There is no place on the world map more mysterious than the cape Good Hope: shipwrecks, exotic animals and plants, unusual nature and climate - all this attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world like a magnet every year.
The Cape of Good Hope is located in the South-West of the African continent and is southern part Cape Peninsula. At 45 m north of the cape Good Hope meets another Cape Point. Geographically, the Cape of Good Hope belongs to the Atlantic basin, but is washed by two oceans from different sides: the Atlantic and Indian.
The eastern part of the Cape is always colder due to the Antarctic Current. The opposite coast of the cape is washed by the warm waters of Fels Bay, formed by the Indian Ocean. Due to the collision of cold and warm waters, strong air currents are formed around the cape, giving rise to strong winds and storms in the sea.
The highest point of the cape is Mount Table (Table Mountain), its height is 1086 m. Near the Table there are the mountains Devil's Peak (height - 1000 m), Lion's Head (670 m), 12 Apostles and Signal Hill (350 m).
Table Mountain near the Cape of Good Hope
Table Mountain is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a symbol nearby city Cape Town.
The mountain owes its name to its unusually flat peak. Thanks to which, the Table resembles a table. Not every tourist is able to see the mountain, as it is often covered with clouds. Locals call this phenomenon "tablecloth".
In good weather the mountain is visible from Cape Town. From the city you can climb to the top of the mountain along cable car, or on foot. At the top there is an observation deck and telescopes. This gives you a bird's eye view of Cape Town and the ocean. The mountain is composed of sandstones, it has steep slopes covered with vegetation.
History of the formation of the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope is located on the African Plate and is part of the coastal spit of the Cape Peninsula. The history of the appearance of the Cape of Good Hope is inextricably linked with the formation of the African continent. The Cape took shape during the Triassic period, after the separation of Africa from Pangea. 
At that time, this land was not a cape at all, but a small island. Over a long period of time, the ocean deposited sand between the island and the mainland, slowly connecting them.
Locals call this phenomenon "Africa's Helping Hand." During the Ice Age, the Cape of Good Hope, like the entire southern part of Africa, was covered with ice.
People began to inhabit southern Africa during the Stone Age, as evidenced by numerous cave paintings. Nearby in Cape Town were discovered rock paintings cape
Explorations of the Cape of Good Hope
The Cape of Good Hope appeared on the world map during the Age of Discovery. Interest in the cape stems from the East India Company, which required a sea trade route from Europe to India. Like all the greats geographical discoveries The Cape of Good Hope was discovered by accident.
The discoverer of the cape is considered to be the navigator of Portuguese origin Bartolomeu Dias. All the men in the Dias family were engaged in navigation, so Bartolomeu was well acquainted with navigation and ship control; already at the age of 30 he became a ship captain on state pay. 
In 1487, the Portuguese king Juan II ordered to equip a naval expedition of three ships, two of which were military sailing ships. The goal was to find a new route to India through Africa. A year later, they reached the southern hemisphere of the Earth and began their journey along the shores of the African continent.
Unbearable heat and a storm raging off the coast of Africa forced Dias to change course and set sail for 2 weeks open sea. After the storm subsided, the ships returned to their usual course and reached the southern part of the continent. Ahead was the Indian Ocean and a direct path to the shores of India.
However, Dias failed to reach its shores. The crew began to demand to return home due to dwindling supplies, scurvy and very hot weather. The captain decided to return in 3 days.
During these three days, the ship managed to reach Cape Agulhas and go around it. On the last day of their journey, Dias and his team rounded an unknown cape and turned back. Dias named it the Cape of Storms because strong winds blew around it. The Cape of Good Hope appeared on the world map thanks to Juan II. Upon returning to his homeland, Dias presented a report to the king, who did not like the name Cape of Storms.
It was decided to rename the cape His Majesty the Cape of Good Hope. The name, which was too long, did not catch on and was changed to the Cape of Good Hope. This name was supposed to give hope to sailors heading to the shores of India. 
For 5 long years, no one searched the coast of India. Interest in it awoke only after the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus. King Juan II again orders an expedition through Africa. In 1498, Vasco da Gama rounded the Cape of Good Hope and headed for the shores of India.
