Cape Agulhas is often a quick stop for visitors wanting a photograph at the southernmost tip of Africa. But the surrounding region deserves more than a brief visit.
Cape Agulhas, Southern most point of South Africa / Sebastian Wohlrapp / Unsplash
Beyond the famous southernmost-tip marker, Cape Agulhas has historic fishing villages, shipwrecks, coastal trails and vineyards worth exploring. Here is how to spend a weekend discovering more of the Overberg.
Saturday: Explore the southernmost coastline
Visit the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
Built in 1848 and first lit in 1849, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is the second-oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa. Constructed from locally quarried limestone, it helped ships navigate this notoriously dangerous coastline.
Visitors can explore it’s maritime museum and climb the 71 steps to the top for coastal views.
Stand at the southernmost tip of Africa
A short walk from the lighthouse, a stone monument marks the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.
Follow the coastal boardwalk and look out for the ancient stone fish traps built by indigenous hunter-gatherer communities, who used the tides to catch fish.
Walk the Rasperpunt shipwreck trail
The wreck of the Meisho Maru 38 is one of the coastline’s most recognisable sights. The Japanese fishing vessel ran aground in November 1982, although all 17 crew members survived.
The wreck marks the starting point of the 5.5km Rasperpunt Hiking Trail in Agulhas National Park. The circular route passes coastal fynbos, ancient fish traps and freshwater springs.
Allow around two hours for the walk. A self-guided booklet is available from the SANParks reception office. Carry water and check trail conditions before setting out.
Spend the afternoon in Struisbaai
Struisbaai is worth visiting for it’s working harbour and long sandy beach. The harbour is also home to Parrie, a resident stingray that visitors sometimes spot swimming in the shallow water.
After exploring the harbour, head to the beach for a walk or a swim when conditions allow. Stay for dinner and sample some of the local seafood.
Sunday: Discover Arniston and Elim
Explore Arniston’s fishing village
In Arniston, also known as Waenhuiskrans, visit Kassiesbaai, a traditional fishing settlement lined with whitewashed cottages and thatched roofs.
The village takes it’s name from the British transport ship Arniston, which wrecked offshore in 1815. Fishing remains central to the community, making a walk through the settlement a worthwhile stop. Remember that the cottages are private homes.
Visit Waenhuiskrans Cave
Arniston’s coastline is home to Waenhuiskrans Cave, an impressive limestone formation carved into the cliffs. It’s enormous opening inspired it’s name, which roughly translates to wagon-house cliff.
The walk involves sandy and rocky terrain, and access is dependent on the tides. Check local tide tables and visit only at low tide, avoiding the route when sea conditions are unfavourable.
Explore historic Elim
Head inland to Elim, a Moravian mission village established in 1824. It’s whitewashed cottages, thatched roofs and historic church make it a distinctive stop in the Overberg.
The village also has an important connection to the Cape’s history of slavery. Following emancipation in 1834, formerly enslaved people settled here. It’s historic church, built in 1835, old watermill and emancipation monument offer insight into this history.
End with a wine tasting
The Elim wine ward is known for it’s cool-climate wines, shaped by it’s proximity to the ocean and strong maritime influences.
Strandveld Vineyards, often described as Africa’s southernmost winery, produces varieties including Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. It’s tasting room is housed in a renovated stable block.
Black Oystercatcher Wines is another option, offering tastings, platters and a farm shop. Check opening times before visiting, as Strandveld’s tasting room is closed on Sundays.
Beyond the landmark
Cape Agulhas has much more to offer than it’s famous southernmost-tip marker. It’s shipwreck history, fishing communities, coastal landscapes and vineyards make it a destination worth exploring at a slower pace. Give it a full weekend and there is plenty of reason to stay beyond the obligatory photograph.
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