Cape Point- The Most South Westerly Point On The African Continent
Cape Point- The Most South Westerly Point On The African Continent.
The Cape Of Good Hope Nature Reserve forms part of The Table Mountain National Park. The reserve, established in 1939 to protect the flora and fauna of this area, offers visitors abundant photo opportunities, soaring cliffs and pristine beaches meet the ocean on the Atlantic and False Bay coasts and views are incredible.
The reserve is home to the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest but richest of the world's six floral Kingdoms. There are as many different plant species found within the boundaries of the reserve as can be found in the entire British Isles.
Fauna is abundant too, from the elusive Cape Mountain Zebra, to several antelope species .Resident ostriches roam free and can frequently be spotted searching for food on the flat plains around the shoreline. The reserve is also home to the Chacma Baboon, a protected species, they can be problematic and are very intelligent. Baboons should never be fed, and if visiting the reserve with food, always ensure that it is out of sight.
Cape Point, the most South Westerly point on the African continent is clearly marked with a wooden sign board situated on the coast and affords visitors a memorable photo op. The high seas of the "Cape of Storms" has taken it's fair share of ships, and five wrecks can be seen offshore when walking on the many hiking trails within the reserve.
The last and most popular stop within the Reserve is the Cape Point Lighthouse. Visitors have the option to hike up along the well paved path or to make use of the funicular, but the views from the hiking path are nothing short of spectacular and well worth the effort. Once at the top, there are a number of viewpoints all interconnected by a series of paved pathways and visitors can walk straight up to the lighthouse.
Alternatively for the more experienced hiker, there is the walk along the left side of the cliff to the lighthouse at Dias Point. Be aware that you will need a head for heights and the wind can be incredibly strong so don't attempt this one if you find that it's windy!
The Parking area at Cape Point offers a curio shop, Information office, toilets and a funicular as well as a convenient store. The main restaurant is situated on the cliff tops overlooking False Bay and offers an extensive menu with great seafood platter options.
There are many hiking trails within the reserve many of which follow routes along the majestic coastlines, clear blue waters wash the shores and there's absolute peace and tranquility all around. There is also the option to experience the reserve by bicycle and with clearly marked routes, it is easy to find your way around.
Tips:
Always remember to take your hat and sunscreen, the reserve is completely exposed to the sun and in summer temperatures can reach 35 degrees.
Water is an absolute must when hiking or biking. The convenient store at the Point parking area sells bottled water.
Always remember to keep a look out for the baboons especially when walking in the parking area. Baboons are opportunists and will snatch food, so always be sure to keep car windows and doors closed and don't walk around holding or eating food.
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