Popular Attractions
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Agulhas Yes, it’s official, this is the spot to get your photo taken at the southernmost tip of Africa.
Ocean currents between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point may be constantly moving and mingling, however, the official meeting place of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, according to the International Hydrographical Organisation, is Cape Agulhas. This demarcation is cast in stone!
This wild and treacherous coastline known as the Graveyard of Ships only adds to the dramatic and remote beauty of the area. Pearl-like winter days, between the wild storms that lash this Cape, are gentle, peaceful, and windless.
A fascinating historic and cultural legacy has been left here by the Khoikhoi beach nomads, who lived along the Cape Agulhas coastline for many centuries. The well preserved shell middens and fish-traps are of interest to many a historian and archaeologist.
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Popular Attractions
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Agulhas Visit the lighthouse on the southern-most tip of Africa!
Built in 1848, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was only the second one to be built in South Africa. Today the lighthouse is a national monument, housing the unique lighthouse museum and a small rustic restaurant.
The coastline here is a graveyard of shipwrecks. The sea off Cape Agulhas has long been notorious with sailors for winter storms and massive rogue waves, which can even sink large ships. The Arniston (1815), Cooranga (1964), Elise (1879), European (1877), Federal Lakes (1975), Geortyrder (1849), Gouritz (1981), and Gwendola (1968) are just a few of the vessels lost along this coast. Showpieces from some of these shipwrecks are on display at the Bredasdorp Shipwreck museum.
Owing to the hazards and following the loss of numerous vessels, notably the Arniston, the lighthouse was built. Seventy-one steps lead up to the top of what is now the second oldest working lighthouse in southern Africa. Stone mined from an adjacent limestone quarry provided the raw materials for its construction.
Visitors to the area can still see the Meisho Maru 38 wreck on the shores of Cape Agulhas. Remains of ancient stone fish traps used by the Khoisan people can be seen to the east of the lighthouse.
Need to know? The entrance fee to the lighthouse is R15 for adults and R7.50 for kids (2 – 11 years). This entrance fee is in line with other Transnet National Ports Authority’s lighthouses which are open to visitors.
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Things to do near
Agulhas
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
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Struisbaai (5.1 km from Agulhas) The longest, uninterrupted white beach in the Southern Hemisphere? It's right here at Struisbaai - all 14 kilometres of it! Struisbaai beach is a wonderful walking beach with safe swimming. The quaint, bustling fishing harbour attracts photographers and artists alike and is an impressive sight when the fishing boats come in. Most of their catch is destined for community supper tables and restaurants in the area.
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Popular Attractions
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Arniston (28.4 km from Agulhas) Arniston? Waenhuiskrans? Kassiesbaai? Are you confused? In reality all three names apply to this multi faceted gem of a Southern Overberg coastal town. Arniston is a true mixture of, not only name, but many other things too.The name Arniston commemorates an 1815 shipwreck; the Waenhuiskrans (wagon-house cliff) is so named after a massive limestone cave close by; and historic Kassiesbaai, a national heritage site, is one of the last remaining unspoiled fishing villages in the country.Arniston is also known as Waenhuiskrans because of the magnificent limestone cave. You can get to this cave across the dunes to the west of Roman Beach. According to local lore, the cave is so big that wagons with a full span of oxen could turn around in it. Waenhuiskrans can only be accessed at low tide.
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Galleries and Museums
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Bredasdorp (31.6 km from Agulhas) This treasure chest of a museum specialises in shipwrecks along the South African coastline and contains showpieces specific to the Overberg.
Three sections make up the museaum – one of which is the Shipwreck Museum. Housed in the old former Independent Church, you will find an amazing assortment of cannons, figureheads, chinaware, coins, ships' bells, buoys and other life-saving equipment.
The Old Parsonage, a typical Strandveldhuis (Overberg home), is furnished with articles collected along the coasts. Here too, for safekeeping, is a collection of newspaper cuttings and other trivia salvaged from various wrecks.
The Old Coach House exhibits Cape carts, a scotch-cart, two horse-drawn hearses and a splendid old fire engine. The buildings alone are beautifully restored examples of old Cape architecture - well worth a visit!
Need to know? Open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 16:45, Saturday from 09:00 to 14:45 and Sunday from 10:30 to 12:30.
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Shops
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Bredasdorp (31.7 km from Agulhas) Situated in the heart of Bredasdorp, EnviroWines Wine Shop offers exceptional wines produced through environmentally friendly practices and certified by independent environmental auditors.
The EnviroWines concept aims to give recognition and publicity to wineries that make a special effort in using sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Adhering to strict criteria, these wine estates receive the EnviroWines certification seal.
Along with fabulous wines, visitors will be able to purchase accessories for the wine lover and find some great gift ideas.
28 Long Street, Bredasdorp
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
+27 (0) 28 424 2158.
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Shops
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Bredasdorp (32.5 km from Agulhas) The 'warm art of Africa' lives in Bredasdorp! Visit the colourful Kapula Candles shop in Bredasdorp - the only Kapula store in South Africa. Entrepeneur Ilse Appelgryn started making candles at her home in Bredasdorp with the skill, equipment and inspiration left to her by her Aunt Jo. She called her company Kapula Candles, short for her expression "I'm making a couple o' candles!" Today the cottage industry has grown to a large scale industry, employing many local people and exporting many handpainted products. Definitely worth a visit.
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Village Marketplaces
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Napier (40.9 km from Agulhas) Every Saturday morning sees the sleepy village of Napier come alive as the industrious local residents disply their wares at the local market. Goods for sale include jams and reserves, olive products, ceramics, home made ice cream, locally produced cheeses, clothing and much more.
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Popular Attractions
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Napier (41.2 km from Agulhas) One dark autumn night in the beautiful Overberg town of Napier, three friends got together and started discussing what they could do to bring some extra sparkle to their village.
As they sat drinking beer after beer, the answer became obvious. It was staring them in the face. A quality local beer! Napier Bier was conceived that night and over the coming months the three friends set out on their journey to produce such a beer.
Brewed naturally on the outskirts of the village, Napier beer has become firmly established as a favourite of locals and visitors alike and is most certainly a case of where 'local is lekker'. Brews now include lager, ale and stout.
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Hiking Trail
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De Hoop (58.6 km from Agulhas) One of South Africa's ultimate hiking experiences, the five-day Whale Trail is only three hours drive from Cape Town. The 54 km route meanders through the breathtaking De Hoop Nature Reserve where the fragrance of the fynbos intermingles with salty sea air.
The trail is renowned for its diverse fynbos vegetation, magnificent dunes and whale watching opportunities. On the trail you will experience breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Breede River Valley. The trail stretches from Potberg to Koppie Alleen and has five overnight stops.
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Wine Estates
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Stanford (63.7 km from Agulhas) The Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer's black fishing vessel. Piet's first love has always been the sea. For some 36 years he braved the storms and challenges of the coast, ever in search of the best catch. It is with this same passion that the Dreyer family now pursue the art of winemaking. With the rich blessing of earth and elements, the help of a dedicated workforce, the enthusiasm of winemaker Josef Dreyer and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning Raka wines.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 - 16:30 and Saturday 10:00 - 15:00 December to January. Out of season please phone ahead.
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Wine Estates
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Stanford (74.7 km from Agulhas) Cool sea breezes and a mountainous microclimate ensure that the grapes ripen slowly which contributes to the smooth quality of the wine. Stanford Hills Winery produces an award winning Pinotage under the label of Jacksons Pinotage. The last three vintages have all been awarded four stars in the John Platter guide. Grapes are hand picked and selected, to ensure that only the best quality grapes are included in the final product. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay vines were planted, and are expected to produce in 2008.
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Galleries and Museums
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Stanford (74.9 km from Agulhas) Situated in the heart of the Overberg, the quaint village of Stanford is just half an hour outside of Hermanus and an hour and a half from Cape Town.Stanford Gallery exhibits the work of latter day South African artists of the past few decades, as well as prominent contemporary artists and notable emerging artists. Mosey around and you might find an etching by Pippa Skotness, a drawing by Pieter van der Westhuizen or a lyrical landscape by Joshua Miles.The Overberg has a wealth of creative talent and Stanford Gallery is committed to promoting local artists whose work is fast establishing a reputation in this region.The gallery has a beautifully appointed studio, which opens onto the village green. Regular workshops explore a variety of mediums from painting and drawing to printmaking. The studio is also available to art societies and groups who would like to make use of it.Need to know? Gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 8am till 5pm.
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Popular Attractions
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Stanford (75.2 km from Agulhas) Climb aboard Platanna for a ‘Wind in the Willows’ river adventure in Stanford.
Named for the resident frog, Platanna is a 20-foot (6 m) ex fishing boat that hosts lazy river cruises down the Klein River from the Victorian village of Stanford. She has the capacity to carry up to twelve passengers for a gentle meander past the village.
