Cape Point Nature Reserve remains one of our favourite places to visit even though we are Cape Town locals!
It is such an awe-inspiring part of the Cape Peninsula that one cannot ever really get tired of exploring this part of Cape Town.
Taking the road to Black Rocks, you are most likely to see many surfers during the summer months - there was only one brave soul out when we visited on a chilly winter's afternoon.
This lone surfer was having a wonderful time, surfing the waves all on his own. We would not recommend that you, as a tourist, do this without having a "buddy" with you. This is a peaceful spot to sit and watch the surfers having fun in the waves.
Just remember never to get too close to an ostrich - if you are ever chased, lie down flat - being stamped on is the lesser of the two evils when being chased and caught by an angry ostrich. All the animals in the park are wild - be mindful that it remains their home and we are the visitors only.
One of our favourite beaches in Cape Point remains Buffels Bay - it was Spring Tide when we visited this time so the tide was high up on the beach so we could not do our normal walk. There is a gorgeous tidal pool and plenty of picnic spots here. In summer, an early arrival is required to get a spot for the day. The sea is constantly changing colour and just begs one to stroll along, take a swim, soak up the atmosphere, watch the waves and just chill with friends or family or even as a Solo Traveller.
There are numerous hiking trails in the reserve so do take some time out to explore at least one of those such as the Shipwreck Trail. Take the Olifantsbos turn-off to access this trail of approx 3.5km. Take care during stormy weather and during the heat of summer, endure that you have plenty of water.
Platboom Beach is totally unspoilt and offers great views and dunes. It's wild and untamed here and the wind can be fearsome. If you really want to enjoy a beach walk that will blow all the cobwebs away, this is it!
Getting to the top of the old lighthouse (completed in 1859) uses up some energy as well as it is a fairly steep climb with many steps. For those who prefer a shorter walk to the top, the funicular offers a fun ride! The views are spectacular and it really is a must do and see. The "new" lighthouse is much lower down and this was completed in 1911. It has a range of 60 km so keeps ships safe from any treacherous rocks while rounding the Cape.
The most famous spot of all remains a photo shoot at the sign of Cape of Good Hope.
Everybody who visits Cape Point Nature Reserve gets a photo taken here. There is another steep walk upwards from this point - well worth the effort. Watch out for baboons - don't leave doors open or food within easy reach. This is the most South-Western part of the African continent but not the most southerly - that distinction goes to Cape Agulhas much further down the coast. The photo below was a grab shot before the next group of tourists arrived - the wind was fearsome and the temperature decidedly chilly.
There are many tour companies to choose from if you don't have a hire car and the Red Bus Cape Explorer is very popular. However, if you really want to enjoy Cape Point Nature Reserve a Self-Drive is an absolute must. Hiking, enjoying a picnic, a swim in the "not very warm" sea during the summer months or just to enjoy the bracing air and beauty of this iconic area of Cape Town.
There is always something to view in the Cape of Good Hope: from the dramatic cliffs, the bird life, buck or ostrich, either calm or stormy seas, and so much natural flora.- do try and spend more time in this beautiful area of Cape Town. Breathe in and restore your balance - no better place to be even on a wild and windy day.
