Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve

With truly awesome scenery, some fantastic walks and deserted beaches, plus the chance to spot wildlife (including bonteboks, elands and zebras), a visit to this nature reserve (known locally as Cape Point and part of the Table Mountain National Park) can easily swallow up a day. You’ll not have seen the half of it if you go on one of the many tours, which whip into the reserve, pause at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, then allow you just enough time to walk to Cape Point, grab lunch, and get your picture snapped at the Cape of Good Hope (Africa’s most southwesterly point) on the way back.

The best way to explore the reserve is on foot or by bike. It’s particularly beautiful in spring, when the wild flowers are in bloom. Get a map at the entrance gate if you plan to go walking, but bear in mind that there is minimal shade and the weather can change quickly. It’s not a hard walk, but if you’re feeling lazy a funicular railway runs up from beside the restaurant to the souvenir kiosk next to the old lighthouse (1860). The old lighthouse was too often obscured by mist and fog, so a new lighthouse was built at Dias Point in 1919 – take the thrilling walkway along the rocks here to avoid the crowds.

There are some excellent beaches, usually deserted. This can make them dangerous if you get into difficulties in the water, so take care. One of the best beaches for swimming or walking is Platboom Beach, and the pretty one at Buffels Bay is also safe for swimming. Maclear Beach, near the main car park, is good for walks or diving but is too rocky for enjoyable swimming. Further down towards Cape Point is beautiful Diaz Beach. Access is on foot from the car park.

If you need to eat, snacks can be bought at the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre and a shop next to the funicular, where you’ll also find the Two Oceans restaurant, which is generally packed with tour-bus crowds.

If you don’t have your own wheels to get here, numerous tour companies include Cape Point on their itineraries; both Day Trippers and Downhill Adventures are recommended because they offer the chance to cycle within the park.