Cape Point Lighthouse Walk

About Cape Point Lighthouse Walk

Start: parking lot at Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
Finish: parking lot
Duration: 2 km return
Fitness: easy, children can do the walk
Our tip: your Wild Card will gain you entrance to this and many other conservation areas in South Africa

Cape Point Lighthouse walk and on to Cape of Good Hope - This is one of the highlights of any visit to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. After entering the reserve head to the parking lot.

There are paths to both the old and new lighthouses at Cape Point. The walk to the old lighthouse is short but steep, along a well hewn path. You also have the alternative of taking the funicular railway, for children or those who cannot walk any distance this is rather exciting.

The old lighthouse has stood here since 1860 serving as a warning to those rounding 'the fairest Cape'. The 360 degree views from up here, and from any viewpoint on the walk to the top, are pretty spectacular.

The new lighthouse is another series of steps down from the old one, a right turn through a gate, and an interesting walk past the old lighthouse cottages. This takes you to the False Bay side of the cliffs.

This path takes you away from the crowds and offers alternative views.

If you want to add an hour or two to your hike, take the cliff path from Cape Point to the Cape of Good Hope. The latter part of it is boardwalk and the path easy to follow, and yet it is one of the best kept secrets of the reserve. It begins close to the toilets of the parking lot, in the opposite direction from the lighthouse, and wends its way through fynbos with views out over Dias Beach.

A rather steep set of stairs will take you down to Dias beach at one point, and you can break your walk to do this, but it is not very safe (rather head to Venus Pool, a natural tidal pool on the False Bay side – follow the sign to Bordjiesrif from the main road - if you're after a swim).

It is not a difficult trail, but it is fairly far, so do not set out without water or snacks and a sun hat.