Cape Agulhas: Africa's Southernmost Point
Cape Agulhas is known as the "Cape of Storms" due to its treacherous waters. Its rugged coast and legendary waves, said to have reached at times to 30 m., terrified many ancient sailors.
It was no surprise that the Portuguese sailors called it Cabo das Agulhas, Cape of Needles. As many as 150 ships got wrecked here.
It was no surprise that the Portuguese sailors called it Cabo das Agulhas, Cape of Needles. As many as 150 ships got wrecked here.
Cape Agulhas. Source: aesta1
There's not much in this place except the exhiliration of being right on the southernmost tip of the African continent and the dividing line between two oceans, the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic. That for me is truly remarkable.
So like many travellers to the Cape, my husband and I took photos to mark our presence. It was an exciting experience to stand at the tip and contemplate the vastness of the ocean ahead and the numerous ships throughout history that met their untimely along this coastline.
One of the most famous shipwrecks is that of the Portuguese ship São Bento, which sank in 1554. Legend has it that buried beneath the sands of Struisbaai Beach is a hidden treasure.
So like many travellers to the Cape, my husband and I took photos to mark our presence. It was an exciting experience to stand at the tip and contemplate the vastness of the ocean ahead and the numerous ships throughout history that met their untimely along this coastline.
One of the most famous shipwrecks is that of the Portuguese ship São Bento, which sank in 1554. Legend has it that buried beneath the sands of Struisbaai Beach is a hidden treasure.
Here's Cape Agulhas on the map.
Here's the marker for the dividing line between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Agulhas: Dividing line between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean
Rugged Shores of Cape Agulhas. Source: aesta1
Key Things to Do in Cape Agulhas
Aside from the exhilarating feeling of being in the southernmost tip of Africa, I'm wrong to say there's not much here. For those who stay longer in the place, there are many things to enjoy and occupy visitors. Here's a list:
Aside from the exhilarating feeling of being in the southernmost tip of Africa, I'm wrong to say there's not much here. For those who stay longer in the place, there are many things to enjoy and occupy visitors. Here's a list:
1. Historical Lighthouses in Cape Agulhas
Cape Agulhas has two historic lighthouses that have guided ships for many years. The old Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848, stands as a testament to the maritime history of the region. Designed by Col. Charles Cornwell Michell, the construction of this much needed light house started on April 1, 1847. At 27 meter high, it's light fuelled by fat from sheep tails was firts lighted in 1849. This first light lasted for a hundred years.
The newer lighthouse, Agulhas Lighthouse, was constructed in 1968. Both lighthouses are open to visitors and offer stunning views of the coastline.
These lighthouses were constructed because of the number of ships destroyed in Cape Agulhas. Some of these early ships were:
The latest shipwreck to take place here and you still can see some of its remains was the Meisho Maru which took place on the 6th of November 1982.
Cape Agulhas has two historic lighthouses that have guided ships for many years. The old Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848, stands as a testament to the maritime history of the region. Designed by Col. Charles Cornwell Michell, the construction of this much needed light house started on April 1, 1847. At 27 meter high, it's light fuelled by fat from sheep tails was firts lighted in 1849. This first light lasted for a hundred years.
The newer lighthouse, Agulhas Lighthouse, was constructed in 1968. Both lighthouses are open to visitors and offer stunning views of the coastline.
These lighthouses were constructed because of the number of ships destroyed in Cape Agulhas. Some of these early ships were:
- Zoetendal - 1673
- Joanna - 1682
- Nossa Senhora dos Milagros - 1686
The latest shipwreck to take place here and you still can see some of its remains was the Meisho Maru which took place on the 6th of November 1982.
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and Museum
2. Shipwreck Museum
There is a Shipwreck Museum located near Cape Agulhas that showcases the maritime history of the area. The museum displays artifacts and stories of the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred along the coast. It provides visitors with insights into the dangers faced by sailors in the past.
There is a Shipwreck Museum located near Cape Agulhas that showcases the maritime history of the area. The museum displays artifacts and stories of the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred along the coast. It provides visitors with insights into the dangers faced by sailors in the past.
3. Go to the beaches
While the shores close to the marker for the southernmost tip of Africa is rugged, there are beaches in the surrounding villages where you can enjoy the waters. One of the most frequented is Arniston with its white sand and as you relax, you can watch the fishermen haul in their catch. Other beaches include Struisbaai and Suiderstrand Beaches.
4. Go Fishing
The Cape is also promoted as the best fishing ground in South Africa.
While the shores close to the marker for the southernmost tip of Africa is rugged, there are beaches in the surrounding villages where you can enjoy the waters. One of the most frequented is Arniston with its white sand and as you relax, you can watch the fishermen haul in their catch. Other beaches include Struisbaai and Suiderstrand Beaches.
4. Go Fishing
The Cape is also promoted as the best fishing ground in South Africa.
5. Learn to surf. The waves are gentle in Struisbaai Beach so it is great for beginners. There's also the seafood shack for those who love seafood fresh.
6. Enjoy wine tasting in Strandveld Vineyards and other vineyards close by
7. Visit the Waenhuiskrans Cave
8. Hike the trails in the Agulhas National Park
Cape Agulhas is part of the Agulhas National Park, which protects the diverse coastal ecosystems in the region. Vast landscapes, fynbos vegetation, and a wealth of bird and marine life characterize the park. Exploring the park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity that Cape Agulhas has to offer.
9. Have a taste of rural hospitality in Bredasdorp and do a historical walk
6. Enjoy wine tasting in Strandveld Vineyards and other vineyards close by
7. Visit the Waenhuiskrans Cave
8. Hike the trails in the Agulhas National Park
Cape Agulhas is part of the Agulhas National Park, which protects the diverse coastal ecosystems in the region. Vast landscapes, fynbos vegetation, and a wealth of bird and marine life characterize the park. Exploring the park allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and biodiversity that Cape Agulhas has to offer.
9. Have a taste of rural hospitality in Bredasdorp and do a historical walk
This video will show you the southernmost tip and the vicinity of Cape Agulhas with some of the wrecks scattered in the area.
For accommodations close by, here is a site that gives a comprehensive selection of the villages around Cape Agulhas: Popular Towns in Cape Agulhas
Whether it's the maritime history, the southernmost point of Africa, or the natural beauty of the area, Cape Agulhas offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
Whether it's the maritime history, the southernmost point of Africa, or the natural beauty of the area, Cape Agulhas offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers.
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