Cape Point: A Deep Dive
Cape Point sits at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa, 60 kilometres south of Cape Town. It is widely mislabelled as the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans (that distinction belongs to Cape Agulhas, 150 km east). The Cape Point cliff drops 250 metres to the open sea.
Geology
The peninsula is composed of Cape Granite Suite intrusions (Cape Town side) and Table Mountain Sandstone (Cape Point and the cliffs). The sandstone formed 450-500 million years ago in shallow seas; the peninsula was uplifted during the breakup of Gondwana 100 million years ago. The vertical sea cliffs are a result of marine erosion of the harder Table Mountain Sandstone.
The lighthouses
Two lighthouses stand on Cape Point. The original 1860 lighthouse at 249 metres elevation is often shrouded in cloud, leading to ships' crews missing it. After several wrecks, the lower 1919 lighthouse was built at 87 metres above sea level, below the typical cloud base. Both lighthouses are accessible by funicular and walking paths.
The viewing area
The main viewpoint above the lower lighthouse offers a 270-degree panorama: south over the open Atlantic toward Antarctica (4,300 km away), east toward False Bay, and west toward the Atlantic Cape coast. On a clear day, the curvature of the horizon is visible.
Access and wildlife
Cape Point is part of the Table Mountain National Park (formerly the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve). Drive-in from Cape Town. Wildlife includes baboons (often aggressive — secure food), ostriches, bontebok, and seabirds. The southern right whale migration brings whales close to the cape from June to November.
Combining with Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope (a separate but adjacent point) is 1.5 km west of Cape Point. The two are commonly visited together; the iconic "Cape of Good Hope" sign for photographs is at the lower elevation point.
Best timing
Morning visits give the clearest weather; the southeast wind ("Cape Doctor") arrives by midday in summer. Winter (June-August) has more weather variability but cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Explore on the map
Cape Point is the southern anchor of the Cape Peninsula viewpoint chain, with Table Mountain at the northern end. Browse the interactive map for the peninsula's other viewpoints, including Chapman's Peak Drive and Boulders Beach (penguin colony).