Dias later made attempts to reach the Cape of Good Hope, but whether he succeeded in his plans is unknown. Dias's ship went missing southern shores Africa. After which a legend was born that the ship forever wanders off the coast of the cape it discovered. Perhaps this story served as the prototype for the famous tale of the Flying Dutchman, a ghost ship.
The path to India past the coast of Africa was laid, but the Portuguese were not interested in exploring it. The first European settlements in these areas were organized by the Dutch in 1652. It was they who began to study the cape, the population living in these parts and nature.
The pilgrims managed to find out that historically the area of the cape belonged to the Hottentot tribe, a relative of the Bushmen tribe. It was the Dutch pioneers who founded the city of Cape Town near the cape, the name of which can be translated as “proud on the cape.”
Cape Town began to prosper as all the ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope docked at the port to resupply. The cape became an outpost of the East India Company on its way to India.
In 1657, the Hottentots, dissatisfied with slavery and the taking of land by Europeans, started a war. The excitement was suppressed by the Europeans. In 1795, the settlement could not resist the onslaught of Napoleon and the territory, along with the cape, went to France. 
The Cape of Good Hope disappeared from the world map in 1796. That year, Great Britain ousted the French, and the Cape became known as the “Provincial Colony of Good Hope.” These territories would later become part of the Union of South Africa.
The British managed to find gold deposits near the cape and organize diamond mines, to which adventurers from all over the world flocked. Cape Town has become the main city in Africa. Only in 1961, the Cape of Good Hope, as part of the Union, became the independent Republic of South Africa (RSA) and regained its name.
Climatic conditions
The climate at the Cape of Good Hope is marine subtropical. It’s not for nothing that the peninsula got its name Cape of Storms. The wind blows strong here and does not stop throughout the year. In summer the wind has a south-easterly direction, and in winter – northwest. The best time Spring is considered the best time for tourists to explore the Cape of Good Hope.
In the southern hemisphere it occurs in September-November. In spring, the cape begins to become covered with greenery, there is little precipitation and temperature regime allows you to enjoy a walk around the cape.
In summer, the Cape of Good Hope is heated by warm currents Indian Ocean.
This is a hot and dry season with little rainfall. Summer on the Cape lasts from December to March. average temperature in summer 25 °C, but in some years the temperature exceeded 40 °C - this is the absolute temperature maximum. 
Autumn at the Cape of Good Hope occurs between April and May. This is a pleasant and not hot time to travel. At this time you can fully appreciate the beauty of the local nature.
The greatest amount of precipitation on the cape falls in winter in June-August. In June last year, 122 mm Hg fell. Art.
This is the rainiest and cloudiest month of the year. The wind, which constantly blows on the cape during the rainy season, intensifies, remaining warm.
Average temperature for the last 3 years:
| Month | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Average temperature during the day, 0 C | 26 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 19 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 21 | 22 | 24 |
| Average temperature at night, 0C | 18 | 18 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 17 |
| Cloudiness, % | 13 | 13 | 18 | 24 | 27 | 33 | 28 | 31 | 29 | 23 | 20 | 17 |
Flora and fauna
The Cape of Good Hope on the world map does not have the best location. But from the point of view of the natural map of the world, this area is unique.
Only here there are signs warning car owners: “When starting the car, make sure there are no penguins under it.”
It’s hard to believe, but on such a small piece of land, animals whose habitats are hundreds of kilometers apart coexist peacefully. Only at the Cape of Good Hope you can meet monkeys, zebras, penguins and ostriches in one place in just a few hours of walking. 5% of all animal and plant species on the planet can be seen in South Africa.
The most frequent guests of the cape are marine inhabitants. Off the coast of the Cape of Good Hope you can meet entire colonies of fur seals, and see sharks and whales swimming past. Since the cape goes deep into the sea, its shore becomes an excellent viewing platform for observing these amazing sea creatures. 
One of the symbols of the cape are fur seals. These are small pinnipeds that are black or brown in color. Not far from Cape Town you can see the island of fur seals. According to various estimates, from 50 to 70 thousand seals live on it. The island looks more like flat rocks with water sticking out on them, on which fur seals live. Previously, poachers caught seals for the production of fur coats; now this is officially prohibited and the animals are under the protection of the South African authorities. 
The monkey family on the island is represented by baboons, who are so accustomed to living among people that they are not afraid of their presence. Tourists often try to feed the animals, so the South African authorities were forced to put up signs with the following content: “Baboons are wild and dangerous animals.”
There are even employees on the island who drive animals away from tourists with sticks. Baboons belong to the monkey family and are very similar in appearance. The height of baboons reaches 75 cm. The usual habitat of baboons is East and Central Africa.
On the way to the cape, you can meet elephants and herds of antelope, which still live in the Republic of South Africa. African ostriches can be found not only on special farms, but also in the wild. They are the only remaining members of the ostrich family in South Africa. The height of birds can reach more than 2.5 m, and their weight exceeds 150 kg. 
An encounter with an ostrich can be dangerous for a tourist. In total, about 850 bird species live permanently in South Africa and the Cape of Good Hope. On the cape you can easily find the nests of some of them.
Penguins are a favorite among tourists. Their population on the Indian Ocean coast is large. They scurry around everywhere, their main habitat is Boulders Beach.
Local authorities decided to give the beach to the penguins. The cape is home to spectacled penguins, which are listed in the International Red Book. These penguins are also called donkey penguins because of their ability to make sounds similar to the “ey” of a donkey. 
2/3 of the flora of the Cape of Good Hope consists of rare plant species that cannot be found in any other corner of the world. Most of The cape is occupied by the Fynbos biome, consisting mainly of rare species of shrubs. There are about 9 thousand species here.
Good Hope Reserve
The reserve is considered not only the main attraction of the cape, but also of South Africa itself. Its area is more than 7 hectares of land. You can get to the reserve from Cape Town by car or rent a bicycle. The journey by car will take about 1.5 hours. The road to the Cape of Good Hope is laid through the territory of the reserve. There is an ostrich farm nearby. 
The Cape of Good Hope remains the most unique in terms of quantity unique species animals, a point on the world map. Not so long ago, scientists from the UK proved this. The reserve presents all animals and plants living on the Cape Peninsula and in South Africa.
The history of the reserve began recently, in 1938. By that time, more than 1,000 different species of animals and several thousand plants already lived on the territory of the reserve. 
In this place are rare species animals that are found only on the territory of the reserve and animals brought from all over South Africa. Hyenas, rhinoceroses, ostriches, crocodiles, penguins, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, elephants - all of them can be found in the reserve. 
The reserve is open daily for tourists, the only limitation being bad weather conditions. During storms and storms, tourists are prohibited from visiting the park and the Cape of Good Hope. The most popular among tourists are fur seals and penguins, who are happy to be photographed and are not afraid of humans.
Cape Beaches
During the swimming season, when on the coast good weather tourists are allowed to swim on the beaches of the cape and sunbathe. The swimming season lasts from September to May.
It is worth remembering that the cape is washed on both sides by different oceans, so the temperature in the western part is always a little lower, but there are sandy entries into the water and the waves are calm.
The eastern coast is warmer, but gusty winds constantly blow there and formations big waves. The beaches in this part are more suitable for walking and contemplating the ocean.
There are no blank spots left on the world map thanks to people like Bartolomeu Dias, who spent their entire lives for one discovery. Cape of Good Hope - extraordinary a nice place, filled with the romance of wanderings. The edge of the earth that everyone should see.
Article format: Mila Friedan
Video about the Cape of Good Hope
Penguins in Africa:
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 nicknamed the Cape of Storms, but King Juan II was very superstitious and issued a decree to rename it.
Today, the cape is the most important strategic site in the region. Previously, it was a landmark for merchant ships traveling from Europe to countries Far East. Nowadays it is a popular tourist destination, with millions of travelers from different corners planets.
Cape of Good Hope: description, photo, video
Despite the euphonious name, this section of the African coastal zone cannot be called calm. The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa often experiences strong sea storms and hurricanes, which is facilitated by two deep-sea currents that collide in the vicinity of the peninsula. For many centuries, these places were dangerous for navigation, just like in the area; even modern ships have a very difficult time passing this area. Only experienced sailors could cope with the power of the elements.
Quite often the Cape of Good Hope is called the southernmost point of Africa, but this is not entirely true. Geographically, a similar status belongs to Cape Agulhas, located 200 kilometers towards the southeast. The Cape of Good Hope is more of a “psychological” mark, after crossing which the traveler moves more in an eastern direction rather than a southern one. It rises 250 meters above sea level, making it one of the largest coastal cliffs in the world.
The Cape of Good Hope area in South Africa has dense vegetation with low bushes. 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 practically untouched by man. It is this feature that attracts tourists.
The total area of the protected area covers more than 7 thousand hectares. There are fantastic deserted beaches and majestic rocks, looking into the endless expanses of the ocean. The amazing landscapes of Cape Dobraya Nadezhny are just as mesmerizing in photos, but it’s better to see them in reality. The coast is home to simply a huge number of seabirds, among which penguins are especially interesting. As for vegetation, among the great diversity, it is full of 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 50 kilometers from Cape Town, in the area of another cape called Cape Point. This territory is notable for the fact that there is a so-called passage between two oceans - the Indian and Atlantic.
Distance from major cities:
- Pretoria - 1340 kilometers;
- Johannesburg – 1397 kilometers.
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 there are many flights from Johannesburg and other cities. It is worth noting that different airlines operate flights only on certain days. The cost of a ticket depends on the distance - from major cities in South Africa it varies between 50-200 dollars, from other countries it is correspondingly 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 for up to $120 per day, travel time is about 1.5 hours. You can also get there by bus; two flights depart to the cape daily – in the morning and at lunchtime. The landing point in Cape Town is Green Market Square, return buses leave 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. There are several beaches on the coast where you can come to relax and sunbathe. Many beaches are wild, so you can get away from tourists here. The cape is great for a family holiday.
The swimming season here begins in September and lasts until May. At this time the weather is warm and sunny. In winter, which here lasts from June to the end of July, it is cool here and strong winds blow. This time is suitable only for true extreme sports enthusiasts who are not 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 to enter the park is approximately $11. For children under 11 years old there is a 50% discount. The Flying Dutchman funicular operates on site. It received this name due to the fact that the mysterious ship of the same name is most often visible 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 float forever in the ocean, appearing before the sailors who were about to suffer a misfortune. The cost of a one-way ride on the funicular is 4 dollars, and for children under 16 years old - 1.5.
How to get to the Cape of Good Hope on your own
Vehicles that do not leave the parking lot before the park closes will be fined. It is also prohibited to litter within the park. There is a restaurant in the park where you can have a snack. local dishes, as well as several retail outlets where you can purchase souvenirs and other products. However, it is better to stock up on food and water in advance. You should also definitely take a camera with you - beautiful pictures are guaranteed.
What to see in the area
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 240 meters, so it can be seen from almost anywhere in the area. It is the largest in South Africa. Today it is not functioning and is more valuable from an aesthetic point of view, being an excellent observation deck. You can get here on foot or by cable car.
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 False Bay in the mountains there is a winding path along which you can walk to the small town of Simon's Town. The British Royal Navy was once stationed here.
Another place that is definitely worth seeing is the island of fur seals. At 4 square kilometers closed military base and the prison where Nelson Mandela served his sentence. Now there is a museum where you can learn the history of South Africa. Tourists also have the opportunity to visit the prison cells and courtyard.
Cape of Good Hope: Overview
Name of Good Hope (Cape of Good Hope) bears a rocky headland located in the Cape Point area (Cape Point) in the province of the Western Cape, 50 kilometers from. Contrary to the name, the origin of which is associated with the name of the 15th century Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias, this part of the coast is subject to frequent storms and strong storms, since two powerful ocean currents collide in the peninsula area - the warm Mozambique and the cold Bengal. For centuries, sailors have considered this place one of the most dangerous areas for navigation in the World Ocean. Even for modern ships, the route past the Cape of Good Hope is extremely difficult and dangerous, which only the most experienced sailors can overcome.
There is a common misconception that the Cape of Good Hope marks extreme point southern Africa and serves as an indicator of the conventional boundary between two oceans - the Atlantic and Indian. The true southernmost point is Cape Agulhas (Cape Agulhas) or Agulny - lies 200 kilometers southeast from here. However, on a line from the equator south along the Atlantic coast of the African continent, the Cape of Good Hope marks a psychologically important point when the traveler begins to move more eastward than southward.
The Cape of Good Hope is a high coastal cliff, one of the highest on Earth. The height from sea level here is about 250 meters. Covered with grassy vegetation and low shrubs, the cape, along with much of the Cape Peninsula (Cape Peninsula) is part of Table Mountain National Park (Table Mountain National Park). This is a wild, harsh, but very picturesque region, almost untouched by human activity. This 77.5 km2 stretch of coastline offers amazing scenery and fantastic views of deserted beaches and stormy ocean. Visitors have the unique opportunity to observe an incredible number of seabirds, including penguins, and dolphins and whales frolicking in the coastal waters, or find a variety of endemic plants that grow nowhere else in the world.
About 2 kilometers to the east, on a cliff 238 meters above sea level, there is an ancient lighthouse built in 1859. And, at present, it continues to be used as a central control point for all lighthouses along the South African coast. The route to this historic building is an exhilarating three-minute ride on the Flying Dutchman cable car, which takes visitors from the lower station (127 meters) to the upper one.
Cape of Good Hope: How to get there
To get to the Cape of Good Hope, you need to fly to or.
There are a large number of flights from different airlines departing from Johannesburg International Airport to Cape Town, but some of them only fly on certain days of the week. However, the chances of flying without a long wait are more than high. Flights depart daily at 5.55, 7.25, 8.10, 8.25, 9.10, 9.15, 10.05, 10.40, 11.00, 12.00, 12.50, 13.00, 13.55, 14.15, 15.00, 15.10, 16.20, 17. 00, 17.05, 18.00, 19.30 and 21.10. The ticket price ranges from 50 to 210 USD, flight time is 2 hours 10 minutes.
The easiest way to get from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope is by renting a car. The rental cost ranges from 25 to 120 USD per day. Distance from Cape Town CBD (CBD) Cape Point is approximately 70 km away and the journey will take approximately 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic.
You can also use the Cape Comoot bus service. On this moment this is the only straight line public transport. Every day at 8.30 and 13.00 company buses depart from Green Market Square (Green Market Square) from downtown Cape Town to Cape Point, making a 45-minute stop to see a penguin colony. On the return journey, Cape Comoot buses depart at 13.00 and 17.15. The one-way fare is 99 South African rand (about 7.5 USD).
Cape of Good Hope: Lifehacks
The Cape of Good Hope has its own official website, where you can find the necessary information.
Access to the Cape of Good Hope is now open all year round, but due to seasonal weather changes, its operating hours vary. From April to September the central gate is open from 7.00 to 17.00, and from October to March from 6.00 to 18.00. Price entrance ticket is 135 South African rand (about 10.5 USD), for children from 2 to 11 years old - 70 rand (about 5.5 USD). The funicular operates from 9.00 to 17.00 (April-September) and from 9.00 to 17.30 (October-March). One-way fare for adults is 50 rand (about 4 USD), round trip – 65 rand (5 USD); For children aged 6 to 16 years, a one-way ticket costs 20 rand (1.5 USD), a round trip ticket costs 25 rand (2 USD).
On vehicles Those leaving the parking lot after the central gate closes will be subject to a fine, so be sure to adhere to the opening hours posted at the park entrance.
Other things to do on Cape Point Peninsula:
- Taste world-class cuisine and breathtaking views at Two Oceans Restaurant on the shores of False Bay (False Bay);
— Discover historical places, such as monuments to the navigators Vasco da Gama and Bartolomeu Diaz;
– Visit excellent beaches, picnic areas and walks in Bordiereef Bays (Bordjiesrif) and Buffels Bay (Buffels Bay);
— Photograph more than 1,100 local endemic plant species;
— Watch whales play as they pass Cape Point during their annual migration from June to October.
