Hotels near Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point form the dramatic southern end of the Cape Peninsula 60 km south of central Cape Town - the storied headland Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias first rounded in 1488 to open the sea route to Asia. The Cape Point lighthouse sits on a 250-metre cliff with vertigo-inducing Indian Ocean views; the Cape of Good Hope sign 2 km west is the obligatory photograph. The Cape Point reserve is part of Table Mountain National Park (UNESCO-listed).

The Flying Dutchman Funicular (95 ZAR return) climbs from the car park to the lighthouse; or walk the 145-step path. Wildlife in the reserve includes Cape mountain zebras, eland, ostriches, baboons (be wary - they steal food), and 250+ bird species. Park admission 400 ZAR adults. Open daily 06:00-18:00. Most travellers visit as part of a Cape Peninsula day tour from Cape Town (1200-1800 ZAR per person).

Pro Tip: Hike the Cape Point to Cape of Good Hope coastal trail (45 minutes one way) for the most dramatic views and far fewer crowds than the lighthouse car park. The Flying Dutchman Funicular is fun but the hill walk to the lighthouse is short and easier.