The cruise offers some great bird watching and superb mountain views. You might even spot terrapins or an otter. Pack your own picnic or contact Tim and trusty crew will provide it all for you. Sunset champagne cruises are exquisite!
073 318 5078
cruise@platanna.com
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Wine Estates
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Stanford (76.7 km from Agulhas) Birkenhead, the first wine and brewing estate in South Africa, proudly runs a small but growing microbrewery, winery and vineyards.
Well worth a visit, not only for beer and wine fanatics, but for anyone keen to spend time at their beautiful country estate beneath the Klein Rivier Mountains.
Taste their exceptional beer at the Birkenhead Brewery and grab a meal at the restaurant and pub. And don't miss visiting the winery to tasting their Walker Bay Vineyards wines.
www.birkenhead.co.za
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Nature Reserves
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De Kelders (77.2 km from Agulhas) Managed by Cape Nature, Walker Bay stretches along the coast from De Kelders to the Hermanus Lagoon. Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers much for the whole family. From wide beaches to sea caves, good fishing grounds to pretty fynbos and hiking trails.A 24 km hiking trail hugs the coastline and there are several beaches and protected coves. Die Plaat, a vast area dominated by drift-sand can be seen from the other side of Walker Bay. The entrance to the reserve is on the northern edge of De Kelders. The famous Klipgat Cave can be reached by a boardwalk and steps from the entrance.
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Beaches
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Hermanus (92.6 km from Agulhas) The Blue Flag Grotto Beach is one of the most striking South African beaches with its rolling waves and mountainous backdrop. Enjoyed by locals, visitors and whales, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach games and long romantic walks at sunset.Feeling fit and adventurous? Walk 18 kilometres along the unspoilt and exquisite Walker Bay coastline from Grotto Beach to the seaside hamlet of De Kelders.At Grotto Beach you will never have to share your towel with the person sitting next to you on the soft white sand. You will probably return again and again to this relaxing haven!
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Beaches
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Voelklip (93.3 km from Agulhas) Rowweklip Beach is a tiny private beach nestled between Grotto Beach and Voelklip Beach. From the Rowweklip bench you can see the sun rise and set. It's a magical place.
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Hiking Trail
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McGregor (95.5 km from Agulhas) The popular Boesmanskloof Trail winds through the only gap in the rugged Riviersonderend Mountain range. This lovely hiking trail links the quaint little towns of McGregor and Greyton.
The route can be hiked either way starting at Die Galg, roughly 14 km from Greyton and McgGregor. It traverses some spectacular mountain scenery with deep rock pools and waterfalls – perfect for cooling off in summer.
Perdekop viewpoint offers fabulous views of the steep gorges of the Riviersonderend Mountains and the lush Greyton and McGregor valleys. A great diversity of plant species can be seen, particularly proteas and ericas. Between July and October the flowering king proteas are magnificent.
Hikers have the option of overnighting at Die Galg – book in advance.
Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.
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Waterfall
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Greyton (95.5 km from Agulhas) Oak Falls is situated halfway between Greyton and McGregor on the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail. It’s quite feasible to take a picnic and spend the day at this lovely waterfall or cool off in the natural pool if you’re doing the Boesmanskloof Hiking Trail.
Permits are required from Cape Nature for the day trail – wwwcapenature.org.za 0861 227 362 8873.
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Hiking Trail
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McGregor (95.7 km from Agulhas) Hike along the road to nowhere – The Galg Road. The original pass from McGregor towards Greyton leads up to the mountains and mysteriously disappears at the edge of a steep krantz.
Many local stories speculate about the reason why the road was never completed. In 1862 the village of McGregor was officially proclaimed and the land divided into 2.5-hectare plots and sold to 19 farmers who were under the impression that the road from Cape Town would pass through their village.
This never happened and neither did the planned road over the mountains through the Boesmanskloof Pass to Greyton – the road simply passes through the village and comes to an abrupt end.
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Shops
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Greyton (95.8 km from Agulhas) Even more reason to visit Greyton!
Chocolatier Richard von Geusau crafts sublime handmade chocolates from the best Belgian couverture. It’s impossible not to drool while browsing the Von Geusau range of truffles and slabs – spiked with the flavours of roasted hazelnut, almond, pistachio, rose geranium, cardamom, crème brûlée, pear, lemon, vanilla and liqueurs.
Need to know?
Find the von Geusau Chocolaterie at the Oak & Vigne in Ds Botha Street, Greyton.
+27 (0) 28 254 9100
www.vgchocolate.co.za
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