Travel with Mariska

Cape Point is an absolute MUST when visiting Cape Town and is about an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town. Definitely make this a day trip as there are many hiking trails you can do. In fact, there are so many hiking trails, that you won’t be able to do all of them in one day.

Apart from the amazing trails, the drive to Cape Point also provides you with beautiful sceneries. Just watch out for the occasional traffic jams caused by ostriches and baboons.

Cape Point is part of the Cape Point National Park and an entry fee is payable at the entrance of the Park (see times and rates here). If you are a South African, do make sure that you have your ID or driver’s license with you, as you have to provide this at the entrance, otherwise you’ll have to pay the foreigner entrance fee.

There are overnight hiking trails and also shorter/day hiking trails.

Two short hiking trails I would definitely recommend at Cape Point:

Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail

Make your way to Cape Point and park your car at the parking area. Here you can either use the Flying Dutchman Funicular (see rates here) or you can do the short walk up to the old lighthouse.

From here you can follow the sign for the Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail, which is a well-established path that leads to the new lighthouse.

People usually overlook this hike, as they are only interested in seeing the old lighthouse, meaning this trail is not as busy.

I would actually say that this is more off a stroll along the mountain as to being a hike, as it can easily be done with sandals. And the views of the ocean is just spectacular! And looking back you’ll see the old lighthouse towering above (when not covered with clouds).

This is a super easy trail and it takes about an hour for a round trip and is the perfect activity to start your day at Cape Point.

Cape of Good Hope Trail

The Cape of Good Hope Trail starts at the old lighthouse and there is a clear sign that indicates where the start of this trail is.

This is an easy, well-maintained trail that takes about 2-3 hours for a round trip.

This is a very popular trail as it is easy and the stunning views of Diaz beach and the rugged shoreline makes this a very enjoyable hike. Make your way to the very end of the trail, and then you would’ve reached the most southwestern point of the African continent.