kanonkop, Black Rocks, Venus Pools (Hiking Trail)
Kanonkop is located on the eastern side of the Cape Point National Park and offers fantastic views over False Bay. In former times, a canon shot was fired here as a warning signal when new ships were coming in.
You can also enjoy a walk along the “Kanonkop Hiking Trail”. At the end of the trail, you reach the Venus Pools. These tidal pools are not great for swimming due to the rugged cliffs, strong wind and high waves. Baboons are also attracted to this area as they like to eat the fish that are washed into the pools by the tides.
Between the Black Rocks and the Venus Pools, there is a famous surf spot.
Gifkommetjie (Hiking Trails, Shipwreck)
Gifkommetjie is situated on the western side of the Cape Point National Park. Here you can find two hiking trails that are often overlooked – the Gifkommetjie Trail (5,5km) and the Phyllisia Circuit (7km). At the “Hoek van Bobbejaan” headland you can see the shipwreck of the “Phyllisia”, which stranded here in 1968.
Image Credit: squeakymarmot @Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
