Africa's southernmost point, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, marked by a stone cairn and the 1848 Agulhas Lighthouse museum. Struisbaai has a fishing harbour and the longest white-sand beach in the Southern Hemisphere. Long as a day trip; an overnight is better.
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, in the Overberg region of the Western Cape about 230 km south-east of Cape Town. The drive takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours each way via the N2 to Caledon, then the R316 through Bredasdorp. That is a long day trip, around six hours of driving, so an overnight in Struisbaai or Agulhas is often a better choice, and an early start is needed for a day return.
The Southernmost Tip is marked by a stone cairn and a plaque on the shore, with a rocky coast and a ceremonial line separating the two oceans. The Agulhas Lighthouse, built in 1848, is the second-oldest working lighthouse in South Africa and houses a museum; entry is about R50 to R80 per adult, and visitors can climb to the gallery for views. Nearby Struisbaai has a fishing harbour with traditional fish traps and the longest white-sand beach in the Southern Hemisphere, with a restaurant or two serving fresh fish.
A suggested itinerary leaves Cape Town by 06:30, stops for coffee in Caledon or Bredasdorp, and reaches the lighthouse by 10:00. After the lighthouse and the tip, visitors can have lunch at Struisbaai harbour, walk the beach, then start the drive back by about 15:00 to reach the city before dark. Combining the trip with Hermanus, usually on a guided Overberg tour costing about R1,800 to R3,000 per person, is another option.
The best season is October to April for settled weather; winter brings strong winds and rough seas along this exposed coast. Fuel for the day costs about R400 to R600, and rideshare is not practical for this distance. Food options are limited along the way outside the towns, so a stop in Caledon or Bredasdorp is useful.
| Distance | About 230 km south-east of Cape Town |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours each way by car |
| Getting there | Car: N2 and R316 via Caledon and Bredasdorp (2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours) |
| Cost | Southernmost Tip monument free; Agulhas Lighthouse about R50-R80 (approx $3.03-$4.85) per adult; fuel about R400-R600 (approx $24-$36) |
| Difficulty | hard |
| Address | Lighthouse Road, Cape Agulhas, 7287, South Africa |
How to get there
- Hire car: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, R350-R600 (approx $21-$36) per day plus fuel
- Guided Overberg tour: full day, R1,800-R3,000 (approx $109-$182) per person (usually combined with Hermanus or overnight)
- Uber or Bolt: not practical for this distance
Location
Lighthouse Road, Cape Agulhas, 7287, South Africa
-34.8324, 20.0099 View on map
Highlights
- Stand at the Southernmost Tip of Africa where two oceans meet
- Climb the 1848 Agulhas Lighthouse and visit its museum
- Walk the long white-sand beach at Struisbaai
- See the traditional fish traps and harbour at Struisbaai
Tips for visiting
- Leave by 06:30 for a day return, or overnight in Struisbaai to avoid the 6-hour drive.
- Fill the fuel tank in Caledon or Bredasdorp; services thin out on the R316.
- Do not rely on Uber or Bolt for this distance; hire a car or join a tour.
- Pack a windbreaker; the point is exposed and can be gusty.
- Have lunch at Struisbaai harbour for fresh fish.
When to visit
October to April for settled weather; start early to give time at the lighthouse and Struisbaai.
Accessibility
The Southernmost Tip viewing area has a paved approach and a platform, but the shore itself is rocky. The lighthouse has a steep stairway of many steps and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas?
About 230 km, or 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours each way via the N2 and R316.
Is Cape Agulhas worth visiting as a day trip?
It is possible but long. Many visitors prefer an overnight in Struisbaai or combine it with Hermanus on a two-day trip.
How much does the lighthouse cost?
About R50 to R80 per adult. The Southernmost Tip monument itself is free.
When is the best time to go?
October to April for settled weather. Winter can be windy with rough seas.