Cape Point Lighthouse, Cape Town - Cape Point Lighthouse
1 / 10

Cape Point Lighthouse

4.7
·826 reviews·Cape Town, South Africa

Witness the dramatic meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from the iconic New Cape Point Lighthouse, a beacon of history and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy serene views

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cape Point Lighthouse, Cape Town - Cape Point Lighthouse

Cape Point Lighthouse

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds and enjoy serene views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness the dramatic meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans from the iconic New Cape Point Lighthouse, a beacon of history and natural beauty.

4.7
(826 reviews)

"The New Cape Point Lighthouse offers panoramic views of rugged cliffs and vast oceans, a must-see in Cape Town."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Toll Fee & Entrance

There's a toll fee to enter the reserve. Budget for it!

🚡 Funicular Ride

Take the funicular for an easy trip up to the lighthouse.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New Cape Point Lighthouse

New Cape Point Lighthouse

Cape Point

The brightest lighthouse in South Africa, offering stunning panoramic views of the meeting oceans.

Flying Dutchman Funicular

Flying Dutchman Funicular

Base of the lighthouse trail

A fun and convenient ride to the lighthouse, offering scenic vistas along the way.

Two Oceans Meet

Two Oceans Meet

Cape Point

Witness the dramatic confluence of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, a truly unique natural spectacle.

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Cape Point Nature Reserve has a toll fee and can get crowded, especially during peak season. Arrive early to maximize your visit and beat the rush to the lighthouse. Check the weather forecast; it can be windy and unpredictable.

Getting to the Top

While the walk to the New Cape Point Lighthouse is manageable for most, consider the funicular for an easier ascent. The reserve itself requires driving, so plan your route and factor in potential traffic, especially on weekends.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and enjoy serene views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring (Sept-Nov)
Why
Pleasant weather, blooming fynbos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What to do in Capetown👇🏻 📍Boulders Beach - entry 8$. The actual beach is not the main entrance, you just need to keep walking to avoid the tourists. 📍Cape Point - easy to get by car, there will be a toll fee to enter (10$). You can climb the mountain or take the cable car. 📍Chapmans Peak Drive - 15min from city center. There will be a 1$ toll fee to enter and to leave. And it’s just beautiful. E...
@marcreator_
6.3K likes • 106.1K views

🚗 Toll Fee & Entrance

There's a toll fee to enter the reserve. Budget for it! TikTok+1

🚡 Funicular Ride

Take the funicular for an easy trip up to the lighthouse. Reddit

📍Cape Point Nature Reserve Adults - R105 | Children - R55 #capepoint #activitiesincapetown #southafrica #thingstodo #hike #views #capetown #capepointnaturereserve
@bianca.barry.23
3.6K likes • 103.9K views
𝓔𝓷𝓰𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓱 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓸𝔀 Der „Neue“ und 2. Leuchtturm am Kap der guten Hoffnung. Nach einem verheerenden Schiffsunglück im Jahr 1911 wurde ein zweiter, tiefer gelegener Leuchtturm erbaut. Der Leuchtturm ist der hellste Südafrikas und gibt alle 30 Sekunden Lichtsignale ab. Die beiden Leuchttürme sind durch den “Lighthouse Keeper’s Trail”, einen 3,5 km langen Wanderweg, verbunden. Sehr empfehlenswert! The...
our.trips.and.travel
459 likes • 0 views

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear good walking shoes for exploring the trails and lighthouse area. Instagram

☀️ Check the Weather

It can get windy and cold. Dress in layers! Reddit

🌊✨ Cape Point isn’t the southernmost tip of Africa (that’s Cape Agulhas!), but it’s where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, creating incredible views and rich marine life. 🌍💙 Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famous for its historic lighthouse, unique plants, and the Flying Dutchman funicular ride to the top. 🚡🌿 A must-see when visiting Cape Town! #CapePoint #CapeTown #SouthAfrica #Tr...
malihah.elaslan
51 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Toll Fee & Entrance

There's a toll fee to enter the reserve. Budget for it! TikTok+1

🚡 Funicular Ride

Take the funicular for an easy trip up to the lighthouse. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear good walking shoes for exploring the trails and lighthouse area. Instagram

☀️ Check the Weather

It can get windy and cold. Dress in layers! Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early

Maximize your day by getting there at opening. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(826 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views from the New Cape Point Lighthouse and the dramatic scenery where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The funicular ride is a popular and convenient way to reach the top. However, some find the site very crowded, especially during peak season, and note that the area can be small and packed.

"Stunning place, the panoramic view is awesome! Next time we will come back and do the complete walk, but I do recommend the little train as well!"

Lars Maatman

"All very breathtaking and the funicular is a fun but laboured ride. Wish they accepted cash almost fainted from dehydration out there but otherwise good 😊"

Steph Kapfunde

"The New Cape Point Lighthouse, perched atop Cape Point, offers panoramic views of rugged cliffs, vast oceans, and the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Built in 1919, it replaced the old lighthouse for better visibility. A must-visit for history, nature, and incredible photo opportunities in Cape Town’s Cape Peninsula."

