Hi, Iโm Hilary Marshall from South Point Self Catering and B&B and B&B in L’Agulhas in Cape Agulhas.
L’Agulhas IS BEST KNOWN AS being the southernmost town in Africa, where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the stone cairn, marking the southernmost tip of Africa, as this is where these two oceans actually meet, and at that point in time, you will be more south than anyone else in Africa!
THE BEST panoramic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN FROM the top of the historic lighthouse, the 2nd oldest working lighthouse in the country.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS a must at the shipwreck along the coast inside the gates of the Agulhas National Park, or down at the quaint fishing harbour.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO explore the little towns surrounding L’Agulhas, walk along the longest uninterrupted white sand beach in the southern hemisphere, climb to the top of the historic lighthouse, go cycling on the footpaths along the coast or swim in the tidal pools.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO visit the wine farms in our region, or go for lunch to the wonderful restaurants in Bredasdorp, and then visit the Shipwreck Museum and Kapula, the candle making factory.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS May / June, BECAUSE the quietest time here and the weather is still good. Our best kept secret is our winter. Mild and balmy, but wet at night. (I once said this to some guests, and that night we had a storm like no other storm, the next morning I had to say – Our second best kept secret is our storms.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS the restaurant inside the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, and afterwards I like to explore the lighthouse museum and climb the 71 steps inside the lighthouse tower, to the top.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Pelican Cafรฉ in the harbour, where you can watch the fishermen bringing in their catch or preparing to go to sea, and marvel at the giant stingrays who have made their home within the harbour, or pop down to the wine boutique in LโAgulhas where you can taste wines from our region, and sit in the courtyard with a picnic hamper.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Angeloโs which is about 100metres from South Point, TRY THE seafood platters or the delicious pizzas.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Zuidste Kaap restaurant, where you can listen to the tales told by the locals in the pub.
MY FAVOURITE place for peace and tranquillity is to walk down to the ancient fish traps, known as vywers, that were used in the days of old, to trap the fish on the outgoing tide.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY going down to the the fishing harbour, and experience the local fishermen preparing for sea.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Zuidste Kaap, and sit at the bar, you wont get home till the early hours of the morning. The locals have wonderful tales to tell.
Another of LโAgulhasโs BEST KEPT SECRETS IS its still, serene, safe nights, magnificent sunsets and sunrises.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS walk to the lighthouse on a still, serene LโAgulhas night, sit on a bench within the lighthouse grounds and watch the huge light sending out its signal to passing ships.
FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO visit our local art galleries, and chat to resident artists.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO watch the unpolluted night sky and the many stars that are visible.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY horse riding on the Struisbaai beach, the longest uninterrupted white sand beach in the southern hemisphere or hike along the beach to the De Mond Nature Reserve.
MY FAVOURITE WALK starts at the lighthouse and hugs the coast as far as the shipwreck and beyond if you are feeling energetic.
MY FAVOURITE coffee SHOP IS Suidpunt Potpourri, situated near the lighthouse, it houses arts and crafts made by the local artists, and is well worth a visit.
MY FAVOURITE SPOT TO VIEW the whole of the southern tip of Africa IS at the view site on the ridge behind the town. From this view site, you can often see the southern right whales, as they pass the tip of Africa.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN May, JOIN IN THE FUN AT Southern Tip Day Festival. Hosted by Agulhas National Park.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS the Southern Right Art Gallery. CHECK OUT THE local artist at work.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS our historic lighthouse regarded by many as the Grande Olde Dame. It stands proud on the hill overlooking the sea and the tip of Africa, built in 1848, it is the 2nd oldest working lighthouse in the country.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS the Struisbaai harbour, and the giant stingrays, that are so tame they can be fed by hand.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING HAS TO BE a picnic at De Mond Nature Reserve.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO pop up to the local Bone Setter, for a Tui-na Massage.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the ever changing colour of the ocean, and the clearness of the unpolluted night sky.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS a trip around the local wine route.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I visit Onse Hoop, the craft shop established to train the previously disadvantaged individuals in sewing, knitting and any other crafts of interest or Hotagterklip, the traditional village on the outskirts of the town, with its lime washed Fishermanโs cottage, a Natural Heritage Site.
I Love L’Agulhas Because here everyone is FREE, HAPPY and SAFE in our quaint little town, at the tip of Africa. A one night stopover is never long enough to experience the essence of this beautiful region that enriches and strengthens your soul . I would suggest at least a 3 night stay.
Useful L’Agulhas Links
- L’Agulhas Attractions
- Things to Do in L’Agulhas
- L’Agulhas Accommodation
- Cape Agulhas Accommodation
- Western Cape Hotels
- South African Hotels
Desirable Digits
Agulhas National Park: +27 (0)28 435-6222
Shipwreck Museum: +27 (0)28 424-1240
Pelican Cafe: +27 (0)72 742-5824
Angelo’s: +27 (0)28 435-6417
Zuidste Kaap: +27 (0)28 435-7838
Suidpunt Potpourri: +27 (0)28 435-7378
Southern Wright Art Gallery: +27 (0)28 435-7094
