What is the Cape of Good Hope?
The rocky headland at the tip of the Cape Peninsula, about 60-70 km south of Cape Town, in a protected fynbos reserve. Cape Point, with its old and new lighthouses and dramatic cliffs, is the main viewpoint. The famous Cape of Good Hope sign is a short drive or 45-minute hike away. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't Africa's southernmost point (that's Cape Agulhas), but it's where the Atlantic coastline turns east.
Entry fees
SANParks updates fees every year from 1 November, and fees for international visitors have been rising sharply. Check the SANParks rates page before you go. Payment is by card at the gate.
The Wild Card
If you're visiting several South African national parks, the international Wild Card gives free entry to all of them for a year and can pay off quickly.
How busy is it?
- December-January (summer holidays) is peak season, with gate queues.
- Easter and long weekends are busy.
- Winter (June-August) is quiet but can be stormy.
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for Cape of Good Hope, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Quietest time
Monday, 7-11 am
Busiest time
Sunday, 12-5 pm
How to beat the crowds
- Arrive at opening, before the first tours.
- Walk up to the old lighthouse instead of queuing for the funicular (about 15-20 minutes, steep).
- Do the Cape of Good Hope sign first if Cape Point is busy, or vice versa.
- Hike the Cape Point-to-Cape of Good Hope trail to escape the crowds.
Safety and practical tips
- Baboons: never feed them, keep food out of sight and car windows closed. They can be aggressive.
- Wind: it can be extremely strong, so bring a windproof jacket.
- Sun: there's little shade.
- Facilities: restaurant, shop and toilets at Cape Point. Bring water.
- Wildlife: look for ostriches, elands, bonteboks and, from the cliffs, whales in season (roughly June-November).
Getting there
It's about 1-1.5 hours by car from Cape Town. The classic loop goes south via Chapman's Peak Drive (toll) and returns via Simon's Town and Boulders Beach penguins. There's no public transport, so drive or join a tour.
Mistakes to avoid
- Arriving at 11 am with every tour bus.
- Leaving food on a picnic table near baboons.
- Underestimating the wind and cold.
- Not checking fees for the new cycle.
History
Bartolomeu Dias rounded the cape in 1488, the first European known to do so, and named it the Cape of Storms. King John II of Portugal renamed it the Cape of Good Hope, for the hope of a sea route to India, which Vasco da Gama achieved in 1497. Despite popular belief, it isn't Africa's southernmost point (that's Cape Agulhas, about 150 km east), nor exactly where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. The area is part of Table Mountain National Park, protecting the unique fynbos vegetation of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wildlife
Look out for Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, eland, ostriches and the famous chacma baboons, which can be aggressive around food: keep car windows closed and never feed them. Whales can be seen offshore from about June to November. The Boulders Beach penguin colony, near Simon's Town, is on the way.
Is it worth it?
Yes: the drive and the cliffs are spectacular. The entry fee for international visitors is high, so make a full day of it with Chapman's Peak and Boulders Beach.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to enter the Cape of Good Hope?
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International adults pay a daily conservation fee of around R550-600 in the new fee cycle. South Africans pay much less, and Wild Card holders are free.
What time does the Cape of Good Hope open?
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Around 6 am in summer and 7 am in winter, closing around 5-6 pm.
Is the Cape Point funicular included?
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No, it's an extra fee. You can walk up instead.
Is the Cape of Good Hope the southern tip of Africa?
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No, that's Cape Agulhas, further east.
What's the best time to visit?
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At opening, before the tour buses. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
Heading to Cape of Good Hope?
See how busy it is right now and the quietest hours for your date, then walk in when the line is short.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
