The tip monument
A plaque marking both oceans.
Joachim Huber from Switzerland — CC BY-SA 2.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Lengau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Josep M. Gracia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Cape Agulhas is a rocky headland in the Western Cape and the southernmost point of Africa, where the line the International Hydrographic Organization treats as dividing the Atlantic and Indian oceans begins. It lies about 55 km farther south than the Cape of Good Hope, so it draws anyone wanting to stand at the true tip of the continent. Portuguese navigators called it the Cape of Needles, because around 1500 their compasses here pointed exactly to true north. It was a known hazard on the old clipper route. A lighthouse was proposed in 1837 and first lit in 1849. It is the third lighthouse built in South Africa and the second oldest still working. At the point itself is a stone monument with a plaque marking the two oceans, surrounded by jagged rocks, white surf and low scrub. The sandstone lighthouse, 27 m tall, stands a short way from the tip. On the nearby shore lie the remains of the wrecked Japanese ship Meisho Maru, a favourite picture here. It is about 170 km southeast of Cape Town and 85 km in a straight line from Hermanus, so it suits a long day trip. The wind is often strong, so bring a jacket. Do not swim here, as the rocks and currents are dangerous. Take care on slippery rocks at the tip.
A plaque marking both oceans.
Sandstone, 27 m tall.
The remains of a wreck.
Agulhas National Park, near L'Agulhas, Western Cape
No, Cape Agulhas lies about 55 km farther south.
A plaque marks the point, but there is no visible line in the water.