— Try to meet the mountain zebra and the world's largest antelope, Elenda;
— Take a walk along the Olifantsbos Point Shipwreck Trail (Olifantsbos Point), to see the results of several of the 26 recorded shipwrecks off the coast of Cape Point;
— Relax actively in the fresh air - go sea kayaking or mountain biking;
- Explore a variety of stunning dive sites.
— Take a walk to the place where people have seen the legendary ghost ship “The Flying Dutchman” for many years (the Flying Dutchman).
Somehow, with my business and travels, I completely forgot to continue the story about my trip to South Africa.
I'm correcting myself.
So. Having ascended in the most roundabout way, swam with, met New Year in a crowd of thousands on the embankment, early in the morning of January 1, we found the strength to load ourselves into cars and set off towards our hopes.
Or rather, one hope. But very kind.
Namely, to the Cape of Good Hope.
What were these heroic efforts for and why was it necessary to go early in the morning?
Yes, because during the day so many people rush there that all hopes can be wasted 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 a little confusion often arises. For there is a geographical point - the Cape of Good Hope itself.
Where there is nothing but hope.
And there is Cape Point, where there is a lighthouse called the Cape of Good Hope. There are also all sorts of souvenir shops, cafes and life in general. So many limit themselves to coming to this very place.
We, like real travelers, decided to land at the Cape of Good Hope. And then go to the lighthouse.
At first, the idea was to go to both places by car. But after looking at the map, I categorically stated that we had to go on foot.
Who would doubt that.
The Cape on the morning of January 1st was surprisingly deserted. And the ocean delighted the eye with its crazy color.
By the way, forgive my geographical criticism, I still don’t remember what kind of ocean it was.
However, the coastline of the continent here turns east for the first time, opening a passage from Atlantic Ocean towards Indian.
So let's consider it a mix of two oceans.
The Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost point of Africa. But in order to give this place some status and meaning for tourists’ stay, it was designated the most southwestern point of the continent.
What a memorial plaque was installed about.
All. There is nothing else on the cape.
Therefore, without stopping for long, we followed 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 suited to its original name - Cape of Storms.
Because when a storm rages here, there is not much to hope for.
But history, as we know, is made by optimists. That's why the cape got this name.
From the Cape of Good Hope to the lighthouse you can walk in about forty minutes. But we weren’t chasing records.
They walked, turned their heads to the sides, and constantly stopped to take pictures or capture another impressive view.
So the walk lasted for two hours.
Approximately in the middle of the path there is an absolutely charming beach where you should definitely go down.
Of course we went down there and wandered around.
And Pasha, despite the icy water and huge waves, even seemed to take a swim.
Well, Pasha is completely crazy.
At the top of the Lion's Head mountain, literally buying into the "weak" approach, I stood in the plank position 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. Someone even made a heart out of seaweed.
By the way, for me personally it was a discovery that one of the most terrible and romantic legends is associated with the Cape of Good Hope.
Do you know which one?
I didn’t know - the legend of the Flying Dutchman. Somewhere here he surfs the waves of the ocean.
However, when you walk along picturesque paths on a sunny day, the last thing you think about is all sorts of creepy stories.
You can take a small trailer from the parking lot to the lighthouse.
But then you can pass by the baboons.
It's not that I like baboons that much. Quite the contrary. Of all the representatives of the monkey family, they are the least attractive to me.
But, as you know, the tourist’s commandment is that if there is a baboon, you need to see it.
Or maybe it’s not necessary, I thought, seeing what the father of the family was doing while the mother was babysitting the children.
However, when he saw that I was photographing him, he somehow quickly became embarrassed, dropped what he was doing and covered himself with his paws.
But the impression of communicating with the beautiful animal world was somehow already spoiled.
I had to go straight to the lighthouse in order to offset the moral damage with natural beauty.
Lighthouse, like a lighthouse. Nothing special.
Nearby is a traditional tourist places stand with different distances settlements.
Such things are put up, apparently, to amaze the tourist - he has gone far. But for some reason this does not touch a single string of my tender soul.
It is much more interesting to go around some old buildings and go to the very ends of the earth.
