What is the most beautiful place to visit in Cape Town?

Cape Point - without a doubt

Must-See | Must-Visit | Must-Do | Must-Go
The most beautiful place in the Western Cape South Africa Cape Point near Cape Town

The very very very beautiful Cape Point in the Western Cape of South Africa is…well, very very very beautiful.  LOL

How do I put this?  Hmmm did I tell you it’s beautiful?

People if you’re visiting Cape Town South Africa, you need to visit Cape Point.  It is simply the most beautiful spot to visit in the cape.  Well, one of the millions of beautiful spots anyway.  But we would definitely recommend that you add this to your travel itinerary.

Visit Cape Point in the Western Cape of South Africa Best things to do and see

Is it worth visiting Cape Point?

Yes, visiting Cape Point in South Africa is definitely worth it! Cape Point is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to the Cape Town area. Located within the Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point offers stunning natural beauty, with rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and a diverse array of flora and fauna.

One of the main attractions of Cape Point is the Cape of Good Hope, which is the southwesternmost point of the African continent. Visitors can take a scenic drive or hike to the Cape of Good Hope, where they can enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged coastline.

In addition to the natural beauty, Cape Point is also steeped in history and culture. The area has a rich maritime history and was an important trading post for ships traveling along the Cape of Good Hope. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, the old military fortifications, and the museums that showcase the history of the area.

Overall, Cape Point is definitely worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and unique cultural significance.

How much time do you need to visit Cape Point?

The amount of time needed to visit Cape Point can vary depending on your interests and travel style. However, a general guideline would be to allocate at least half a day to a full day for your visit.

If you are just interested in a quick visit to see the main attractions, such as the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse, you can plan for a half-day trip. This would allow you to take the scenic drive or hike to the Cape of Good Hope, explore the lighthouse, and enjoy the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

However, if you want to explore the area more thoroughly and take part in additional activities, such as hiking or wildlife spotting, you may need to allocate a full day. This would also give you more time to visit the museums, enjoy a meal at the Two Oceans Restaurant, and take in the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

Overall, it’s recommended to plan ahead and allocate enough time for your visit to Cape Point to fully appreciate its natural beauty, history, and cultural significance.

However, we would recommend a full day or even two days.  It is beautiful to say the least.

visit Cape of Good Hope Cape Point South Africa what you need to know
Is it worth visiting Cape Point in South Africa

Where is Cape Point?

Cape Point is located in the Table Mountain National Park, which is approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) southwest of Cape Town, South Africa. The park covers an area of over 7750 hectares (19,185 acres) and includes several attractions, such as Cape of Good Hope and the Two Oceans Restaurant. To get to Cape Point, visitors can take a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula or join a guided tour from Cape Town.

Top 3 things to do

  • Visit Cape of Good Hope: southernmost point of African continent
  • Hike to the lighthouse: panoramic views of rugged coastline
  • See wildlife: baboons, ostriches, whales, and dolphins in natural habitats.

Good to know

  • You can swim at certain spots, so take your swimsuit.  However, it is only permitted in designated areas and during calm weather conditions.
  • They have picnic spots – pack something nice (or you can visit the restaurant at the lighthouse, but it could be costly).
  • You can braai – Yes, you can braai (barbecue) at designated picnic areas within the Table Mountain National Park, including some areas near Cape Point. However, it’s important to follow park regulations and guidelines when braaing, such as using only designated braai areas, keeping fires under control, and properly disposing of coals and ashes. It’s also recommended to bring your own braai equipment and supplies

In German, Cape Point is commonly referred to as “Kap der Guten Hoffnung”.

And in French, Cape Point is commonly referred to as “Cap de Bonne Espérance”.

Visitor advice

“If you’re traveling with kids, I would recommend taking a few snacks.  During our visit, we did expect them to have a little snack shop or something like that, but we did not see any shops selling things like chips and sweeties, or cooldrink.  And if you have a big family, the restaurant at the lighthouse can be a costly stop.  But this however is just my personal opinion.  I will know next time – as we are definitely going there again…soon.  Loved it and would definitely recommend people to go.” – E.J Rensburg

Tip:  They have special rates for South African citizens, so take your ID with you.

travel tips for your visit to Cape Point Cape of Good Hope South Africa Western Cape

Two golden rules

We would recommend you keep these 2 rules in mind while visiting:
  • Nr 1 – Keep it clean – please consider nature and don’t litter.
  • Nr 2 – In South Africa the roads as well as pedestrian walkways (like the one you’ll be taking to the top where the lighthouse is) have the rule of “Keep left, pass right“.  So remember to walk on the left side always, as this just makes the whole experience much nicer when you have respect for the local rules and customs.  

Top 5 tips for tourists visiting cape point in south africa

  • Plan ahead: Check weather conditions, opening times, and entrance fees before your visit.
  • Bring comfortable shoes and clothing: Cape Point involves walking and hiking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
  • Watch out for wildlife: Baboons (protected animals) can be found around Cape Point, so keep a safe distance and don’t feed them.
  • Stay safe: Stay on designated paths, don’t swim in the open ocean, and follow all park rules and regulations.
  • Bring water and snacks: Cape Point is a remote area, so it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks for your visit. There are also restaurants and cafes on-site if you need more food and drink options.

Get ready for some serious uphill walks...

Walking up to the top of the hill and the lighthouse is fabulous.

“The people were lovely.  We laughed along the way, shared some out-of-breath moments with strangers on our way to the top, and helped each other by saying things like “you’re almost there” or “one step at a time, but we’ll make it”, “see you at the top” or “come one you can do it”…  ” E.J Rensburg

The number of steps to the lighthouse at Cape Point varies depending on the route taken. There are two main hiking routes to the lighthouse: the new lighthouse path and the old lighthouse path.

The new lighthouse path is a slightly longer but less strenuous route, with a paved path and a total of about 120 steps to the top of the lighthouse. The old lighthouse path is a shorter but more strenuous route, with a steep climb and a total of about 96 steps to the top of the lighthouse.

A few beautiful places to stay nearby

There are so much to see - from Muizenberg to Simons Town, that an overnight stay is a fabulous idea:

Stay Here

Find more beautiful places to stay in Simon's Town near Cape Point in South Africa. (On the photo: Whale View Manor Guesthouse & Spa)