Things to do…
There are many things to keep you occupied whilst in the Cape Agulhas area. For more specific information, please contact the local info offices . We can arrange a personal tour guide for you or assist with planning a self drive route. Here are a few suggestions for fun outings:
Visit the southernmost tip of Africa where the two oceans officially meet….
Situated on the Agulhas Plain at the southernmost tip of the African continent, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans officially meet, the Agulhas National Park offers the visitor some great hiking and driving trails. The coastline is dotted with shipwrecks, and the birdlife is exceptional, with a choice of fynbos, wetland and coastal birds. Climb to the top of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, which houses the only lighthouse museum in Africa. Photograph the wreck of the Meishu Maru (1982) on the Suiderstrand road. Agulhas National Park: 028 435 6078.
Spend a day at the De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve…
With seven different eco-systems, this is where you will find an abundance of wildlife, fynbos and birdlife. Take your mountain bike (or rent one there) and cycle through the fynbos while viewing game and incredible birdlife. You will also find the largest concentration of Southern Right whales along the South African coast from July to November each year. Enjoy a lunch at the reserve’s restaurant or order a picnic basket and enjoy it at Koppie Alleen, one of the best land-based whale watching sites in the world. De Hoop Nature & Marine Reserve: 028 542 1253.
Pack a picnic basket and go fishing at De Mond Nature Reserve…
Spend a relaxing day at the mouth of the Heuningnes River. This spectacular estuary is home to rare bird species including the Damara Tern, the Giant Tern and the African Black Oystercatcher as well as some unique fynbos. Children will love the tortoises and will enjoy splashing in the shallow warm water, while angling permits are available for some great fishing. De Mond Nature Reserve: 021 659 3500.
Explore the Heuningberg Nature Reserve…
Overlooking Bredasdorp, this reserve is a sanctuary for large varieties of Erica and Protea species. It is also the home of the beautiful and rare red Bredasdorp lily, which blooms in April and May. Scenic hiking trails from 2-15 km, with great views. Heuningberg Nature Reserve: 028 424 2584.
Spend the day in Elim…
Visit the informative Heritage Centre and take a guided tour of this fascinating, culturally and historically rich village, a national heritage site in its entirety. Explore the Geelkop Nature Reserve – Geelkop means ‘yellow hill’ and the reserve derives its name from the mass of yellow flowering plants (mainly Leucadendrons), which cover the hill during spring. Approximately 450 hectares in size, activities include a half-day hiking trail and a circular drive with superb views. Elim Info: 028 482 1806.
Visit the Elim Wineries…
Sample the delicious wines of the southernmost wine route in Africa. Enjoy lunch at one of the farms and learn more about the Nuwejaars Wetland Special Management Area.
Explore Kassiesbaai and the Waenhuiskrans cave…
Explore the quaint fishing village of Kassiesbaai at Arniston, and get an idea of how life was for fishermen in days gone by. The entire village has been declared a national heritage site, so every building is protected by law. Whilst there, visit the Waenhuiskrans cave, which is only accessible at low tide.
Experience farm life…
Take an agri-tourism tour through the area, highlighting sustainable farming practices, great farm hospitality and food, and the top tourism attractions in the area. Bredasdorp Info: 028 424 2584.
Go horseriding…
Explore the Grootberg in Napier on horseback and enjoy spectacular views all the way to Struisbaai and Arniston. Spend the day exploring Napier’s many great eateries and interesting shops. Napier Info: 028 423 3325.
Cross the Breede River by handdrawn pont at Malgas…
Go whale watching at Witsand and proceed to Swellendam for a visit to the Drostdy Museum and the Bontebok National Park. Pont info 028 512 3772.
Visit the stingrays at Struisbaai harbour…
and watch the fishermen haul in their catch. Have lunch at the Hotagterklip Padstal and learn more about these historic fishermen’s cottages. Spend the rest of the day lazing on one of the longest white sand beaches in Southern Africa. L’Agulhas Info: 028 435 7185.
Explore the museums…
Learn more about the rich history and heritage of the area by visiting the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp, the Heritage Centre in Elim and the Lighthouse Museum in L’Agulhas. Bredasdorp Info: 028 424 2584.
Go hiking…
Spookdraai:
028 435 7185. The entrance to L’Agulhas is guarded by Spookdraai (Ghost’s corner). Legend has it that many years ago a ship foundered in the bay and the only survivor, a beautiful young woman with exquisite slender hands, washed up on shore. She made her way to a cave in the mountains and later died there. However, her spirit is not at rest, since with her warm and friendly personality, she still visits nearby guesthouses from time to time. More gruesome, is the story of a man decapitated in an accident, whose headless corpse has also been seen wandering around the Spookdraai area. The hiking trail, which is well signposted from the entrance to L’Agulhas, can be completed in under three hours.
Grootberg:
028 423 3049. This trail around the summit of the Grootberg, southeast of Napier, offers the hiker a unique opportunity to see a large variety of fynbos species and birds along a clearly marked route. There are spectacular views of the flat Agulhas Plain with its fascinating wetland system to the south and the rolling hills of the Ruggens to the north. Distance 8km, duration 3 hrs. Starts at the FM tower.
De Hoop Whale Trail:
021 659 3500. The ultimate hiking experience, the 5-day Whale Trail meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve, where the fragrance of the fynbos mingles with salty sea air. Fall asleep to the unforgettable sound of whales in the waters below. The 54km trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale-watching opportunities. Reservations essential. Other De Hoop Trails contact 028 542 1253.