Last reviewed: August 2026

Cape Point is one of the finest day trips from Simon's Town. The route follows the southern Cape Peninsula through coastal landscapes before entering the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park. It rewards an early start, sensible footwear and enough time to explore beyond the main viewpoint.

Driving from Simon's Town to Cape Point

The journey is straightforward and scenic, but travel times vary with traffic, wildlife and stops along the way. Leave early during summer, weekends and public holidays. Mobile reception is uneven in parts of the reserve, so download your route before departure and keep the park map available.

Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope are separate landmarks within the same protected area. The famous sign at the Cape of Good Hope marks the south-western tip of the African continent. Cape Point lies farther east and is known for its cliffs, lighthouse viewpoints and funicular.

Do the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet here?

The idea that two oceans meet in a neat line at Cape Point is a popular tourism story, not a precise geographic fact. The officially recognised meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian oceans is Cape Agulhas. Around Cape Point, changing currents and water masses create a dynamic marine environment without a fixed visible boundary.

The Cape Point lighthouses

The old lighthouse stands high above the point and can be reached on foot or by the Flying Dutchman Funicular. Its elevated position often left it obscured by cloud, which contributed to the construction of the newer lighthouse lower down the cliffs. The lower lighthouse remains an important navigational light and is viewed from the lighthouse trail rather than the upper platform.

The funicular fare is separate from the national park entrance fee. Prices and operating conditions change, so confirm both the gate tariff and funicular cost on the official Cape Point website before travelling.

Walks and viewpoints

Upper lighthouse viewpoint: an accessible first stop with broad views across the peninsula.
Lighthouse Keeper's Trail: a dramatic route towards the lower lighthouse viewpoint. Allow extra time and avoid exposed sections in severe wind.
Cape of Good Hope: visit the sign and coastline, then consider the trail linking it with Cape Point if conditions and fitness allow.
Diaz Beach viewpoint: admire the beach from above. Strong currents and the remote setting make it unsuitable for casual swimming.

Practical Cape Point advice

Bring drinking water, sun protection, a windproof layer and comfortable shoes. Weather can change quickly, even on a clear morning. Baboons are wild and can be dangerous around food. Keep vehicle windows closed when they are nearby, never feed them, and follow ranger instructions.

Swimming should be limited to designated areas when conditions permit. The coastline is exposed and currents are powerful. Stay behind barriers at cliff viewpoints and keep children close.

Do you need a car for Cape Point?

Self-driving is the most flexible option because the reserve covers a large area and the main viewpoints are spread out. It lets you adjust for wind, cloud and wildlife, and it makes picnic areas and quieter stops easier to include. If you prefer not to drive, book a guided tour or trusted private transfer in advance rather than expecting frequent public transport inside the reserve.

Where should you stay for an early Cape Point visit?

Choose Simon's Town if Cape Point, Boulders Beach and the False Bay coast are priorities. Starting on the southern Peninsula reduces the amount of city traffic before you reach the reserve and makes an early departure more practical.

Choose central Cape Town if Table Mountain, the city bowl, museums and nightlife are the main focus and Cape Point is only one day of the trip. Travellers who want both can split their stay between the city and Simon's Town.

Aqua Terra Guesthouse overlooks False Bay and offers breakfast and secure onsite parking, making it a practical base for a self-drive Cape Point day. Read our split-stay guide if you are deciding between one base and two.

Browse our accommodation in Simon's Town, combine the day with our Boulders Beach penguin guide, or check available rooms below.

Check availability