Home » Travel Destinations » Fall in Love with Struisbaai / L’Agulhas
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For many years I never knew about the existence of the above two towns. That is until the family decided to buy their first holiday home in Struisbaai. Driving along the scenic road you reach your destination just as you prepare to ask the most dreaded question: “are we there yet?” LOL, and then… what a surprise: Struisbaai / L’Agulhas.
Taking the turnoff from the N2 at Caledon you travel along the R316 to Bredasdorp and then take the R319 to Struisbaai. Moments later you are in the Overberg district which is a wonderful surprise, especially during winter with the rich tapestry of the yellow Canola fields in full flower.
With no public transport available from Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport to Struisbaai, renting a car is your best option—giving you the chance to enjoy the scenic drive along the way. This also gives you the freedom to explore along the way and during your stay.
Setting off early in the morning, you’ll find yourself driving into a breathtakingly magical sunrise.
Take the time to stop. You’ll also find many cool “restaurant-stops” (known as “Farmstalls” in the rural areas) along the way where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and/or something to eat.
Stop at the small villages along the way, like Napier and buy some of the local delicacies. If you’re on your way to a self-catering place, it is ideal to get some fresh bread, etc. on your way.
I am not going to bore you with the historical details and logistics (that, you can google easily), but I do want to tell you about the experience. Because that is what will make this vacation special.
As you enter the town, on you right, you’ll find a coffeeshop / restaurant / playpark for the kids, where you can stop. There are quite a few great restaurants to enjoy in town as well.
Struisbaai has one of the most picturesque harbors in the world. Maybe one of the most photographed as well, or I might be biased, but it truly is beautiful and anyone that’s been to Struisbaai harbor will agree.
As you approach Struisbaai, keep an eye out to your right—a small, unassuming horse-riding spot awaits. It’s not the polished stables you might expect, but that’s part of its charm. This is where you can book an unforgettable, family-friendly horse-riding experience. Picture this: a gentle ride that starts with crossing the road, meandering through a patch of bush, and then suddenly, the breathtaking expanse of the beach opens up before you. It’s pure magic, the kind of moment that feels like a scene from a dream. Glorious!
The now very famous stingrays will greet you at the harbor. Parrie the stingray (a previous visitor from Cape Town Aquarium) and his friends, welcomes interaction with the people of Struisbaai and holiday makers. You can even try and feed him pilchards. To my knowledge he is the oldest resident stingray, so please be gentle.
A visit to Struisbaai wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the neighboring L’Agulhas. With its cozy restaurants, charming coffee spots, and delightful gift shops, you’ll find yourself lingering longer than planned. And let’s not forget the journey itself—the road to L’Agulhas (or simply Agulhas, as the locals call it) is nothing short of spectacular. It’s the kind of drive that makes you stop, breathe, and take in the beauty all around you.
The perfect place to capture that “I was here!” photo-moment.
It is a typical weekend getaway if you stay in Cape Town area, but I would recommend 3 to 4 days – especially if you’re looking for a little bit of relaxation and summer holidays on the beach. During summertime visitors book up to 10 or 14 days for their summer vacation. But you’ll have to book well in advance>>
Mostly Afrikaans, but everyone understand and speak English as well. So you’ll have no trouble with language.
Struisbaai is a destination that offers so much more than just beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect base to explore the nearby L’Agulhas, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Don’t miss the chance to stand on the exact spot where the oceans collide and capture that iconic photo—after all, it’s the Southernmost tip of Africa!
While you’re in the area, make time to explore the shipwreck and snap stunning sunset photos with the wreck in the frame. For a unique experience, you can also go horse riding along the beach, a peaceful way to connect with nature. The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Museum is another must-see, giving you insight into the region’s maritime history.
For those looking to slow down, a picnic on the beach or a leisurely walk along the coastline will make for a perfect day. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Spookdraai hiking trail offers a bit of a challenge while rewarding you with spectacular views. Struisbaai and L’Agulhas offer a blend of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments—an ideal spot to make lasting memories!
One of the things Struisbaai has high on their “bragging-rights-list” is the longest white sandy beach, but I must say I love the more rugged rocks of the coastline towards L’Agulhas. Therefore you have the best or both worlds.
With places like Hermanus and Arniston nearby it might be tempting to go explore other towns as well but give yourself time to unwind and explore all the little treasures that Struisbaai and L’Agulhas have to share. In addition, Struisbaai is famous for its yellowtail fish and you can arrange for a charter fishing trip or bring your own fishing gear and try fishing with your children from the Struisbaai harbor wall. On any day you will find families and even toddlers enjoying this activity if not enjoying the warm waters of the swimming bay at the harbor. Children can try their hand at catching puffer fish, strepies, kolsterte, tjor-tjor, or maasbankers.
December is the time when Struisbaai / L’Agulhas is bustling with holidaymakers. With everyone in good spirit and friendly, and the atmosphere is just wonderful. Especially tray to attend the Christmas day church service right on the beach. There is even Christmas carolers going from home to home on Christmas eve to spread the cheer.
A visit to Struisbaai / Agulhas is something special and a place to make memories. Wonderful memories. Happy memories.
It is nice to have your own car here, as there is no public transport. Then you are also free to explore nearby places and drive out into the countryside. Spend lazy days on the beach. Go for long walks: You can walk from Struisbaai to L’Agulhas or take a long walk along one of the Cape’s longest white sand beaches.
Travel Tip(s)
Scan for seasonal deals before booking your stay.
If you have a bar fridge in your hotel room, check with reception whether the content is on the house, or pay as you use.
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