It is not the southernmost point of Africa, since the southernmost point of the continent is Cape Agulhas, which is located 155 km from Cape Good Hope. But coastline The African continent here for the first time turns to the east, opening a passage from the Atlantic Ocean towards the Indian. The Cape of Good Hope is the most extreme southwestern point of Africa, which is confirmed by the inscription with exact coordinates, installed on the site in front of the cape. The Cape Peninsula, having reached its southernmost point in this place, then bends slightly to the north and breaks off into the ocean with a high and steep rocky cape - Cape Point, the coordinates of which give its position at 45 meters (1.5 "). north of the cape Good Hope, although it is at Cape Point that a lighthouse called the "Cape of Good Hope" is installed. Hence, a well-known misunderstanding arises, which is easily explained when looking at the terrain, where it is clear that ships “go around” Cape Point, behind which Falsbay Bay opens. (English) where the warm current from the Indian Ocean enters. For this reason, the water temperature on the eastern coast of the Cape Peninsula is always several degrees higher than on its west coast, washed by the waters of the cold Benguela current from the Antarctic.
Story
Travels of Eudoxus
First tried to make trip around the world within the framework of the African continent, the navigator Eudoxus of Cyzicus (130 BC -?). And it all started with the fact that when Eudoxus was returning from his second expedition from India, the wind threw his ship to east coast Africa, where he discovered the wreckage of the ship. From the stories of the local population, he concluded that the ship sailed from Gades (now this city is called Cadiz, Spain), namely, that it sailed counterclockwise around Africa, past the cape and entered the Indian Ocean. This prompted him to repeat the journey and make circumnavigation on the continent. Having organized an expedition at his own expense, he sailed from Hades and began to sail along east coast Africa. However, the difficulties were too great, and he had to return to Europe.
After this failure, Eudoxus again went on a trip around the world in Africa. His further fate is unknown, but some, such as Pliny, have argued that Eudoxus actually achieved his goal. However, the most likely conclusion is that he died on his journey.
Fra Mauro and his map
Fra Mauro map (inverted)
“About 1420, a ship from India crossed the Indian Sea towards the island of men and women, at Cape Diab, between green islands and shadows. He sailed for 40 days in a southwesterly direction, finding nothing but wind and water. According to the crew members, the ship sailed about 2,000 miles ahead and their luck ran out. When the storm subsided they returned to Cape Diab within seventy days."
“Ships called 'junks' navigate these seas, carry four or more masts, some of which can be raised or lowered, and have 40-60 merchant cabins and only one tiller. They can navigate without a compass because they have an astrologer who, with an astrolabe in hand, gives orders to the navigator.” (Text from Fra Mauro map)
Expedition of Vasco da Gama
Geologically, the sandstone rocks that make up the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and Table Mountain are the same.
The city of Cape Town is located in the Republic of South Africa, on the Cape Peninsula, near the Cape of Good Hope. The city center is occupied by mansions and buildings of old Dutch architecture, built in the Victorian style. But they are relatively few. On the one hand, they are sandwiched by Table Bay, and on the other, by Table Mountain.
Cape Town is often the last stop on a South African tour itinerary, which includes:
Photo hunting in the national park,
This South African city has a lot of entertainment and attractions, but the main ones are the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain, which take the breath away from many travelers who have been there.
Cape of Good Hope
In the 15th century, the Cape of Good Hope served as the embodiment of the dream of Portuguese navigators who were looking for a way to India. Initially it was called the Cape of Storms, but under King Juan II, this point on the Cape Peninsula was renamed. Now the Cape of Good Hope is known for its landscapes, which attract millions of tourists. The cape is the most extreme southwestern point of Africa, which is also confirmed by scientists. On the site in front of this place there is an indication with the exact coordinates.
Ocean coast near Cape Town.
Reserve on the Cape
The road to the Cape of Good Hope passes through the reserve of the same name. It is distinguished by dense thickets of various plants that interfere with walking. Their highest density is observed on the Cape Peninsula, so you cannot do without a car here.
The reserve covers an area of more than 7,000 hectares. In it, along with the rarest representatives of the flora, there are also representatives of the fauna unique to Africa, such as penguins. It is especially unusual to see them next to antelopes and cheetahs, since they are associated only with the coldest points on the planet. However, this is not a mirage. Penguins made their way to Africa from Antarctica. Previously, penguins walked around the entire reserve, but then a separate area was allocated for them, called Boulders Beach.
Penguins at the Cape of Good Hope.
Lighthouse
The lighthouse was built in 1860, and now it is one of the main attractions of the cape. It rises 240 meters above sea level and is considered the highest in South Africa. The lighthouse houses Observation deck. It is equipped at an altitude of 200 meters, and you can climb it either by funicular or on foot. Nearby there is a souvenir shop and a restaurant with a terrace with amazing views.
From here, tourists can see two oceans at once: one side of the cape is washed by the waters of the Atlantic, and on the other, the Indian. Looking closely, you can see that they differ from each other in color.
Beaches
On the Cape of Good Hope there is an opportunity to relax on the beach. The swimming season usually begins in September: at this time, sunny weather sets in, and a good tan is guaranteed. The season ends in May.
One of the beaches in Cape Town.
At the same time, there are some climatic features near the coast. For example, the western side is characterized by a mild climate, sandy shores, peace and quiet. Here are the beaches. It is warmer in the east, but the strong winds blowing there give inconvenience, which prevent swimming, so tourists in this part of the coast prefer only to sit on the shore and admire the ocean.
Excursions
An excursion to the Cape of Good Hope most often includes a visit to the reserve and the coast of penguins. But besides them, there are other sights worth seeing. For example, on the coast of the so-called "Fake Bay" a road was laid to the town of Simonstown, where the base of the British Royal Navy was located in the past.
Of interest to tourists is the island of fur seals, with an area of 4 square kilometers, which has a rather turbulent history. Since the 17th century, there has been a prison, a hospital and military base. It was on this island that Nelson Mandella, the future president of South Africa, was imprisoned.
In 1999, UNESCO listed the island as a World Heritage Site. A museum dedicated to the history of the state was opened there. For tourists, they conduct tours of the cells and the prison courtyard.
table mountain
This is the main attraction of Cape Town itself, without which it is impossible to imagine this South African city. Table Mountain, or Mount Table, is recognized as a symbol of the city and is included in the UNESCO heritage list. It rises to 1087 meters.
View of Table Mountain from the harbor of Cape Town.
The first European to climb this peak was the Portuguese sailor António de Saldanha. At that time, Table Mountain was covered with centuries-old hardwood trees. They were used in the construction of a wooden fort for a new settlement. Usually mountains end in pointed tops, but Table Mountain has a flat top, like a tabletop, which is why the mountain got its name.
Most of the time, Table Mountain is covered with clouds, so not all tourists manage to get on it. Due to weather conditions, the city authorities may prohibit climbing to the top in order to avoid any accidents with travelers. And the weather in Cape Town is unstable, and the reason for this is the warm and cold currents of the Indian and Atlantic oceans that meet in this place. When thick cloud masses cover the mountain, the townspeople say that it is covered with a tablecloth.
Many legends are associated with this phenomenon. According to one of them, one of the locals, whose name was Fan Hanks, smoked tobacco with such a vile smell that the townspeople escorted him to the mountain slopes. There he met the devil, who offered him to arrange a competition: who will smoke whom. Hanks accepted the offer. They lit a cigarette, and their smoke covered the whole mountain. Since then, the inhabitants of Cape Town have referred to this legend when they see Mount Table covered with a white "tablecloth".
When the weather is good, clear, you can climb to its top with the help of cable car. This mountain is considered the best viewing platform, it is included in the list of the ten most visited places by tourists around the world. There are viewing telescopes, a souvenir shop and a restaurant. From here you can see the entire Cape Town. But travelers are especially delighted by the view from the top of the mountain during sunset, when the horizon merges with the ocean.
While walking along Table Mountain, tourists will meet many representatives of the local fauna and flora. There are approximately 1,470 plant species here, including the protea, recognized as a real symbol of South Africa.
Several peaks adjoin Table Mountain, which are part of the peninsula's national park. These are Devil's Peak, Lion's Head and the mountain of the Twelve Apostles.
In addition to visiting the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain, in Cape Town you should definitely try the wines from the Cape region, which are famous far beyond Africa and highly appreciated by many gourmets and wine connoisseurs around the world. And also take a couple of surfing lessons on the most famous surfer beach in South Africa.
For some reason, I completely forgot to continue the story about the trip to South Africa during my travels and business.
I am correcting myself.
So. Climbing in the most roundabout way, swimming with, meeting New Year in the crowd of thousands on the embankment, early in the morning of January 1, we found the strength to load into cars and set off towards our hopes.
Rather, one hope. But very kind.
Namely, the Cape of Good Hope.
Why were these heroic efforts and why did you have to go early in the morning?
Yes, because during the day there are so many people rushing there that all hopes can be squandered while standing in an endless traffic jam.
The Cape of Good Hope is located on the Cape Peninsula, just south of Cape Town.
And this is where confusion often arises. For there is a geographical point - directly the Cape of Good Hope.
Where there is nothing but hope.
And there is - Cape Point, where there is a lighthouse called "Cape of Good Hope". There are also all sorts of souvenir shops, cafes and life in general. So many are limited to coming to this very place.
We, as real travelers, decided to land at the Cape of Good Hope. And then go to the lighthouse.
What was the original idea to go to both places by car. But I looked at the map categorically stated that we must go on foot.
Who would doubt that.
The cape on the morning of the first of January was surprisingly deserted. And the ocean delighted the eye with a crazy color.
By the way, forgive my geographic criticism, I never remembered what kind of ocean it was.
However, the coastline of the continent here for the first time turns to the east, opening a passage from Atlantic Ocean towards the Indian.
So let's consider it a mix of two oceans.
The Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point in Africa. But in order to give this place some kind of status, and a meaning for the stay of tourists, it was appointed the most southwestern point of the continent.
What a commemorative plaque was erected.
All. There is nothing else on the cape.
Therefore, without stopping for a long time, we went along the path along the coast past the bizarre rocks to Cape Point.
Wow, he can be seen in the distance.
Wind, rocks, waves beating against rocks - this place would be much more suitable for its original name - Cape Storms.
For when a storm rages here, there is not much to hope for.
But history, as you know, is made by optimists. Therefore, the cape received such a name.
You can walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the lighthouse in about forty minutes. But we were not chasing records.
They walked, turning their heads around, constantly stopping to take pictures or capture another impressive view.
So the walk took about two hours.
Approximately in the middle of the way there is a completely charming beach, where you should definitely go down.
Of course we went down there, wandered around.
And Pasha, despite the icy water and huge waves, it seems even took a dip.
Well, Pasha is generally crazy.
At the top of the Lvinaya Head mountain, having literally bought into the "weak" took and stood in the plank for five minutes.
Five minutes! Before that, he didn’t even know what a plank was.
However, I digress. We're on the beach.
On a very romantic beach. Look, someone even laid out a heart out of algae.
By the way, it was a discovery for me personally that one of the most terrible and romantic legends is connected with the Cape of Good Hope.
Do you know what?
I didn't know - the legend of the Flying Dutchman. Somewhere here he plows the waves of the ocean.
However, when you walk along the picturesque paths on a sunny day, the last thing you think about is all sorts of creepy stories.
From the parking lot to the lighthouse you can climb in a small trailer.
But then you can get past the baboons.
