Cape Point, Lighthouse Keeper's Trail, Cape Town Ward 61, Cape Town, City of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Overview
Just 60km from Cape Town lies Cape Point, a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park. A recognised World Heritage Site, it offers abundant nature, stunning views and deserted beaches.
Cape Point is a popular day trip thanks to its excellent hiking trails, beach-side picnic spots and bird watching. But the highlight is the Cape of Good Hope. One of the most dangerous sailing routes in history – it’s nicknamed the ‘Cape of Storms’ – you can still see the skeletons of dozens of past shipwrecks.
Flying Dutchman Funicular
The only funicular of its type in Africa, the Flying Dutchman gets you from the parking lot to the peak of Cape Point in just three minutes, with stunning views along the way.
A local favourite for the unrivalled panoramic views of sea and shore, the glass-panelled cars give you stunning 360-views. At the peak - 250 metres above sea level - stands a lighthouse and scenic walking paths.
The line runs every three minutes from a lower station at the Cape Point car park. It is wheelchair friendly and ideal for visitors who cannot make the journey on foot.
Two Oceans restaurant
Dine with a view at the Two Oceans Restaurant at Cape Point. With signature seafood platters and sushi, it is the perfect treat to match the ocean panorama you get in the dining room.
Awarded by both TripAdvisor and ranked among the Top 10 restaurant in Cape Town, Two Oceans is known to locals as a treat at the top. Plus, lovely indoor and outdoor seating makes it a great year-round spot.
Two Oceans serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and kids-only menu. Find it next to the Lower Funicular Station at the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Shipwreck Trail
Locals know the Shipwreck Trail as a great way to experience Cape Point without the crowds – and to experience the history of the Cape.
The easy walk takes you past dozens of the shipwrecks that sunk along the Cape’s tumultuous shores. Weaving through local plant life you find nowhere else in the world, you find the skeleton of the famous 1911 Lusitania. The Nolloth, wrecked in 1965 and Le Napoleon, wrecked in 1805 are also along the route.
The Shipwreck Trail takes about three hours to complete. It is an easy route the whole family can enjoy.
Hike and Cycle
Experience the local flora and fauna of the Cape on the hiking and cycling trails at the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Cape Town is home to the smallest of six floral kingdoms of the world. Known as the Cape Floral Kingdom, it is an area of diversity found nowhere else in the world.
Trails take you through this one-of-a-kind plant life, and offer a possible glimpse of 250 different birds and other animals. There are also beach paths along the Atlantic and the cliffs of the False Bay coast.
Routes range from a few hours to overnight trips. All trails are safe, and most are suitable for all-ages.