To the ends of the earth

I remember the first time I visited Cape Agulhus. It was a day trip with my parents and a very special childhood friend. We stopped for brunch at Orchid, a family favourite café a scone’s throw from Sir Lowry’s Pass. My father told us about Cape Agulhus and that it was where the Indian and Atlantic oceans met. I half expected to see different colour tones or a border made of waves. I didn’t see anything like that, but it was a grand day trip nonetheless.

I’ve since been back as often as possible. Despite there not being a clear boundary line in the water it is remarkable to be in a place that holds such significance. What’s more, Cape Agulhus is also the southern-most tip of this our beautiful continent, Africa.

The drive from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas is a captivating journey filled with breathtaking scenery, charming small towns, and a sense of discovery at every turn. The distance from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas is approximately 230 kilometers (about 143 miles), making it a manageable day trip or a leisurely weekend adventure. To reach Cape Agulhas, we took the scenic drive along the N2, which offers glimpses of the beautiful Hottentots Holland Mountains and the rolling farmlands of the Overberg region. As you follow the N2, you’ll gradually leave the urban bustle of Cape Town behind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the countryside.

Your options for a pitstop include Grabouw, Caledon or Bredasdorp. You could stop for a bite, to stretch your legs or take in one of the incredible churches or historic buildings.

But don’t spend too much time on the road, the sunset at the tip of Africa is one to behold.

As we embarked on our journey earlier this year, we couldn’t help but feel the anticipation of exploring this area again. This trip promised to be a remarkable adventure, filled with stunning natural landscapes, intriguing history, and encounters with the warm-hearted locals.

Once again, standing on the rugged shoreline, we were humbled by the sheer magnitude of this meeting point. The roaring waves of the Atlantic crashed against the gentler currents of the Indian Ocean, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that almost mirrored the diversity of this incredible continent.

Cape Agulhas has a rich maritime history, and the remnants of this storied past are still visible today. As we explored the rocky coastline, we stumbled upon the rusted skeleton of a shipwreck, a silent testament to the treacherous waters that have claimed many vessels over the centuries. Bear LOVES shipwrecks. That sounds a little bizarre but he enjoys watching documentaries about wrecks and getting to see one up close is a real treat. I remember celebrating his birthday (our first as a couple). I surprised him with a beach picnic, INSIDE the shipwreck on Noordhoek beach. It was a hit. And so you’ll be able to imagine his delight getting real close to the Wreck of the Meisho Maru.

This time we were unable to visit to the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, which has been a guiding beacon for ships since its construction in 1848. We’d been up a handful of times before – my first was during that visit I mentioned at the start and we’ve also been up a few times since. Climbing to the top of the lighthouse, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. 

It comes as no surprise that the fishing industry plays a vital role in the community’s livelihood. The smell of freshly caught seafood wafts through the air. You can’t go wrong with a meal or a snack from Fish & More. They also have a bakery next door for dessert!

If you’re not in the mood to explore, meet locals, catch or eat fish, that’s ok. The serenity of this place is everything. We wandered, sure, but I read an entire book, completed a 1000 piece puzzle and ate and drank and took in the stillness. So you could say there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy 🙂

Our trip to Struisbaai and Cape Agulhas was an unforgettable journey filled with natural beauty, history, and the vibrant spirit of the locals. From the meeting point of two mighty oceans to the enduring legacy of the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, this corner of South Africa is a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. As we bid farewell to this enchanting place, we carried with us not only cherished memories but also a deeper appreciation for the remarkable diversity and beauty of our world.

It’s quite a drive back to Cape Town but thankfully there are lots of small towns, farm stalls and cafés to stop for refreshment and to refuel. We found a lovely spot in Napier. They boast a beautiful garden making it the perfect spot if you’re traveling with your dog and their flexible system means you can either have a home-made meal served home-style or grab something from their deli including fresh pies, quiches and other bakes.

I’d love to hear if any of your childhood excursions led to a special love for a place or town.

Have you been to the southern-most tip of Africa?

We’d so appreciate your comments and feedback as we continue to build this community of wanderers and celebrate all that our beautiful world has to offer and enjoy.

Until then,