A VISIT TO CAPE AGULHAS

SOUTHERNMOST POINT IN AFRICA

Are you one of those people who thought Cape Point is the southernmost point in Africa?
Don’t feel bad, I did too.

Cape Agulhas or L'Agulhas is the southernmost coastal village and a holiday resort in Africa, located within the Cape Agulhas Municipal (CAM). The name "Agulhas", Portuguese for "needles", is said to have been given to the area because a strange magnetic anomaly occurs here where compasses point true North rather than magnetic North. This anomaly creates confusion and danger for passing ships when visibility is poor. About 250 vessels lost their way and got wrecked on the jagged rocks of Cape Agulhas.

Some wrecked ships still lay scattered along the coast, many due to the treacherous Agulhas Reef. It is in memory of the countless lives lost and to warn passing ships of the pending danger of Cape Agulhas.

This historical and unique place is a leisurely two and half hour drive from Cape Town and is known to be the richest fishing village in the Southern Hemisphere. Local tourist attractions and activities include a visit to the second-oldest operating Lighthouse in South Africa, real meeting of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, shipwreck of Meisho Maru, local fynbos plants, bird watching, hiking, swimming in the local tidal pools or longest uninterrupted beach in the southern hemisphere, a visit to Struisbaai harbour to see the harbour stingray mascot, paddle boarding, kite surfing, sea tubing, kayaking, surfing, fishing, beach horse riding, paintball, quad biking and diving.

CAPE AGULHAS LIGHTHOUSE

Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was the third lighthouse to be built in South Africa, and the second-oldest still operating, after Green Point. The building was declared a national monument in 1973 and is also a Western Cape provincial heritage site. The lighthouse has recently undergone restoration and is a majestic sight at the tip of South Africa with a fully equipped restaurant and museum. You can climb to the top to have almost 360 degree view of Cape Agulhas for only R13.70.

The community was largely responsible for the restoration of the original structure and the Lighthouse was inaugurated again on 25 March 1988 after having being out of service for 20 years.

MEISHO MARU SHIPWRECK

Meisho Maru no 38 is a Japanese fishing trawler that succumbed to the mighty two ocean meeting point on the 16th of November 1982. This shipwreck is found along the coastline of the notorious Cape Agulhas. Experts say this stretch of coastline has seen over 250 vessels lose their way and being wrecked on the jagged rocks. A strange magnetic anomaly occurs here where compasses point true North rather than magnetic North. This leads to confusion and very real danger for passing ships when the visibility is poor. There are only two other places on earth where this phenomenon happens, The Bermuda Triangle and The Devil’s Sea off the coast of Japan.

SCENIC WALK AT RASPERPUNT HIKING TRAIL

Within the Agulhas National Park is the Rasperpunt Hiking Trail also known as the Agulhas Walking trail. The hiking trail is a circular route that begins at the Meisho Maru shipwreck and follows the rugged coastline towards Suiderstrand.

Part of this trail has now been made accessible for all lovers of nature with a wooden boardwalk. The boardwark passes through the fynbos towards the pebbled shoreline. You can also spot some whales (in season) and reflect on the original Khoi inhabitants who used this area to trap and catch fish.

STRUISBAAI HARBOUR MASCOT

Struisbaai harbour is home to a well known couple of stingrays. Parrie the larger one is a long time resident at the harbour and is now the official Struisbaai harbour mascot.

Parrie made news headlines in 2003 when she travelled to Cape Town for a “visit” to the Two Oceans Aquarium but community members fought for her return.

"Click here to watch my YouTube video and see Parrie in action"

THE LONGEST UNINTERRUPTED WHITE SANDY BEACH

Struisbaai boasts the longest uninterrupted sandy beach in the southern hemisphere! The ocean conditions in the bay are perfect for water-sports and jet skis, sailing, and fishing. When the wind blows, the cross-onshore conditions make the bay a perfect venue for kite surfing or land yachting. Between the beach and the ocean the only limit to the fun is your imagination and your toys.

OTHER NEARBY DAY TRIPS

·         Arniston Cave, Arniston Cauldron, Arniston dunes and Kassiesbaai heritage site 40km East

·         Bredasdorp 32 km North

·         Elim wine route 40 km West 

·         Napier village 45 km North

·         De hoop Nature Reserve 81 km East

This place has all the wonderful tourist attractions any traveller could experience and enjoy, the only limit will be the imagination of the traveller!

Thank you for reading, hope to see you again!

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