Explore Series: Cape Point

The magnificent Cape Point & the many reasons why you should pay it a visit!

But Before we go there – make sure you like our Facebook Page for more Awesome Cape Town News, views, pics and Videos:

WOW! That is the only word I mumbled when I first arrived at Cape Point. WOW! I was speechless, inspired and amazed all at the same time. Cape Point is magnificent. Cape Point is filled with adventure. Cape Point is well-worth the visit, and a 2nd, 3rd and 10th one after that. Do you know why? There is SO much to do and see there – like I’m not even kidding, beaches, views, walking and hiking trails, wildlife, nature, adventures, and the list goes on and on. I’ll be honest, when people first told me about Cape Point, I thought they were over-exaggerating, blowing it out of proportion, you know what I mean. So much so that I actually didn’t go and see it on my 1st, 2nd or even 3rd time visiting the Mother City, I only went on my 4th visit there. You know what they say, 4th times a charm 😉 Well, it was for me at least! And wow, I’m so bleak I didn’t go there earlier, like really kicking myself. BUT, now I’m here to make sure you don’t make the same mistake! So yes, at the very tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km south-west of the city of Cape Town, lies the magnificent Cape Point. Every year this landmark attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike, and after reading this, you’ll know just a fraction of the magic it has to offer.

•       It is MAGNIFICENT: This is a tough one to deny and as soon as you see Cape Point for the first time you’ll know exactly why. Cape Point is also a nature reserve that is located within the world-renowned Table Mountain National Park; a declared Natural World Heritage site. It also includes the magnificent Table Mountain chain which stretches from Signal Hill to Cape Point, and the coastlines of the Cape Peninsula. You therefore get to witness some of South Africa’s most beautiful landmarks all at once! Talk about the true local experience!

•       It is any Nature Lover’s paradise: Encompassing 7750 hectares of rich and varied fauna and flora, 250 species of birds, and abounded with bucks, baboon and cape mountain zebra, Cape Point is any nature enthusiast’s paradise. It’s a truly unique and authentic piece of Cape Town bliss that is known to attract tourists from all corners of the globe.
• Beaches, beaches and more beaches: Did you know Cape Point is home to some of the most beautiful and unspoilt beaches in the Cape? But just in case, here are 4 of the most cherished spots that I got to visit on my trips there:

1) Buffels Beach: Buffels Bay is one of the most popular locations with day visitors to Cape Point. There are fixed braai (barbeque) places to cook up a storm, and it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic with the whole family. And if you need to cool off you can just jump into one of the tidal pools. Sounds incredible right?

2) Diaz Beach: This beach is right at the very tip of Cape Point, on the western side, and at the base of impressive 200 metre high cliffs. Therefore offering a magnificent view, perfect for some memorable photos of your trip. Maybe even a selfie or 2! Why not!

3) Maclear Beach: You’ll need to walk a few short paths to get to Maclear Beach at Cape Point, but that’s half the charm of this small sandy strip on the Cape Point coast. And well worth the walk it is. And definitely a hidden gem too. The route through dense fynbos sets this up as one of the more secluded and intriguing sections of Cape Point. This is also a great spot for diving and fishing if you’re up for the FULL Cape Point experience.

4) Olifantsbos Beach: Olifantsbos offers visitors a beautiful rocky point and small sandy beach. This rugged, unspoilt section of the reserve offers a selection of hikes and walks, and it’s also the starting and finishing point for the popular Shipwreck trail.

•       Cape Point is full of rich history: It is widely known as an international icon of great historical interest. Named the ‘Cape of Storms’ by Bartolomeu Dias in 1488; the ‘Point’ was treated with respect by sailors for centuries. In 1859 the first lighthouse was completed; it still stands at 238 metres above sea-level on the highest section of the peak and is now used as the centralized monitoring point for all the lighthouses on the coast of South Africa. I’ll admit I’m not always one for history, but knowing the story and tales behind it really make it that much more special!

•       Cape Point also offers SO MUCH MORE: The scenic beauty of Cape Point is not its sole allure. Cape point also offers a variety of additional experiences that is sure to add to a truly memorable trip. There truly is a lifetime of things do and see at Cape Point. It is a destination that keeps people coming back for more. What can I say; you’ll never get enough of that Cape Point magic, or at least I know I certainly won’t.  And even though it requires a bit of a drive and a whole day dedicated to discovery, it’s worth every single minute of it. And best thing is, every time you go back you get to see and experience something new. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Like our Facebook Page for more Awesome Cape Town News, views, pics and Videos: