The reserve covers the tip of the Cape Peninsula with the old and new lighthouses, the Cape of Good Hope sign, the Flying Dutchman funicular, Dias Beach and wild baboons and bontebok. Reserve information: +27 21 780 9010; sanparks.org.
Cape Point sits at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula inside the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, part of Table Mountain National Park, about 60 km south of Cape Town. The drive takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes each way, either via the M3, M4 and Chapman's Peak Drive on the Atlantic side or through Fish Hoek and Simon's Town on the False Bay side. A car or a guided Peninsula tour is the only practical way to reach it, since the Red Bus does not go there.
The reserve entrance is open roughly 06:00 to 18:00 in summer and 07:00 to 17:00 in winter, and international adult entry costs about R450. From the parking area, visitors can ride the Flying Dutchman funicular for about R100 to R130 return, or walk the steep path to the old lighthouse and the viewpoint over the cliffs. A short walk beyond leads to the new lighthouse. The Cape of Good Hope sign, a short drive away, is the standard photograph stop, and Dias Beach and Diaz Beach offer a wilder shoreline with a steep staircase. Wildlife includes bontebok, eland, ostriches and chacma baboons, which are known to snatch food, so visitors should keep snacks out of sight.
A good itinerary leaves Cape Town by 08:00, drives Chapman's Peak, reaches the reserve by 09:30 and spends the morning at Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope sign. Lunch at the Two Oceans restaurant or a picnic precedes a return via Simon's Town, where many tours combine a stop at Boulders Beach penguins in the afternoon.
The best season is October to April, though clear days in winter are also beautiful. Strong south-easterly winds can make the walks unpleasant and occasionally interrupt the funicular, so checking conditions beforehand is wise. Food is available at the Two Oceans restaurant at the point, with picnic spots at Buffels Bay on the way.
| Distance | About 60 km south of Cape Town |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes each way by car |
| Getting there | Car: M3, M4 and Chapman's Peak Drive or via Fish Hoek and Simon's Town (1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Cost | Reserve entry about R450 (approx $27) per international adult; Flying Dutchman funicular about R100-R130 (approx $6.06-$7.88) return |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Cape Point Road, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Peninsula, 7975, South Africa |
How to get there
- Hire car: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, R350-R600 (approx $21-$36) per day plus fuel
- Guided Peninsula tour: full day, R900-R1,700 (approx $55-$103) per person, usually including Boulders penguins
- Uber or Bolt: about 1 hour 15 minutes, R700-R1,100 (approx $42-$67) one way; return pick-ups can be scarce
- Red Bus does not reach Cape Point; use a tour or hire car
Location
Cape Point Road, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Peninsula, 7975, South Africa
-34.3568, 18.4971 View on map
Highlights
- Ride the Flying Dutchman funicular or climb to the old lighthouse above the cliffs
- Photograph the Cape of Good Hope sign at the continent's south-western tip
- Spot bontebok, ostriches and baboons within the nature reserve
- Drive Chapman's Peak or the False Bay coast on the way
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 09:30 to avoid tour-bus crowds at the funicular and the Cape of Good Hope sign.
- Keep food out of sight and never feed baboons; they can be aggressive.
- Check weather and wind forecasts; strong south-easterlies reduce visibility and comfort.
- Choose a car or a guided tour, since public transport does not reach the reserve.
- Combine with Boulders Beach penguins on the return via Simon's Town.
When to visit
October to April for settled weather; arrive early morning and avoid strong south-easterly wind days.
Accessibility
The funicular carries visitors most of the way up, but the final path to the old lighthouse is steep and has steps. Some viewpoints and the restaurant are accessible by wheelchair, though paths near cliff edges are uneven.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Cape Point?
International adults pay about R450 for entry to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. The Flying Dutchman funicular costs about R100 to R130 return.
How long does it take to drive to Cape Point?
About 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes each way from Cape Town, depending on the route and traffic.
What are the reserve opening hours?
The gates are open about 06:00 to 18:00 in summer and 07:00 to 17:00 in winter.
Can Cape Point be reached by public transport?
No. The Red Bus does not go to Cape Point, so visitors use a hire car, a guided Peninsula tour or a rideshare, which may be hard to find for the return.