Cape Agulhas, Southernmost Point of Africa: My Tips for Activities

When you are in South Africa, driving along the Garden Route, you cannot miss this place: The southernmost point of South Africa (in English: Southernmost Point of Africa) according to the sign, it is called Cape Agulhas. Further south is only Antarctica. I will tell you what you can do at Cape Agulhas and in the region of Agulhas National Park.

At the end, you will find two insider tips as I also explored Struisbaai and stayed in an accommodation with a sea view during my last trip.

The 'Cape of Needles,' as the windy settlement of Cape Agulhas was baptized by Portuguese sailors (Agulha means needle in Portuguese), consists of sharp rocks of the offshore reefs, which sailors particularly feared. No wonder that many shipwrecks lie here, and some of them are still visible. The coastline here is very rugged and thus appears very wild.

By the way: Many think that the Cape of Good Hope is the southernmost point of South Africa, but that is not true. Cape Agulhas is further south.

The fastest route is from Cape Town via the N2 through the interior. Turn onto the R316 at Caledon, drive through Napier and Bredasdorp, where you take the R319 to Struisbaai and then to L'Agulhas.

The geographical position of Cape Agulhas and the southernmost point of the African continent is: 34° 49' 08" S latitude, 20° 00' 33" E longitude.

You can get there from Hermanus or Swellendam. From Cape Town, you drive about 3 hours on the N2 to get to Cape Agulhas. Along the coast, it takes significantly longer.

In L'Agulhas, besides the freely accessible southernmost point of Africa, the second oldest lighthouse in South Africa, opened in 1848, is the most famous attraction. Moreover, along the coast, you will find many shipwrecks and in Struisbaai, where the longest white sand beach in the Southern Hemisphere is located, the stingray Perrie and the wonderful De Mond Nature Reserve.

The municipality of L'Agulhas is located in the Overberg district in the Western Cape.

The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is located near the southern tip of Africa, just southwest of the town of L'Agulhas, about 2.5 hours by car from Cape Town. The year of construction is stamped on the outside: A.D. - MDCCCXLVIII (1848).

For the brave, there are 71 steps up to the platform of the tower, from where you get a great panoramic view of the Agulhas National Park.

In the lighthouse, there are freshly baked scones and muffins, and maritime knick-knacks hang on the walls. On the wall, you will find a panoramic photo from 1930 showing a dozen houses. The left half of the lighthouse has been converted into a museum, where you can find photos of all 56 lighthouses in South Africa, maps, lamps, and old focusing mirrors.

Note: In January 2025, the road and the visitor center are being renovated.

If you want to take the 'typical tourist photo' of the memorial marking where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, you must park your car at the designated parking lot. The last few meters to the monument at the 'Southernmost Tip of Africa' in the Agulhas National Park are only accessible on foot. The path along the coast is over wooden planks.

You will find this place directly behind the lighthouse. Here is the geographical dividing line between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. There is an information board, the memorial stone, and that's about it. The short walk is still nice, and it is worth it. I have already been here four times to show this place to friends.

After visiting the southernmost point, you can continue driving south along the coast and after a few minutes (about 2 km) you will come across a shipwreck. This is the Meisho Maru No. 38, which got stranded in a storm off the Cape on November 16, 1982, and capsized at Cape Agulhas. Since then, the wreck has been rusting on the shore, providing us tourists with a photo opportunity.

You can find more than 2000 wrecked and sunken ships along the coasts of South Africa. Somewhere off Cape Agulhas lies the ship of Bartolomeu Dias (sunk on May 29, 1500). According to reports, the sea is 12 miles from the shore and already 100 meters deep.

Another highlight at Cape Agulhas is the small fishing village of Struisbaai. At the harbor, you can find the stingray 'Parrie' and sometimes more in the shallow water. Since the fishing boats throw their fish waste into the water here, the clever rays follow the easily accessible food source.

Parrie is almost always here. You can recognize him because he is the largest of the stingrays. Even though many people touch the stingray: please do not do the same. Wild animals should not be touched.

Another highlight in Struisbaai is the De Mond Nature Reserve between Struisbaai and Arniston with the 14 km longest white sand beach in the Western Hemisphere. It is very popular with beachgoers.

From Struisbaai, it takes you about 30 minutes to reach the entrance of the nature reserve. There is a map of the hiking trails and information at the entrance. The circular hike takes 1.5 - 2 hours depending on your walking speed. It is very easy. There is another hike that requires an overnight stay. However, you can also shorten this hike.

This impressive sea cave near Arniston is definitely worth a visit if you have some time. To reach the cave, you have to walk about 1 km along the beach to get to it. The last section involves some climbing over rocks.

Warning: The entrance to the cave is only accessible at low tide, but there is a hole at the back of the cave that you can climb through to glimpse the inside. Follow the signs marked 'Grot' (cave) south of Roman Beach.

There are several accommodations in Agulhas that I can recommend. During my last trip, I stayed at the Spookdrai B&B right by the sea. The room was clean and cozy. The location is perfect, only 10 minutes by car from Cape Agulhas. I read online that they have a Braai offered in the evening, but that was not the case for me.

Right next door is the Agulhas Ocean House which I found cozier and more modern. The breakfast is also excellent. Make sure to get a room with a sea view.

If you are looking for something special, check out the Agulhas Country Lodge. The lodge was built from natural stone and offers spectacular views of the sea due to its elevated position. The rooms are lovingly furnished, with a rustic style - lots of wood and a touch of Victorian flair.

Especially nice is the common lounge with a fireplace - perfect for cool evenings. There is also a good breakfast here, and sometimes a menu is offered in the evening. If you are looking for something special, you will be very happy at Agulhas Country Lodge.

Here you will find tips for your next travel destinations:

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