Cape Agulhas, Portuguese for 'Cape of Needles', sits at the southernmost tip of Africa. It is considered to be the hydrographic dividing line between the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. It is the farthest south you can travel in Africa, and was given its name by Portuguese navigators. The coastal waters off of the coast of Cape Agulhas pose notorious hazards to ships during the wintertime because of rogue waves and winter storms.

As for tourists, Cape Agulhas is a quiet community, but very welcoming. Travelers can enjoy a wide array of wildlife in the area and see whales off of the gorgeous beaches. It is more secluded that many of the other towns along Africa's 'Garden Route' and is an excellent place if you're traveling to get away from it all.

There are a variety of activities, including swimming and surfing that are available for visitors. There is also a good trail for hiking that travels through the Agulhas Nature Reserve; it is two hours of beauty that starts and ends at the town.

Traveling around Cape Agulhas

Cape Agulhas is located in South Africa's Western Cape Province. It isn't the most popular or spectacular area in South Africa, but it is imbued with a rich sense of history and is peculiarly intriguing. Many people visit just because it is Africa's most southern point, and the number of visitors grows with each passing year.

Its lighthouse, set there many years ago to guide sailors on their travels across the treacherous waters, is a national historical monument and museum in addition to being one of the oldest lighthouses in that part of the country, so it is well worth traveling to see it.

When traveling about, there are more interesting things to see, including ancient fish traps, still in existence, set there by the indigenous Khoi hundreds of years ago. The traps can be seen as the tide goes out from Stinkbaai.

Traveling to locations near Cape Agulhas

De Hoop National Park is 70 km from Cape Agulhas, and it is a two hour drive from Cape Town by car. Cape Town is also the nearest airport; you would travel down the N2 highway from Cape Town along the east coast via the Garden Route.

Eating in Cape Agulhas

There are several shops, including a market, where travelers can browse and several pubs that serve excellent food, especially sea food. Cape Agulhas is a fishing community, so there is always an abundance of fresh seafood.

Travel Lodging in Knysna

For travelers looking for a place to stay, there are a couple of small hotels, guesthouses, and B & B's to choose from. There is also a camp site that is available to those who are interested and an excellent lodge.