Agulhas National Park

About Agulhas National Park

Nestled on the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, the Agulhas National Park is known popularly for its archaeological significance and rich diversity of flora. This nature reserve is packed with a plethora of fascinating elements, such as shipwrecks, ecological habitats, remnants of ancient settlements, cultural heritage, rugged landscapes, wetlands, and national monuments.

Serving as a nature conservation area, the Agulhas National Park is home to a myriad of endangered flora and fauna, including a diverse range of marine and intertidal life. Some of the commonly spotted creatures in this national park include African Black Oystercatcher, Southern Right Whales, and Cape Plantana.

The Agulhas National Park offers a myriad of fun and thrilling activities to enjoy, including hiking, birding, whale watching, swimming, fishing, kitesurfing, and nature walks. The national park is also well-facilitated with a number of comfortable accommodation options including rest camps, self-catering cottages, homesteads, and chalets. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars inside the premises of the national park.

Agulhas National Park Flora & Fauna

Flora

The Agulhas National Park features a total of 11 different vegetation zones with each sheltering its own unique species of plants. The plains are home to more than 2,000 species of plants including fynbos and renosterveld. One of the most commonly spotted plants is the Bot River Protea that blooms between the months of April and July and has a rich pinkish red color. Other plant life witnessed in the national park include restios, watsonias, proteas, and leucadendrons.

Fauna

The Agulhas National Park is home to a number of fascinating mammals, including Common Eland, Red Hartebeest, Bontebok, Cape Grysbok, Steenbok, and Grey Rhebok. The national park also makes for a significant habitat for animals like Cape Clawless Otter, Caracal, and Honey Badger. The park also shelters interesting marine creatures such as dolphins, southern right whales, and Cape Fur Seals. Geyser Rock and Dyer Island are crucial breeding sites for African penguins, cormorants, and kelp gulls.

Agulhas National Park Tour Packages

Cape Agulhas Full Day Private Tour from Cape Town

Take a full-day trip from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas and enjoy a chance to see the confluence of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. Check out one of the most ancient lighthouses of South Africa, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. Explore one of the largest colonies of African penguins followed by land-based whale watching in Hermanus.

  • Inclusions: Private Tour Guide/Driver and Private Vehicle, hotel pickup & drop off, Entrance fees to Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Bottled water, Entrance fees to Stony Point Penguins colony
  • Price: USD 147.65


Must Checkout: South Africa Safari Tour Packages

Cape Agulhas Small Group Tour

Take this small group tour of Cape Agulhas, guided by a knowledgeable professional guide and get to experience Agulhas like never before. Marvel at the breathtaking rugged beauty of the picturesque Cape Agulhas and check out the southernmost tip of Africa, which is better known as the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. See the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and get back to Cape Town through Hermanus, the famous whale-watching town.

  • Inclusions: Professional guide, hotel pickup & drop off, Entrance fees to Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

  • Price: USD 121.62

Cape Agulhas Full Day Tour

With this package, start from Cape Town and enjoy a scenic drive to the southernmost tip of Africa. On the way, soak in the dramatic landscapes, including pine forests, mountains, oceans, small towns, and charming villages. Spend the day exploring a myriad of attractions, such as Sir Lowry's Pass, Steenbras Dam, Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, and the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp.

  • Inclusions: Driver/guide, hotel pickup & drop off, fuel, transport by air-conditioned minivan

  • Price: USD 120.24

Full-Day Private Tour of Cape Agulhas Western Cape South Africa with Penguins

Enjoy a full-day private tour of Cape Agulhas in a super comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle. After getting picked up from central Cape Town, head to Betty’s Bay and spend some time watching the colony of fascinating African penguins. Continue your tour and explore the southernmost tip of Africa Cape Agulhas, Gordon’s Bay, and L'Agulhas town. Enjoy a scenic photo stop at the picturesque viewpoints on Clarence Drive coastal road.

  • Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Price: USD 150.33

Cape Agulhas Tour - Southern Tip of Africa

Take this tour to Agulhas and enjoy the lifetime’s worth of experience of standing on the edge of the world and soaking in the sight of the two mighty oceans - the Indian and the Atlantic oceans. In the course of the drive, enjoy a scenic photo stop at the picturesque Sir Lowry’s Pass. Next, head to Stony Point Nature Reserve and spend time watching the colony of African penguins. Finally, get a chance to explore an age-old shipwreck at a historic shipwreck museum.

  • Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

  • Price: USD 214.92

Cape Agulhas - Stony Point Nature Reserve

Get picked up and head to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. Explore the rugged mesmerizing beauty of Cape Agulhas and visit prime attractions like Shipwreck Museum and Struisbaai Beach. Next, head to Stony Point Nature Reserve and spend time watching the colony of African penguins. Enjoy a scenic photo stop at the picturesque Sir Lowry’s Pass

  • Inclusions: Bottled water, driver/guide, hotel transfer, transport

  • Price: USD 184.05

Things to Do at Agulhas National Park

Spend Some Time Birdwatching

Birding happens to be one of the most popular activities in the Agulhas National Park, thanks to the umpteen species of fascinating birds that reside here. On your bird watching tour, you can spot a wide array of colorful birds, including but not limited to blue cranes, sunbirds, Damara terns, Denham’s bustard, flamingos, African marsh-harrier, martial eagle, African fish-eagle, lanner falcon, jackal buzzard, and Cape sugarbird.


Suggested Read: Things to Do in South Africa

Climb Up the Lighthouse

Climb to the top of the second oldest lighthouse in Southern Africa, Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, built back in 1848. Marvel at the three-storeyed design of this lighthouse, made up entirely of locally quarried limestone. Once you climb up the 71 steps of the lighthouse, soak in the mesmerizing 360-degree panoramic views of the surreal vistas. After you are done, return to the ground level and visit the small museum there to get an insight of the history and architecture of the lighthouse.


Also Read: Places to Visit in South Africa

Explore Some Native Flora

One of the most recommended things to do at Agulhas National Park for plant lovers is exploring the native flora. This place is home to bountiful species of fynbos, most of which bloom between the months of May and September, though the area is covered with some flowers or the other throughout the year. You can see umpteen species of plant life, including but not limited to restios, watsonias, proteas, and leucadendrons.

Check Out the Fascinating Wildlife

When you are at the Agulhas National Park, the most obvious suggestion is to explore its fascinating wildlife. Although the national park is much more famous for things other than its animals, it has got some watch-worthy species to see like otters, genet, shrews, hare, mongoose, and porcupine. You must also keep your eyes open for some cute marine creatures such as seals, dolphins, and whales.

Go Hiking

If you want some adrenaline, go hiking through any of the two trails of the national park - The Two Oceans Trail and The Rasperpunt Trail. The 10.5km circular Two Oceans Trail has two shorter options of 4.5km and 3 km and as its name suggests, it offers breathtaking views of the Indian and Atlantic oceans. This moderately flat trail is known for its beautiful native fynbos spread all along. The 5.5km circular Rasperpunt Trail has steep inclines and stones and is perfect for seasoned hikers seeking some challenges.

Investigate a Shipwreck

As a matter of fact, more than 200 shipwrecks have taken place in this area till date. One of the most highlighted shipwreck is the 1982 Meisho Maru wreck, which has left the remnants of a Japanese tuna ship. You can also explore other wrecks like that of Birkenhead and Arniston that happened along this daunting coastline in the early 19th century.

Lodges and Camps in Agulhas National Park

Agulhas Rest Camp

Lying at a distance of 10.3km from the famous Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Agulhas Rest Camp features 4 four-bedded and 4 two-bedded well-furnished self-catering chalets. There are two types of chalets - the family chalet that sleeps 4 guests and the basic chalet that sleeps 2 guests. Each chalet also has a fully functional kitchen, well-equipped with a fridge, stove, and microwave.

  • Amenities: Fan, bar fridge, Balcony/patio, kitchen, BBQ facilities
  • Price: 76.23 USD


Also Check: South Africa Safari Lodges

Lagoon House

Having the capacity to accommodate up to 8 guests, Lagoon House is known to offer spectacular views of nature. The guesthouse consists of a total of 4 bedrooms, 2 inside the house and the other 2 in the external entrance area. There is a fully functional kitchen well-equipped with a fridge and a microwave and an 8-seater dining area. There is also a shared bathroom, a patio, and a lounge overlooking the sea.

