Cape of Good Hope Trail

The Cape of Good Hope Trail covers coastal paths and cliffs at the south-western tip of the Cape Peninsula, within the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park in South Africa's Western Cape. The reserve entrance is on Cape Point Road, about 70 km and roughly 1.5 hours by car from Cape Town's city centre via the M3 and Boyes Drive, and there is no practical public transport, so visitors self-drive, join a guided tour or hire a ride. International adults pay a reserve entry fee of about R400 (around $24 USD), and the funicular to the Old Lighthouse costs about R90 to R110 return. The Cape Point lighthouse loop is about 3 km and takes one to two hours, with a climb to about 238 m at the Old Lighthouse. A longer coastal path to the Cape of Good Hope signpost is about 5 km and takes three to four hours with stops. Surfaces include paved sections near the car park, sandy tracks, rock steps and exposed clifftop paths with drop-offs, so footing and wind need attention. There is little shade on the fynbos slopes. Landmarks include the Old Lighthouse, the new lighthouse, Diaz Beach viewpoint and the Cape of Good Hope signpost on the rocky shore. Water and food are available at the Cape Point visitor complex, but not along the paths, so water must be carried. Baboons are active at Cape Point, and food must be secured and never fed to them. Wind and swells can be strong, particularly in winter, so the turn-around point is any exposed corner where gusts feel unsafe. Funicular rides offer an easy way back up from the lower viewpoints.