The real southernmost point of Africa, Cape Agulhus is the place were the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans meet. It is located in Agulhus National Park about 200 km south-east from Cape Town that covers an area of 20,959 hectares. This is a windswept, rugged place, feared by seafarers. And for a reason, since many shipwrecks dot the area. This area is also known for its birdlife with a choice of fynbos, wetland and coastal birds like flamingos, Damara terns, Blue cranes and African oystercatchers. It is rich in marine life and contains more than 1750 botanical species.
L'Agulhas is the southernmost town in Africa and is located close to the point where the two oceans meet. Early Portuguese seafarers called it the Golfo de Agulhus (Gulf of Needles) which later, under the French influence, became L'Agulhus. It refers to the rocky coastline that is so dangerous to ships navigating it and to the fact that a compass needle shows no deviation here between true north and magnetic north.
The survivors of shipwrecks came from many nationalities and settled around here giving the area its rich heritage.
Things to do:
Visit the southernmost tip of Africa where the two oceans meet - Cape Agulhus.
Watch out for Southern Right Whales during its breeding season.
Photograph the wreck of the Meisho Maru (1982) on the Suiderstrand road
Climb to the top of Cape Agulhus lighthouse and visit the museum inside.
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