  • Amenities: Dining area, kitchen, BBQ facilities, garage
Rhenosterkop Guest Cottages

Lying 100 meters away from the lighthouse, Rhenosterkop Guest Cottages is a super affordable and immensely comfortable accommodation option for all types of travelers. The property features two types of cottages - the Rhenosterkop Cottage that sleeps 2 guests and Rhenosterkop Family Cottage that sleeps 4 guests. The property is also well-facilitated with solar panels for lighting and cooking.

  • Amenities: Hot water, Refrigerator, solar panels, toilet & shower

  • Price: USD 53.79

Agulhas Country Lodge

One of the most luxurious accommodation options inside the Agulhas National Park, the Agulhas Country Lodge features 8 en-suite bedrooms - Birkenhead, Joanna, The Border, Zoetendal, Le Centaur, Nicobar, Schoonberg or the Brederode Suite. The lodge also has an in-house restaurant and fully stocked bar to let the guests enjoy some lip-smacking culinary pleasures while soaking in the views of the ocean.

  • Amenities: Jacuzzi baths, satellite television, heaters, tea and coffee facilities, air-conditioning
Springfield Farm

Declared as a Provincial Heritage Site, the Springfield Farm lies deep inside the Agulhas National Park. This well-adorned guesthouse features three types of rooms - the dairy house that sleeps 2 guests, the gallery house that sleeps 4 guests, and the peacock that has the capacity to accommodate 4 guests. All the rooms have a huge lounge area and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

  • Amenities: Kitchen, lounge, Balcony/patio, Tea and Coffee Facilities, Bar Fridge

  • Price: USD 54.87

Plan Your Visit to Agulhas National Park

Essential Information
What to Pack
Health and Safety Tips

How to Reach

  • By Car

The Agulhas National Park is located at a distance of 210 kilometers from Cape Town. You can drive along the N2 highway towards Port Elizabeth and then pass through Bredasdorp to finally reach the national park.

  • By Air

The closest airport to the Agulhas National Park is the Cape Town International Airport. Once you reach there, hire a car and take a 2 hour ride to the national park.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of the year to visit the Agulhas National Park is between the months of May and September. During this time of the year, you can see abundant floral blooms in the park and take hiking tours. The months between June and September are also perfect for spotting the southern right whale.

  • Binoculars

  • A light-weight, waterproof rain jacket

  • Hiking boots

  • Quick-dry shorts and lightweight long-sleeve shirts

  • Sunscreen with good SPF

  • A large reusable water bottle

  • Camera

  • A personal medical kit

  • Cash

  • Important documents like passport, tickets, visas, travel insurance, and emergency contact information

  • Carry some dry foods and plenty of water as you will have to do a lot of walking and would need to re-energize yourself.

  • Wear a sturdy pair of shoes that is suitable for all kinds of terrains.

  • To avoid disappointment, remember to book your visit in advance as the national park remains booked almost throughout the year.

  • Carry a tube of sunscreen as you would want to keep yourself from getting sun tanned due to the long day of activities in the national park.

FAQ’s of Agulhas National Park

What activities can we do at Agulhas National Park camps?

  • Picnicking and barbeque
  • Hiking trips
  • Bird watching
  • Whale watching
  • Fynbos walks
  • 4X4 trails
  • Nature trails
  • Photography
  • Kayaking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Kitesurfing

How many days do you need in Agulhas National Park?

2 days are enough to explore the Agulhas National Park. On your two days trip to the national park, you can engage in all the fun activities at the national park and also enjoy camping overnight.

What is the best time of year to visit the Agulhas National Park?

The best time of the year to visit the Agulhas National Park is between the months of May and September. During this time of the year, you can see abundant floral blooms in the park and take hiking tours. The months between June and September are also perfect for spotting the southern right whale.

What facilities will I get in Agulhas National Park camps?

  • Heater
  • Air-conditioning
  • Towels and linens
  • Mountain view rooms
  • Fireplace
  • Garden
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Tea and coffee marker
  • Dining area
  • Fully-functional open kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Bbq facilities
  • Viewing deck
  • Balcony/patio

Which are the best places to visit around Agulhas National Park?

  • The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse
  • Strandveld Vineyards
  • Langezandt Fishermen's Village
  • Struisbaai Main Beach
  • Southernmost tip of Africa
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