At least there you can take a photo from the "Edge of the World" series.
I already had such a photograph from a geographical point right under the name Cape World’s End.
It is located on the island of Shikotan in the Kuril Islands. In my opinion, it is much more picturesque there, but that’s a matter of taste.
After a long walk, it's time to eat.
So I whiled away the time while waiting for everyone to gather, eating pizza, which some very harmful birds blatantly tried to take away from me.
They behaved very brazenly.
I also sent a postcard.
The postcard never arrived. Apparently I got lost :(
When I had done all my work and was almost bored, everyone else finally found me and joyfully 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 that it would take about two hours. So Misha didn’t follow us.
Vika and Arseny left in a car that was foreign to us.
Well, we went back on foot to good hope. Just like the Flying Dutchman, wandering the seas without rest.
Apparently this hope wanted to let us go just like that.
But now, with a sense of accomplishment, we could definitely say that we had sailed the length and breadth of the Cape of Good Hope.
Well, what else do real tramps need?
The Cape of Good Hope is a popular attraction for tourists traveling to Cape Town. South Africa. It's a beautiful place with unpredictable weather, baboons and adorable penguins playing in the ocean. Here you can fully enjoy the stunning scenery and wealth of wildlife.
Description and location
A hill on the Cape Peninsula, located on the world map near Cape Town. It is mistakenly considered the southernmost point of the continent and the place where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. In fact, the tip is located at Cape Agulhas (Agulhas), located on the South African Garden Road, 200 km from the capital of South Africa.
Cold Bengal Current west coast And warm current The Agulhas merge at the foot of one of Africa's top attractions, which, along with nearby Cape Point, offers spectacular scenery.
The summit is located 70 km from Cape Town. You can get there from the city by car in an hour and a half. Legend has it that the ghosts of the Flying Dutchman's crew haunt the Cape and its waters, although visiting tourists are much more likely to see penguins, antelope and perhaps a right whale.
Geographic coordinates of the cape: 54°31′08″ north latitude and 42°04′15″ east longitude. Altitude: 93 m
origin of name
The historical fact of why the Cape of Good Hope is called that is quite interesting. It dates back to the time of exploration in the 15th century, when European powers Spain and Portugal sent sailors to unknown places in search of wealth. The first European to see and discover the cape was the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeo Dias, who was looking for the southern borders of the African continent. The date of the expedition he led is considered to be 1486.
According to some historical sources, Dias called his discovery "Cape of Storms" (Cabo das Tormentas), but later changed it to the current name of the cape (Cabo da Boa Esperança), so named at the suggestion of King John II of Portugal because of the trade opportunities it brought this place. According to other sources, Dias himself came up with this name. He was from a family of hereditary sailors. His older brothers, moving south along the coast of West Africa, discovered Capes Bojador and Green.
History of the Cape
Nine years passed before Vasco da Gama, another Portuguese sailor, also attempted to travel to the southern tip of Africa on his way to India. The sailors met people from the Khoya tribe, and several members of Vasco da Gama's crew were injured in the clash with them. Other important facts in the history of this area are:
- Although the Portuguese were the first to travel the Cape, they were not seriously interested in southern Africa. They were wary of the indigenous population, and the weather was sometimes treacherous and dangerous.
- Some early Portuguese navigators chose not to sail around this area. Moreover, in terms of trade, South Africa had very little to offer: gold had not yet been discovered, and the land seemed desolate and unpromising.
- In June 1580, almost 100 years later, Sir Francis Drake sailed past the cape. He was on a trip around the world commissioned by Elizabeth I of England. The weather was calm and the scenery serene. This view inspired Sir Francis Drake to say the following words: “This cape is the grandest thing and the fairest cape that we have seen in all the circumference of the earth.” More British expeditions followed, and soon other European countries followed in their footsteps.
- In the first half of the 17th century, the English and Dutch used the route, which was supposed to go around the cape, for trade purposes. Danish and French ships stopped to replenish water supplies and stock up on fresh food.
- Although English, French and Dutch East India companies toyed with the idea of establishing a base on the Cape in the 17th century, it was the Dutch who finally took the first step.