It's not that I love baboons that much. Rather the opposite. Of all the representatives of the ape family, they are the least sympathetic to me.
But, as you know, the commandment of a tourist, if there is a baboon, you need to see it.
Or not necessary, I thought, seeing what the father of the family is doing while mom is babysitting the children.
However, when he saw that I was photographing him, he somehow quickly became embarrassed, dropped his business and covered himself with his paws.
But the impression of communication with the beautiful animal world was somehow already spoiled.
I had to go straight to the lighthouse to natural beauties mitigate moral damage.
Lighthouse, like a lighthouse. Nothing special.
Next to it is a traditional counter for tourist places with distances to different settlements.
They put such things, apparently, to impress the tourist - the eka has climbed far. But for some reason it does not touch a single string of my tender soul at all.
It is much more interesting to go around some old buildings to the very ends of the earth.
At least there you can take a photo from the "End of the World" series.
I already had this photo geographic point here it is right under this name Cape End of the World.
It is located on the island of Shikotan in the Kuriles. In my opinion there is much more picturesque, but it's a matter of taste.
After a long walk, it's time to refresh.
So while waiting for everyone to gather, I passed the pizza, which very harmful birds tried to brazenly take away from me.
Here they behaved very arrogantly.
I also sent a postcard.
The postcard never arrived. Looks like I got lost :(
When I redid all the cases and almost got bored, everyone else finally found me and happily informed me that plans had changed.
Our cunning plan, which was that Misha would come by car to the lighthouse, take a second driver with him, they would quickly drive to the cape for the second car, and we would all go home, failed miserably. As is usually the case with brilliant plans.
It turned out that there was such a traffic jam at the lighthouse, to stand for two hours. So Misha didn't follow us.
Vika and Arseniy left in a car that was not ours.
Well, we went back on foot to a good hope. Just like the Flying Dutchman, wandering the seas without rest.
Apparently, this hope would like to let us go just like that.
But now, with a sense of accomplishment, we could definitely say that we were going far and wide across the Cape of Good Hope.
Well, what else do real tramps need?
It is the embodiment of the hopes of Portuguese sailors who were looking for a way to India in the 15th century. Initially, it was called the Cape of Storms, but King Juan II was very superstitious and issued a decree renaming it.
Today the cape is the most important strategic object of the region. Previously, it was a landmark for merchant ships en route from Europe to the countries of the Far East. Now it's popular tourist place, to admire the landscapes of which millions of travelers from different parts of the world come every year.
Cape of Good Hope: description, photo, video
Despite the euphonious name, this section of the African coastal zone cannot be called calm. At the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, severe sea storms and hurricanes often occur, which is facilitated by two deep water currents colliding in the vicinity of the peninsula. For many centuries, these places have been dangerous for navigation, just like at, even modern ships this section is very difficult. Only experienced sailors could cope with the power of the elements.
Quite often the Cape of Good Hope is called extreme point Africa in the south, but this is not entirely true. Geographically, a similar status belongs to Cape Agulhas, which stretches 200 kilometers to the southeast. The Cape of Good Hope is rather a “psychological” mark, after crossing which the traveler moves more towards eastbound and not south. It rises 250 meters above sea level, making it one of the largest coastal cliffs in the world.
The territory of the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa has dense vegetation with low shrubs. Its entire territory, as well as the main part of the Cape Peninsula, are components national park"Table Mountain". The climate here is harsh, wild and almost untouched by man. It is this feature that attracts tourists to itself.
The total area of the protected area covers more than 7 thousand hectares. Here are fantastic deserted beaches and majestic cliffs, looking out into the vast expanses of the ocean. The amazing landscapes of Cape Good Nadezhna, as they fascinate in the photo, but it is better to see them in reality. Just a huge number of sea birds live on the coast, among which penguins are especially interesting. As for vegetation, among the great variety, there are many endemics that are not found anywhere else in the world.
