Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope is the headland Bartolomeu Dias rounded in 1488, at the far end of the Cape Peninsula about 50 km south of Cape Town. It sits inside the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, a short way west of Cape Point. Most people come for the name, the sign and the view, and it makes a full day out when combined with Cape Point and the drive along the peninsula.

What to expect

The cape itself is a low, wave-battered headland with a car park and the name board that everyone photographs. About 2.3 km to the southeast is Cape Point, where the cliffs drop more than 200 m to the water. There the Flying Dutchman funicular saves the climb from the car park, and steps and paths lead on to the old and new lighthouses and the viewpoints. The reserve is fynbos country, with proteas, ericas and restios, and at least 250 bird species are recorded in the area.

Practical details

• Park gates open 6am to 6pm from October to March, and 7am to 5pm from April to September.
• The funicular runs from 9am, until 5.30pm in summer and 5pm in winter.
• Facilities at Cape Point include the Two Oceans Restaurant, a food shop and souvenir shops.
• A free audio tour is available through the VoiceMap app.

Good to know

Despite what many visitors assume, this is not Africa’s southernmost point. That is Cape Agulhas, about 150 km to the east-southeast. Chacma baboons live in the reserve, so keep car windows shut and food out of sight.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: Cape Point, Wikipedia.