On December 31, 1687, a group of Huguenots was sent to the Cape from the Netherlands. They fled France to escape religious persecution. The Dutch East India Company needed skilled farmers in the Cape, and the Dutch government saw an opportunity for the Huguenots by sending them there.
The Cape of Good Hope plays an important role in South African history as a stopping point for merchant ships sailing between Europe and the European colonies to the east. Initially, Europeans exchanged local residents for food and water, but on April 6, 1652, the Dutch East India Company, under the leadership of merchant Jan van Riebeeck, established a small supply station in a sheltered bay beyond the Cape Peninsula, forming the first European settlement in the region.
On January 19, 1806, Great Britain occupied the extreme point of the peninsula. It was ceded to Great Britain in the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814 and was henceforth administered as Cape Colony.
Today, the small station that provided refreshments to weary sailors has grown into the bustling city of Cape Town.
Vegetable world
The Cape Peninsula is one of eight protected areas in the region jointly recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage for wealth flora. Although the 553,000-hectare Cape flower region represents only 0.5% of Africa's area, it contains almost 20% of the continent's plants. Fynbos, or "fine bush", is the most common category of plants found here, and many species are unique to the peninsula.
The headland is part of Table Mountain National Park and park rangers can be seen working to remove invasive species such as wattle, pine and blue gum that threaten the survival of native plants.
wild nature
The peninsula is rich wildlife, especially birds. Its shores are inhabited by the gannet, the African black oyster hunter and 4 species of cormorants. But the most famous feathered inhabitants are the penguins at Boulders Beach. Tourists can get an up-close look at one of the few colonies on the mainland at False Bay. There are special paths here that will lead you through the natural habitat of penguins, and if you visit this place between February and August, you can also see fluffy chicks.
Cape mountain zebra is occasionally found in these areas. But more common inhabitants are baboons, several species of antelope and the small, furry dassie, the elephant's closest relative. You can also watch whales and dolphins here.
Classes and activities
One of the main attractions of South Africa is a narrow peninsula overlooking the ocean. But such a location implies the presence of wind and unpredictable weather. However, the landscape that opens to visitors will not leave anyone indifferent:
- The coastline meets a backdrop of clouds with occasional glimpses of sun to create a dramatic landscape. While here, you can watch the zebras wandering around. Moreover, this perfect place for whale watching from June to November.
- You should climb the lighthouse to see best views to the cape There are 3 ways to get to the top. Along coastline There is a path with long stone stairs. This route offers the best views of the coast. From the parking lot there is a road all the way to the top. The climb is quite easy and not very strenuous. For those who do not want or are unable to walk, there is the Flying Dutchman funicular, which will take you to observation deck in 3 minutes for a small fee.
- A drive along the Cape Peninsula is one of the favorite additions to tourist route in Cape Town. Day Trip Highlights - southern points cape, and stunning sea cliffs and ocean views will make tourists feel like they are on the edge of the earth.
Best places
Muizenberg Beach. Muizenberg is a beach suburb of Cape Town known for its snow-white sandy shore and very bright houses that decorate it. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are an added bonus and attract surfers to this place.
Simon's Town and Boulders Beach. Simon's Town is a historic and charming naval town on the shores of False Bay, and Boulders Beach is known for its colony of African penguins. Thousands of individuals go about their daily business: cleaning their wings, looking after their children. The Boulders Beach walk is done on a wooden plank. If you want to get close to the penguins, you need to walk further along the sand dunes to Foxy Beach, but be aware that the penguins can be aggressive, and if you get too close, you can experience how sharp their beaks are.
Cape Point. This peak can be reached by driving just over 1 km east of the main headland. This is where the Flying Dutchman funicular is located, offering views of the lighthouse.
Chapman's Peak Drive. There's nothing like the windswept Atlantic coastline, and Chapman Peak provides... ocean road the most breathtaking view. This toll highway is carved into the rock and features nearly vertical climbs and blind turns. It starts in the fishing village of Hout Bay and runs to Chapman's Point before ending in Noordhoek. The ocean views are incredibly beautiful along the entire route, but the best are from Chapman's Point - the most high point roads.
