Snapshot: Cape Point

Experience the wonder of the world’s smallest floral kingdom next to the sweeping seascapes of the Cape Peninsula

Cape Point, located at the southeastern tip of the Cape Peninsula, offers the best and brightest of South African nature, with a generous side of historic landmarks and delicious local grub. With breathtaking panoramic views, the Cape Point Nature Reserve is actually part of the Table Mountain National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Cape Floral Region.

This well-preserved area is one of six official 'floral kingdoms' in the world, featuring a dazzling range of diverse, endemic flora and shrubland (fynbos), that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Cape Point’s peninsular neighbour, the Cape of Good Hope, was once nicknamed the 'Cape of Storms' by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias when he first sailed through the area in the late 1400s – similarly, Cape Point can have rather turbulent waters because of the conflicting cold and warm currents that meet nearby.

Cape Point is located near the city of Cape Town in South Africa
Cape Point is located near the city of Cape Town in South Africa

There are a plethora of beautiful, less-known beaches, as well as delightful tide pools that provide safe places for families with kids to explore the shore. Try Buffels Bay for a relaxed day trip, or smaller, more secluded beaches like Dias, Olifantsbos, or Maclear Beach. Because of the unpredictable undertows, even the strongest swimmers should stay out of the ocean, and stick to the tide pools.

The cold, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Maclear Beach, in the Cape of Good Hope area of the Cape Peninsula.
The cold, clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Maclear Beach, in the Cape of Good Hope area of the Cape Peninsula.

Things to do

Visit the first ever lighthouse built on Cape Point in 1859, which was built to help ships navigate around the treacherous waters. However, because of the weather, the lighthouse initially caused more problems because its beacon was often obscured by clouds, storms, and thick fog during the night. Though a new, more powerful lighthouse was built, the old lighthouse currently operates as a monitoring point for other lighthouses in the area, and still provides a fantastic vantage point for unparalleled views of both the Atlantic and Indian Ocean.

If you’re not in the mood to walk, a fun way to get up there is to take the 585 m eco-friendly Flying Dutchman Funicular, named for the legendary ghost ship that supposedly haunts the Cape. Hikers will enjoy the 'shipwreck trail' (named the Olifantasbos trail) to see some impressive historical wrecks along the coastline, including ships from World War 2. Other historical monuments in the area include distinctive memorials left by the explorer, Dias, and his fellow countryman Vasco de Gama.

Cape Point Lighthouse in Cape Peninsula.
Cape Point Lighthouse in Cape Peninsula.

Things to eat

With bountiful fishing, along the coast, seafood is a no-brainer here, but so is a good DIY braai (barbecue) along the beach – a few popular spots are Tokai, Newlands, and Perdekloof. If you’re keen on firing up your own braai, check ahead to see if you have to provide your own wood. Picnicking is also a popular pastime along the beaches with nearby tidal pools. The main eatery in Cape Point is the aptly-named Two Oceans Restaurant, which also provides takeaway drinks, snacks, and sandwiches for hikers and beachgoers.

Freshly grilled snoek fish,  a traditional South African dish, served at restaurant.
Freshly grilled snoek fish, a traditional South African dish, served at restaurant.

Back to South Africa Tours
Related tours
Aug 2025 to Dec 2026
19 Day Ultimate African Safari
Partially Escorted
Balanced
4-14 people
From
$14,445 NZD
Per person
Typically $21,146
Sep 2025 to Dec 2026
24 Day Namibia & Okavango Discovery With Victoria Falls
Fully Escorted
Balanced
4-12 people
7 Days
From
$15,595 NZD
Per person
Flights Included
Aug 2025 to Oct 2025
17 Day South Africa Kruger To Cape Town
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted
Active
2-40 people
7 Days
From
$9,395 NZD
Per person
Oct 2025 to Dec 2026
16 Day Premium South Africa, Victoria Falls & The Iconic Blue Train
Local Guides & Self-Guided
Balanced
7 Days
From
$13,795 NZD
Per person
Typically $17,452
Sep 2025 to Dec 2026
10 Day Highlights Of South Africa Premium Small Group Tour
Local Guides & Self-Guided
Balanced
2-12 people
7 Days
From
$4,895 NZD
Per person
Typically $8,603
Jul 2025 to Dec 2025
23 Day Southern Africa Overland Expedition From Cape Town To Victoria Falls
Fully Escorted
Balanced
4-20 people
7 Days
From
$6,899 NZD
Per person
Nov 2025 to Dec 2026
25 Day South Africa to the Serengeti & Masai Mara Premium Small Group Tour
Partially Escorted
Balanced
2-12 people
7 Days
From
$24,095 NZD
Per person
Typically $30,138
Flights Included
Aug 2025 to Dec 2026
11 Day Essential South Africa
Fully Escorted by Local Guides
Balanced
4-20 people
Flight Inclusive
7 Days
From
$5,995 NZD
Per person
Singapore Airlines badge
15% Off & Flights Included
Aug 2025 to Dec 2026
15 Day Essential South Africa with Victoria Falls
Fully Escorted by Local Guides
Balanced
4-20 people
Flight Inclusive
7 Days
From
$8,895 NZD
Per person
Singapore Airlines badge
15% Off & Flights Included
Oct 2025 to Dec 2026
15 Day Cape, Kruger & Victoria Falls Premium Small Group Tour
Flight Inclusive
Local Guides & Self-Guided
Balanced
2-12 people
7 Days
From
$12,295 NZD
Per person
Singapore Airlines badge
15% Off & Flights Included
Jul 2025 to Aug 2026
17 Day 5 Star Kruger, Victoria Falls & Rovos Rail
Flight Inclusive
Local Guides & Self-Guided
Leisurely
Luxury Train
From
$21,595 NZD
Per person
Nov 2025 to Dec 2026
18 Day Essential South Africa with Victoria Falls & Hwange Safari
Flight Inclusive
Fully Escorted by Local Guides
Balanced
4-20 people
7 Days
From
$11,745 NZD
Per person
Loading...
Processing