Where is the Cape of Good Hope
This attraction is located on the territory of the Republic of South Africa in the Western Cape. To be more precise, where the Cape of Good Hope is located, it is located at a 50-kilometer distance from Cape Town, in the area of another cape called Cape Point. This territory is notable for the fact that here is the so-called passage between the two oceans - the Indian and the Atlantic.
Distance from major cities:
- Pretoria - 1340 kilometers;
- Johannesburg - 1397 kilometers.
The coordinates of the Cape of Good Hope on the map:
- Latitude - 34° 21′ 32″
- Longitude - 18° 28′ 21″
Cape of Good Hope on the map
How to get to the Cape of Good Hope
The natural attraction is quite remote from civilization. You can get here from Cape Town, where many flights fly from Johannesburg and other cities. It is worth noting that the different airlines flights are operated only on certain days. The ticket price depends on the distance - from the major cities of South Africa it varies between 50-200 dollars, from other countries, respectively, more expensive.
How to get from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope:
The first option is suitable for those who have a driver's license, in the city you can rent a car at a price of up to $ 120 per day, the travel time is about 1.5 hours. You can also take a bus, two flights depart daily to the cape - in the morning and in the afternoon. The landing place in Cape Town is the Green Market Square, the buses leave back at 13:00 and 17:15, the price of a one-way ticket is 7-8 dollars.
When is the best time to visit
Since the territory is under protection, the Cape of Good Hope has a specific work schedule. In summer it is open to visitors until 6 pm, in winter - until 5 pm. There are practically no days off. On the coast there are several beaches where you can come to relax and sunbathe. Many beaches are wild, so here you can retire from tourists. The cape is great for families.
The swimming season here starts from September and lasts until May. At this time, the weather is warm and sunny. In winter, and it lasts here from June to the end of July, it is cool here and strong winds blow. This time is suitable only for true extreme sportsmen who cannot be scared by huge waves.
Features of visiting the Cape of Good Hope
Has an official website where you can learn a lot useful information. The cost of visiting the park is approximately $11. For children under 11 there is a 50% discount. The Flying Dutchman funicular operates on the territory. It received this name due to the fact that the mysterious ship of the same name is most often seen from it.
According to legend, in the 17th century, a captain sold his soul to the devil to get out of a storm. As a result, the ship and crew members were cursed and forced to swim in the ocean forever, appearing in front of sailors with whom misfortune was to happen. One-way fare on the funicular is $4, and for children under 16 years old - $1.5.
Cape of Good Hope how to get yourself
Vehicles that do not have time to leave the parking lot before the park closes are subject to a fine. Littering is also prohibited in the park. The park has a restaurant where you can eat local dishes, as well as several shops where you can buy souvenirs and other products. However, it is better to stock up on food and water in advance. Also be sure to take a camera with you - beautiful pictures are guaranteed.
What to see in the surroundings
One of the main attractions of the cape is the lighthouse. It was built in the second half of the 19th century. The lighthouse rises to 240 meters, so it can be seen from almost anywhere in the neighborhood. It is the largest in South Africa. Today it does not function and is more valuable from an aesthetic point of view, being an excellent observation deck. You can get here on foot or by funicular.
From the observation deck, you can simultaneously admire the waters of two oceans, which, by the way, differ from each other in color. On the coast of the "Fake Bay" in the mountains there is a winding path along which you can reach the small town of Simonstown. Once upon a time, the Royal Navy of Britain was stationed here.
Another place that is definitely worth seeing is the island of fur seals. On 4 square kilometers there is a closed military base and a prison in which Nelson Mandela served his sentence. Now there is a museum where you can learn the history of South Africa. Tourists are also given the opportunity to visit the prison cells and the courtyard.
Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.
