Seagulls screech as they swoop past a lonely lighthouse set on the bleak and rugged coast. A graveyard of shipwrecks is a grim reminder of the power unleashed by the Atlantic and inian oceans as they hurl themselves at one another at this southernmost tip of Africa. Little wonder the aptly named 'Cape of Storms' struck fear in the hearts of the ancient mariners. The rich plant diversity of the Agulhas National Park, which amounts to some 2 000 indigenous species including more than 110 Red Data Book spicies, thrives in the Mediterraneanlike climate. The Agulhas Plain is home to a variety of wetlands, as well as the endangered Cape platanna and the micro frog. Rare coastal birds such as the African black oystercatcher and Damara tern find the windy coastline and nearby islands ideal for breeding and the unique limestone fynbos thrives on the 450 mm annual rainfall.

Facilities and Activities

The limestone lighthouse houses Africa's only lighthouse museum, as well as the Cape Agulhas Restaurant, where refreshments are served. Visitors can also view the ancient tidal fish traps constructed by the Khoi-Khoi people. Although the park is still being developed and no campsites or accommodation are available, the nearby towns of L'Agulhas and Struisbaai offer facilities and water sports such as swimming and angling .

How to get there

Cape Agulhas is approximately 230 km from Cape Town and be reached via Caledon (R316) or Swellendam (R 319).