A magical place of flora and fauna - Cape Point, Part 5 of the TMNP series

~ In memory of Hendrik Marais who tragically lost his life as a pilot during the Cape Point fire. ~

Cape Point

This magnificent nature reserve lies within the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve which is a part of the Cape Floral Kingdom; a declared World Heritage site. It is the most south-westerly tip of Africa, adorned with many plants and is home to different animals. Just 60km from the city of Cape Town, the drive along the Deep South or over Chapmans Peak is a beautiful trip. There are 3 stores for you to check out and collect souvenirs to remind you of your journey to the impressive Cape Point.

Chacama baboon.

Nature and animals

It covers 7750 hectares of diverse and rich land including a varied selection of flora and fauna. There are 250 different species of birds found here, and 1100 indigenous plant species. Fynbos covers the Cape Point Nature Reserve, which is an élite type of vegetation epidemic to a small part of the Western Cape, and is the smallest of the 6 floral kingdoms found in the world. Bucks, ostrich’s, baboons and Cape Mountain zebra can be seen roaming this incredible landscape. There are also beaches to visit within the reserve which are often used by kite surfers and perfect for picnics, also sometimes visited by animals.

Flying Dutchman funicular.

The Flying Dutchman funicular

The Flying Dutchman funicular is named after the legend of the Capes' very own Flying Dutchman, a ship that had sunk during stormy weather while rounding the point of the Cape in the year 1641. It has since been said to be seen as a ghostly ship that now sails the Point glowing red under the cover of the night.

It can carry 40 passengers and is also suitable for wheelchairs. The ride takes just 3 minutes from the car park to the top to see the old lighthouse and the splendid views of the two oceans. The route can otherwise be walked on a path that takes you up the slope through indigenous Fynbos.

Diaz beach surrounded by cliffs.

Return trips:

Adult – R52

Children and pensioners – R22

Children under 6 ride for free.

Two Oceans Restaurant

An excellent restaurant with phenomenal views and delicious food, this restaurant is a must if you are visiting Cape Point. They are experts in dishing out flavoursome seafood and sushi. Awarded a certificate of excellence for 10 years running by TripAdvisor, you would be missing out if you didn't grab a bite to eat while exploring the Capes’ Point.

Fire

There was a fire that broke out in the heart of the reserve in March of 2015. Hendrik Marais, a pilot who volunteered for Work on fire, tragically lost his life in a crash landing while fighting to contain a flare up on site. He will forever remain engraved into the memories of all affected by the Cape Town fires and by all firefighters and volunteers alike.

Explore the wonders of the continent’s most southern westerly point... Cape Point.