South Africa Travel - Cape Point

Cape Point is a historical landmark with an incredible view. It is one of the six main tourist attractions in South Africa. Known as Cape of Good Hope, from its rugged, rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs to the fynbos, it will reward visitors. Take the funicular to the old lighthouse at the top overlooking the coastline and have a look for yourself.

In the 1500 and 1600 European seafarers navigated the Cape of Good Hope coastline: Bartholomew Dias and Vasco Da Gama. They established the Cape sea route to the East. Two navigational beacons have been erected at strategic points. 1488 Bartholomew Dias named the peninsula - Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal later gave it the name. - The Cape of Good Hope.

Here is some interesting trivia about the area:

• Africa's most south-westerly point.
• Fresh air and clean ocean waters - straight from the Antarctic.
• Part of the 22 100 hectare of the Table Mountain National Park [World Heritage Site].
• Sea cliffs - 249 m above sea level.
• The circumnavigation of the Cape of Good Hope led to the establishment of a sea route to the East and subsequent trade.
• 26 shipwrecks.
• 250 species of bird.
• 1 100 indigenous plant species.
• Many buck, baboons and other animals.
• At Bordjiesrif and Buffels Bay swimming is allowed in tidal pools.
• 17 scenic walks and trails.
• Angling and diving.
• Whale and dolphin visit the coastline from May to November.
• 2 Historical monuments - Diaz and Da Gama crosses.
• Funicular Lift to the old lighthouse.
• Restaurants with world class cuisine and wonderfilled views over False Bay.
• Curio shops with a range of South African curios.
• Cape Point consist of 7 750 hectares of rich and varied flora/fauna.
• Cape Point has a 40 kilometre coastline that stretches from Schuster's Bay to Smitswinkel Bay.
• The cliffs at Cape Point southern point, is 200 metres high.
• Cape Point has 3 clearly defined areas - Cape of Good Hope, Cape Maclear, Cape Point

• 18 April 1911, the Lusitania, 500 tons, with 774 people aboard, struck the Bellows Rock.
• The Thomas T Tucker - American Liberty Ship, built in 1942 that was intended as a troop and supply ship in World War II. She sank at Olifantsbos just off the Point.
• The Phyllisia, 452 ton trawler, struck rocks 100 m off the coast of the Cape Point on 3 May 1968. Eleven of her crew reached the shore, 14 still remained on board. South African Airforce helicopters air-lifted them to safety.
The Nolloth, 347 ton Dutch trawler, ran aground, it is said she was struck by an unidentified underwater object bys most old sailors in this area says it was Albatross Rock.