A visit to Cape Point is a must for every tourist. And for every South African, Cape Point is an “Oh, what a beautiful country we live in!” moment. That is exactly how I felt on my trip to Cape Point with my family.

Just about half an hour’s drive from Cape Town, this is the spot where some claim the West Coast’s cold Benguela current meets the East Coast’s warm Agulhas current. It’s a total of 7 750 hectares of flora and fauna and a massive 40 km of coastline.

If you don’t have a Wild Card (which gives you free entry), expect to pay R75 per person and R10 for children aged twelve or less. It’s money well spent and a visit to the reserve can take a whole day. Here are some suggestions:

Cape Point lighthouse


We jumped on the Flying Dutchmen Funicular, named after a legendary ghost ship, for the ride up to the old lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1857, was the original lighthouse at Cape Point. (In 1913 another one was built lower down.) Today it is an amazing viewpoint: the picture in front of me was blue as far as the eye could see. It felt like this was the furthest point on earth. Breathtaking. 
Fees range from R12 for scholars to R33 for adults.
A heads up! The funicular will unfortunately be closed for renovations from January 18th 2010 – April 24th 2010. Alternative transportation will be available.

Two Oceans Restaurant


After taking the trip to the lighthouse go to the Two Oceans restaurant, situated near the funicular. They have delicious, fresh seafood and amazing cocktails. I had the special of the day: surf and turf and I can assure you that the meat was just as good as the tasty seafood. Service is quick and friendly. Just be careful a bird doesn’t snatch a piece of your lunch!

Shipwrecks


There are several shipwrecks to see in the reserve – but you’ll have to park your car and take a walk. Walks are anything from approximately an hour and a half long. Don’t worry, none of the trails are very steep. Over the years Cape Point has seen 23 ships sink off its shores – it’s not called the Cape of Storms for no reason.

Tidal pools and picnics


After you’ve done all your sightseeing, spend family time at the tidal pools at Buffels Bay. This is the ideal spot to chill out and enjoy a picnic. A picnic spot costs R30. Next time I go, I’m definitely taking a picnic basket along.

Fishing


At Buffels Bay you can find a slipway for your fishing boat. This much-loved activity will cost you an extra R30 at the gate.

Game, bird and whale watching

There are a total of 250 different bird species to have a look at. Also many eland and ostriches, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot zebras too. The reserve has many lizards, snakes and scorpions, so be careful where you walk. Whales might be seen from the viewing sites.

Please remember, it is against the law to feed Chacma baboons. Feeding them can make them dangerous and then they must be destroyed. To me they seem kind of big and scary anyway, so keeping your distance is the best thing to do.

For more information contact the Cape Point information centre on 021-780-9010 or e-mail info@capepoint.co.za.