Many people mistakenly think that Cape Point is the southern most point of the African continent, but there is no question that Cape Agalhus holds the rightful title to this status. Technically Cape Point would be the most southwestern point of Africa.
There does seem to be some debate over where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Several organizations including the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, the International Hydrographic Organisation and South African Navy have all agreed that it is Cape Agalhus.
Our drive started from Hermanus. It took us through many rolling hills of wheat farms. Prior to reaching Cape Agalhus we stopped at a sandy beach where some boys were swimming and playing among colorful fishing boats.
The coastline of Cape Agalhus is very rocky, rugged and windy. It’s easy to see why so many shipwrecks occurred here.
The lighthouse has a museum and small restaurant. For a fee you can climb to the top and enjoy the views of the area. The village has been built around the flat sand dunes.
The southernmost point of the African continent is officially marked by a sign, it also points to the directions of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. As we stood here it was a strange feeling to look at the barren land in front of us and realize the entire continent of Africa stretched northward from that point.
InsideJourneys says
Love your reporting. Was in Cape Point last year. From what I understood, it is the southwestern most point. Cape Agulhus isn’t as well known but hope you were able to make it there as well.
Marcia