Cape Agulhas 
Cape Agulhas (lat. 34°50'S) is the southernmost point in the Republic of South Africa and on the African continent. Here, at the "Cape of Needles", the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean meet.
Origin of name
There are different explanations of the name "Cape of Needles". One view is that it was so called because at this point the compass needles of the early Portuguese navigators pointed due north; others think that the name refers to the sharp reefs off the coast.
Origin of name
There are different explanations of the name "Cape of Needles". One view is that it was so called because at this point the compass needles of the early Portuguese navigators pointed due north; others think that the name refers to the sharp reefs off the coast.
|
Must-see attractions nearby:
|
Topography
The scenery at South Africa's southern tip is not particularly spectacular. The shingle beaches have a very gentle gradient, and offshore extends the Agulhas Bank. For a distance of 250km/155mi the sea is nowhere deeper than 110m/360ft, and then it suddenly plunges steeply down into the depths. The sea in this area is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world.
The scenery at South Africa's southern tip is not particularly spectacular. The shingle beaches have a very gentle gradient, and offshore extends the Agulhas Bank. For a distance of 250km/155mi the sea is nowhere deeper than 110m/360ft, and then it suddenly plunges steeply down into the depths. The sea in this area is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the world.
Related Attractions
Hotagterklip, South Africa
(Near Struisbaai)
The fishing village of Hotagterklip, 2km/1.25mi north of Struisbaai, is a favorite subject with South African painters. Some of the old fishermen's cottages have been restored and are now protected as national monuments.
Agulhas, South Africa
5km/3mi east of the cape is the little settlement of Agulhas, with modern holiday apartments and a few shops. The coast at this point is rocky and not particularly attractive.
Lighthouse
The lighthouse, now a museum, was built in 1848 and is the second oldest in South Africa. A radio beacon warns ships rounding the Cape.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | 9:30 | Closed | 9:30 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 11:30 |
Struisbaai, South Africa
8km/5mi northeast of Cape Agulhas is Struisbaai, which has a beautiful beach for bathers, fishermen and shell collectors.