Oleg Potkin

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Meeting of two oceans
Scenic funicular ride

What People Dislike

Overcrowding
Small, packed site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cape Point Lighthouse is accessible by car within the Cape Point Nature Reserve. There's a toll fee to enter the reserve. TikTok+1 Once inside, you'll drive to the main parking area near the lighthouse. The drive from Cape Town can take about an hour to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. Reddit

Public transport options are limited and not very convenient for reaching Cape Point. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is generally recommended for ease of access. TikTok

From Cape Town, take the M4/M6 along the coast towards Hout Bay, then follow the M42 and M65 through Scarborough and Misty Cliffs. Continue on the M65 which becomes the Cape Point Road, leading directly to the reserve entrance. TikTok

The drive from Cape Town to Cape Point Nature Reserve typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on your starting point and traffic conditions. Reddit

Yes, Chapman's Peak Drive offers spectacular coastal views and is a scenic route. There is a toll fee for this drive. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is an entrance fee for Cape Point Nature Reserve. For adults, it's R105, and for children, it's R55 (as of recent information). TikTok It's advisable to check the official SANParks website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While not always explicitly stated for the reserve, purchasing tickets in advance online is often a good strategy for popular attractions to save time. Check the SANParks website for any online booking options. Reddit

The reserve typically opens early, around 7 AM, and closes around 5 PM. Reddit It's best to confirm these hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. Arriving early is recommended to make the most of your day. Reddit

Yes, the entrance fee to the Cape Point Nature Reserve covers access to the lighthouse and the surrounding areas. The funicular ride to the lighthouse has a separate fee. Reddit

Discounts may be available for South African residents or specific groups. It's worth checking the SANParks website or inquiring at the entrance gate for any applicable concessions. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can walk up to the lighthouse from the parking lot, which takes about 15-20 minutes and involves some stairs. Reddit Alternatively, you can take the Flying Dutchman Funicular, a short ride that brings you very close to the lighthouse. InstagramReddit

The walk is considered moderately easy, with some uphill sections and stairs. It's generally manageable for most visitors, but taking it slow is advised. InstagramReddit

The Flying Dutchman Funicular is a short, scenic ride that transports visitors from the parking area to a point near the New Cape Point Lighthouse. Instagram

You can see the New Cape Point Lighthouse, enjoy panoramic ocean views, witness where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the Cape Peninsula. InstagramReddit

Yes, there are several hiking trails, including the Lighthouse Keeper's Trail connecting the old and new lighthouses. Instagram Some beach walks are also available on the western side. Reddit

Cape Point Nature Reserve is generally considered safe due to its access control and entrance fees. Reddit However, as with any natural area, normal precautions apply. Stick to main tourist areas if you're alone, and for longer hikes, it's best to go with someone. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The area around the New Cape Point Lighthouse offers incredible panoramic views for photos. Instagram The viewpoint where the two oceans meet is also a prime spot. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer light for photography and fewer crowds. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and nature reserves to protect wildlife and visitor experience. It's best to check the specific regulations for Cape Point Nature Reserve before flying a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting wildlife. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing ocean and sky colors. Instagram

The viewing platform at the New Cape Point Lighthouse is the main attraction. There are also various points along the drive and walking paths that offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cape Point Nature Reserve offers a fantastic family outing. The Flying Dutchman Funicular is a hit with children, making the trip to the lighthouse exciting and easy. InstagramReddit Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options inside the reserve are limited. Keep a close eye on children, especially near the cliffs and if encountering baboons, as they can be bold. Reddit The reserve is a great place for kids to learn about nature and see unique flora and fauna. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

Cape Point Nature Reserve is generally safe for solo travelers, especially around the main tourist areas like the lighthouse and funicular. Reddit The entrance fee acts as a deterrent for petty crime. Reddit If you plan to hike longer trails or explore more remote beaches, it's advisable to go with a companion or join a guided group for added safety. Reddit Enjoy the stunning views and the sense of adventure! Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Cape Point is a photographer's dream, offering dramatic landscapes and unique natural phenomena. The panoramic views from the lighthouse are unparalleled, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Instagram Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the ocean and coastline. Instagram Be prepared for changing weather conditions, which can add to the dramatic atmosphere of your shots. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lighthouses of Cape Point

Cape Point is home to two lighthouses, each with a unique history. The Old Cape Point Lighthouse, built in 1860, sits at the highest point and is no longer in active use due to frequent fog and strong winds obscuring its light. It now serves as a museum and offers incredible views. Instagram

The New Cape Point Lighthouse, completed in 1919, is located at a lower, more sheltered elevation. It's the most powerful lighthouse in South Africa, emitting a bright flash every 30 seconds, and is crucial for guiding ships along this treacherous coastline. Instagram The two lighthouses are connected by the scenic 'Lighthouse Keeper's Trail', a 3.5 km walk that's highly recommended for those who enjoy hiking. Instagram

Visitors often marvel at the contrast between the two structures and the dramatic history that led to the construction of the second lighthouse. The views from both are spectacular, offering a glimpse into the maritime importance of this region. Instagram

Navigating the Cape Point Nature Reserve

The Cape Point Nature Reserve is part of the larger Table Mountain National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's a vast area known for its unique fynbos vegetation, diverse wildlife, and dramatic coastal scenery. Instagram The reserve requires an entrance fee, which contributes to its conservation. TikTokReddit

Upon entering, you'll drive towards the main attraction: the lighthouse. The roads within the reserve are generally well-maintained, but it's important to be aware of wildlife, particularly baboons, which are known to approach vehicles and picnic areas. Secure your food and belongings to avoid any unwanted encounters. Reddit

Beyond the lighthouse, the reserve offers opportunities for beach walks on the western side and tidal pools. Reddit Remember to check the weather, as it can change rapidly, and always inform someone of your hiking plans if venturing onto less-trafficked trails. Reddit

The Meeting of the Oceans

While Cape Point is famously known as the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, it's important to clarify that the actual southernmost tip of Africa is Cape Agulhas. Instagram However, Cape Point offers a dramatic and visually stunning representation of this confluence. The currents from both oceans create unique marine ecosystems and contribute to the rich biodiversity of the area. Instagram

This meeting point is not a distinct line in the water but rather a dynamic zone where the characteristics of both oceans influence the environment. Visitors can experience the raw power of the ocean from the clifftops, with waves crashing against the rugged coastline. Instagram The rich marine life here makes it a significant area for conservation efforts. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2