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The Cape of Good Hope personified the hopes of the Portuguese, who in the 15th century were looking for a way to India. It was originally called the Cape of Storms, but King Juan II was superstitious and therefore decided to rename this point on the Cape Peninsula. Today the Cape of Good Hope is one of the important strategic objects of the African continent. Once he helped ships get from Europe to the Far East, now he remains popular thanks to his landscapes, which attract millions of tourists.
How to get there
You can get to the Cape of Good Hope, located on the Cape Peninsula, from Cape Town. The journey by car will take about four hours. Time will pass unnoticed, because along the way you will meet a very beautiful area: the savannah, where ostriches, antelopes, baboons and other animals roam, mountains, a reserve.
The Cape of Good Hope is the most extreme southwestern point of Africa. It is impossible to make a mistake, since this fact is confirmed by both scientists and the inscription with exact coordinates, installed on the site in front of the cape. But the Cape Peninsula at this point reaches its southernmost point and, going north, ends with Cape Point.
Reserve
The road to the Cape of Good Hope inevitably leads through the reserve of the same name. It is distinguished by lush vegetation, which interferes with movement if you travel on foot. The highest plant density is in the Cape Peninsula. It is almost impossible to get here, you need a car. The area of the reserve is more than 7 thousand hectares. Here there are plants that are not found in other parts of the world.
To match the vegetation and fauna of the reserve - its uniqueness lies in the fact that penguins live here next to monkeys, cheetahs and antelopes. Yes, yes, it is the penguins that we are accustomed to seeing only in the coldest parts of the planet. The fact is that they were able to swim to Africa from Antarctica and settled here.
Previously, the penguins felt almost like the owners of the reserve and calmly went to their neighbors in search of food. But then, apparently, when other animals got tired of such anarchy, the penguins received a separate territory. It's called Boulders Beach.
The reserve is open every day, seven days a week. In summer, it receives guests until 18:00, and in winter - until 17:00 local time.
Cape of Good Hope and environs
Beaches
There are beaches on the Cape of Good Hope where you can relax and sunbathe. People come here both in large companies and with the whole family. There are even places on the beach where lovers can retire, hide from prying eyes.
The bathing season usually lasts from September to May. During this period, the weather is sunny, so you can safely go here for a tan. On the rest of the days there is not much to catch on the beach.
Lighthouse
The lighthouse is one of the main attractions of the Cape of Good Hope. It was built in 1860 and its height is 240 meters above sea level. It is the tallest lighthouse in South Africa. Unfortunately, it does not work, because once it could not help the Portuguese ship - the lighthouse was covered with clouds, and the ship, which did not see the signal, landed on the rocks.
But at the lighthouse at an altitude of 200 meters there is an observation deck. You can climb it on foot or by funicular. Near the lighthouse there is a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
The site offers a wonderful view of two oceans at once: the Indian and the Atlantic. The waters of these oceans wash both sides of the cape. If you look closely, you can see that the oceans differ in color. The waves very quickly run on the rocks and break on them, leaving traces of white foam.
Excursions
Usually excursions to the Cape of Good Hope include a visit to the reserve, as well as the coast with a haven for penguins. We will tell you about a few more places worth seeing. On the coast of False Bay, or "False Bay", a winding road is laid through the mountains. On it you can get to the town of Simonstown, where the British Royal Navy used to be based.
The very coast of the Cape of Good Hope has its own characteristics. For example, on the west side, the climate is milder, there are beaches, sandy shores, the atmosphere of silence and tranquility. In the east, it is warmer, but strong winds blow that make it difficult to swim and enjoy the scenery. On this part of the coast, not everyone dares to swim, tourists prefer to just sit on the shore and breathe the ocean air.
Of great interest to travelers is the island of fur seals. Its area of only 4 square kilometers is small for an island, and it has a turbulent history dating back to the 17th century. The fact is that for three centuries there was a prison, a military base and a hospital. And it was on this island that freedom fighter and future South African President Nelson Mandela was serving his sentence. In 1999, the island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A museum was opened here that tells about the history of the country. Tourists can visit the prison courtyard and cells.
