Situated at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, 60km southwest of Cape Town, is where you will find Cape Point. Well-known for its magnificent views, Cape Point has been declared a world heritage site and is home to a wide range of fauna and flora. Is Cape Point worth the visit? Our very short answer: a resounding YES!
Is Cape Point worth the visit and is this a bucket list destination? Our very short answer: a resounding YES!
Cape Point is every nature lover’s utopia. Perfect for young and the young at heart, the nature reserve offers a wide range of fun activities from amazing hiking, picnic sites, breath-taking tidal pools and beaches, historical sites, whale watching and so much more. You would have to visit this attraction more than just once to experience all it has to offer. One of the top reasons why it should go straight onto your bucket list destination wishlist!
Cape Point Nature Reserve – A Bucket List Destination
BIRDS, BEES, FLOWERS AND TREES…
Rich with a variety of animal and plant life, Cape Point is loved by nature lovers, birdwatchers, avid conservationists and those who just love wide open spaces where they might spot some interesting critters.
You will find that the rocky terrains, high mountain tops, beaches, and the boundless ocean, are all home to different fauna, both big and small. From tortoises, snakes, over 250 different species of birds and mice, to zebras, antelope, eland and even baboons. These curious and rather intelligent baboons are notorious at Cape Point. Keep an eye out for them as they can often be spotted carrying their pups and scavenging for food – always remain vigilant while exploring the reserve. Keep an eye on the ocean too, as you may just spot a whale or two frolicking in the ocean. You wouldn’t want to miss this spectacular sighting.
There is an abundance of flora at Cape Point, with over 1100 species of indigenous plants to be seen and admired. This certainly explains why it is known as the Cape Floral Kingdom. All three species of fynbos, namely, Restioids, Ericoids, and Proteoids can be found in the reserve. Fynbos can grow on the coast, in alkaline sand while other species of inland fynbos grow on acid soils. More well-known species which grow at Cape Point include Daisy, Iris, Sedge, Orchid, and Pea. So, while taking a leisurely walk around the nature reserve you will be sure to get your fill of incredible diversity, in all its glory.
AN ATTRACTION STEEPED IN HISTORY
Did you know that Cape Point is home to over 26 shipwrecks, dotted all around the reserve’s beaches? So, it comes as no surprise that this is a deadly part of the ocean and should be feared and approached with absolute caution. One of the most famous shipwreck stories happened to not end in a shipwreck – this is the well-known story of the legendary Flying Dutchman. Captain Van der Decken was attempting to make his way home after a successful trading mission in Indonesia, in 1641. However, the weather took a nasty turn as they were approaching Cape Point and the ship with all its crew vanished.
The mystery of the Flying Dutchman will live on forever, as the captain and crew were never found. The area in which they disappeared, forms part of an area founded in 1938, of the Cape Point Nature Reserve. Sixty years later, it would become a part of the Cape Peninsula National Park, in 1998.
BUFFELSFONTEIN VISITOR CENTRE
Get yourself familiarised with the lay of the land with a quick stop at the BuffelsFontein Visitor Centre where you will find interesting artifact displays, brochures and maps. The information centre is ideal for those who may have veered off a familiar path and found themselves slightly misdirected within the Nature Reserve.
There is plenty of interesting and educational information displayed here, so it is the perfect place to gain knowledge on the fauna and flora that you will find yourself completely enthralled by.
WHAT MORE TO EXPECT
There is no doubt that Cape Point Nature Reserve is a must-see destination for all, whether you choose to walk the paths or take a ride up in the funicular. The reserve is made up of 7750Ha, filled with rich history and abundant biodiversity. Besides being extremely aesthetically appealing, Cape Point offers you so much more.
Accommodation is also an option, if you feel you want to tackle all the main attractions the Nature Reserve has to offer.
What’s on your checklist for the perfect adventure? If you’re after the culture, rich history, beautiful biodiversity, beaches and more, then Cape Point Nature Reserve is the place to visit.
For more information: https://capepoint.co.za/visitor-info/
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ONE DESTINATION, SIX UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES
There is no one way to explore all of the Cape Town Big 6, and much of what makes each of them so special is the variety of things to see and do at each. So if possible, take your time to explore each of the city’s most visited tourist attractions in as much depth as possible – as any local will tell you, you can spend a lifetime at each of the Big 6 and still not tire of them. Find the 3 and 4 day itineraries and tips here.