The Agulhas National Park is located in the Agulhas Plain in the southern Overberg region of the Western Cape, about 200 kilometres south-east of Cape Town. The park stetches along the coastal plain between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai, and includes the southern tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas. As of January 2009 it covered an area of 20,959 hectares.
The primary tourist attraction in the park is Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the official meeting-point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Nearby is the Agulhas lighthouse, the second-oldest lighthouse in South Africa, which also includes a small museum and tearoom.
Agulhas National Park Activities:
The Agulhas area has several attractions, which draw tourists to its shores each year. The nearby towns L’Agulhas and Struisbaai offer several water sports such as swimming and angling.
Within the confines of the developing national park, tourists can enjoy the following places of interest:
* The southern-most point of Africa – The official position of the tip is 34° 49’ 58" south and 20° 00’ 12’’ east. A cairn marks the tip’s exact location. It is at this longitudinal point that the Atlantic and Indian oceans officially meet.
* The lighthouse at Cape Agulhas – The lighthouse was built to aid the early explorers on their passage of the rough seas off Cape Agulhas. Seventy-one steps lead up to the top of the second oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa. Stone mined from the adjacent limestone quarry provided the raw materials for its construction.
The building also houses a unique lighthouse museum. Remains of ancient stone fish traps used by the Khoisan people can be seen to the east of the lighthouse.
* Graveyard of ships – The Zoetendal, Birkenhead and Armiston are some of the many shipwrecks found along the Agulhas coastline. Showpieces from these shipwrecks are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum. Visitors to the are can still see the remains of the Meisho Maru 38 wreck on the shores of Cape Agulhas.
* Fynbos – The Agulhas Plain has great diversity of flora. The Agulhas area contains representatives of unique vegetation such as limestone fynbos. Although most species bloom between May and September, there are flowers to be enjoyed in any season.
It has approximately 2000 species of indigenous plants including 100 which are endemic to the area and over 110 Red Data Book species.
* Whale watching in season - November to January
* Animals to seek include the Southern Right Whale, African Black Oystercatcher, Damara Tern and Cape Platana.
Accommodation
The park has 4 different accommodation offers:
* Lagoon House
* Agulhas Rest Camp
* Rhenosterkop Guest Cottages
* Bergplaas Guest House
Lagoon House
This historic house, located 10,3km from the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and the Park's Office, is situated on a peninsula to the west of the Suiderstrand enclave (of private residents) and with the sea comprising about three-quarters (270º) of the view from this house, it has an awesome location.
Lagoon House (sleeps 8):
- 2 bedrooms inhouse
- 2 bedrooms with external enterance
- Consists of 4 bedrooms
- Dinning room 8 seater
- Equipped kitchen
- External rooms have en suite bathrooms - toilet & shower
- Lockup garage for 1 car
- Lounge over looking sea
- Microwave & Fridge
- Patio & Barbeque faclitities
- Sharing bathroom ( bath, shower & toilet)-inhouse
Agulhas Rest Camp
This brand new small camp is located 10,3km from the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse and the Park's Office; and comprises four two-bed and four four-bed luxury self-catering chalets.
Chalet (sleeps 2 and 2 children)
- Ceiling fans
- Check in at SANParks office west of Lighthouse
- En-suite bedroom with double bed (or 2 single beds)
- Fully equipped kitchen, 2 plate stove (No Oven)
- Microwave & Fridge
- Open plan lounge / kitchen area
- Patio & Barbeque faclitities
- Sleeper couch only suitable for children under 12
Family Chalet (sleeps 4)
- 1 bedroom with 2 single beds
- 1 bedroom with double bed
- 2 en-suite bathrooms (w/c and shower)
- Ceiling fans
Rhenosterkop Guest Cottages
Rhenosterkop is situated inland about 25km from the Park's Office (which is 100m from the Lighthouse)
Rhenosterkop Cottage (sleeps 2)
- 1 bedroom with 2 single beds
- Energy requirements provided by solar panels
- Hot water & refrigeration
- Solar panels for lighting, & gas for cooking
- Tiolet & Shower
- Universally Accessible
Rhenosterkop Family Cottage (sleeps 4)
Rhenosterkop is situated inland about 25km from the Park's Office (which is 100m from the Lighthouse) offering:
- 1 bathroom with WC and shower
- 2 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds
- Hot water & refrigeration
- Solar panels for lighting, & gas for cooking
Bergplaas Guest House
The guest house is located 36km inland from the the Park's Office and Cape Lighthouse and sleeps 10 people.
- 1 bathroom (wc & s) suited for mobility challenged
- 1 loft bedroom with 2 single beds
- 2 en-suite bathrooms (w/c and shower)
- 4 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds
- Fully equipped kitchen with 4 plate stove/ oven
- Microwave & Fridge
- One en-suite bathroom (wc and bath)
Important Notice
1. Accommodation rates do not include Conservation Fees which are payable at the entrance gates.
2. Please ensure that you are familiar with the Rules & Regulations of National Parks before making a booking.
Agulhas National Park
- Alf
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Re: Overnight in Agulhas National Park
Some photos we took during our stay in December
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Alf
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Re: Overnight in Agulhas National Park
I never took pictures of the insideToko wrote:How is the inside, Alf?
Next trip to the bush??
Let me think......................
Let me think......................
- Richprins
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Re: Agulhas National Park
Thanks, Alf!
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
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The iconic Southernmost Tip of Africa in L'Agulhas - Upgraded
Not sure if people who are not on facebook... will be able to follow the below links to view the photos!
The renovations have been completed and should draw more visitors to the area.
The mountains and rivers are also etched out on the map.
The finished product really does look splendid!
https://www.facebook.com/Agulhas-Park-S ... WAf6vorOiA
Aerial photo is amazing
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverCapeAg ... 2Q&fref=nf
The renovations have been completed and should draw more visitors to the area.
The mountains and rivers are also etched out on the map.
The finished product really does look splendid!
https://www.facebook.com/Agulhas-Park-S ... WAf6vorOiA
Aerial photo is amazing
https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverCapeAg ... 2Q&fref=nf
“Adopt the pace of Nature Her secret is patience”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
- nan
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Re: The iconic Southernmost Tip of Africa in L'Agulhas - Upgraded
I was there some years ago... with so much rain... we went to Botenbok instead of
Maybe I have to return
Maybe I have to return
Kgalagadi lover… for ever
https://safrounet.piwigo.com/
https://safrounet.piwigo.com/
- Richprins
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Re: The iconic Southernmost Tip of Africa in L'Agulhas - Upgraded
Thanks, A-N!
Ja, that monument thing was controversially expensive if I remember...?
Ja, that monument thing was controversially expensive if I remember...?
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
- Lisbeth
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Re: The iconic Southernmost Tip of Africa in L'Agulhas - Upgraded
I preferred it without that "Africa" map of concrete. It was natural and wild But I can understand that it will attract people
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge