The Southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet was our resting place on the 2nd night of this journey. The dramatic, rugged, windswept coastline with its incredible scrub offers a weary visitor a place of tranquility. And there, we planted our own four feet, on the Southernmost tip of Africa.
The drive here, called the Whale Coast (because December – June the Right Whales come to birth their babies), took us through The Overberg towns of Hermanus, Gansbaai and Pearly Beach where we stopped for a peanut butter sandwich luncheon overlooking kelp beds washing up on white sandy shores. We then took a wrong turn that 1) was a gorgeous gravel road nestled in a bucolic landscape dotted with active birdlife and 2) an accidental shortcut.
Our drive to Alguhas
Standing on the southernmost tip of South Africa at Cape Alguhas
The Lighthouse at Cape Alguhas – 2R/person to climb
Agulhas National Park Restcamp
We stayed at the Agulhas National Park Restcamp, chalet #8 approximately $90.00/US. If hindsight really is 20-20 then our perfect vision would have included an additional night’s stay at this place.
Cleanliness: 6
Not one issue. Our chalet was in stellar condition.
General Accommodations: 6
Wow. We were blown away by this place. We had what we believe to be the best chalet, #8, at the end of the line. But visitor beware, they are building two more, which I assume will be #9 and 10. This chalet was amazing, one of my favorite places of lodging anywhere. With plenty of space between cabins, we had ample privacy hearing only the ocean and birds.
General Environs: 6
Perfect setting. Quiet. Sea and sky. Need we say much more? We love Love LOve LOVe LOVE this place. Promptly after unloading the car, we set out to explore the area. The marine-green sea was rich with kelp beds, Cormorants flapping wildly overhead, waves competing for loudest splash and brilliant white sand. I saw some of the most unique shells and rocks I’ve ever seen in my life. The vegetation is called Fynbos which is a distinctive type of vegetation found only on the southern tip of Africa. It includes a wide range of plant species, particularly small heatherlike trees and shrubs.
A maze-like trail, The Two Oceans Hiking Trail, was settled against the rugged sea and wrapped perfectly like a beautiful gift by the desert scrub. This beach was pristine compared to many others we’ve visited. And still, we stumbled upon and picked up the bits of rubbish that found their way into dried kelp beds. The ugly litter paled in comparison to the unique shells and perfectly round rocks.
Exploring Alguhas Beach
And then there came the sunset. Aye dios mio. We could hardly believe our good fortune to be at this place, one of the most stunning we’ve ever visited. Sitting on a deck in cool winds watching the calm sky turn peach to orange to tomato red with slivers of smack-you-in-the-face orange peering through wisps of turquoise sky and eggplant purple clouds.
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Meet me where the sky touches the sea. Wait for me where the world begins.
~Jennifer DonnellyI can think of no other edifice constructed by man as altruistic as a lighthouse.
They were built only to serve.
~George Bernard Shaw
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Check out the other South Africa posts below:
South Africa Post #1: Our first Kruger National Park Safari
South Africa Post #2: Babysitting a Banded Mongoose Pup in Marloth Park
South Africa Post #3: When Zebras Visit
South Africa Post #4: Daily Living in Marloth Park, South Africa
South Africa Post #5: Kruger Restcamps: Skukuza, Satara and Olifants
South Africa Post #6: Kruger Safari: Full Moon over Letaba
South Africa Post #7: Kruger Safari: Treasure Hunting in Tamboti and Lower Sabie
South Africa Post #8: There’s a Mongoose in my Ear!
South Africa Post #9: Peering through God’s Window at Blyde River Canyon
South Africa Post #10: The Dam Boat Tour at Blyde River Canyon
South Africa Post #11: Rare Sexual Encounters of South Africa
South Africa Post #12: To the Wildlife of Marloth Park
South Africa Post #13: Nelspruit to Cape Town
South Africa Post #14: Moved to Tears on Freedom Day
South Africa Post #15: Penguins in South Africa?
This is South Africa Post #16: The Southernmost Tip of Africa
South Africa Post #17: Birds of Eden at Plettenberg Bay
South Africa Post #18: Dear South Africa: I love you, but…
South Africa Post #19: Elephants at Addo National Park
South Africa Post #20: The Garden Route: Nature’s Valley and Wilderness
South Africa Post #21: Endangered Bontebok
South Africa Post #22: Top Five Cape Town Experiences
South Africa Post #23: Chasing Rainbows in South Africa
South Africa Post #24: Vegan Wanderlust in South Africa
South Africa Post #25: Ubuntu