The Hindu Business Line : Cape spectacular

It is one of the most spectacular sights that a traveller can dream of; the southernmost tip (well, almost, as Cape Agulhas, about 150 km on the south-east deserves this honour technically), of the African continent. The majestic granite structure of Cape Point, which has been battered by storms, pounded by powerful waves and whipped by strong winds, triumphantly rises out of the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean and makes you feel, yet again, how insignificant we human bei ngs really are.

The best place to view the entire expanse of the blue waters of the sea and this impressive rocky formation springing from it, is the very windy cast-iron lighthouse erected in 1860 on the cape point peak 249 metres above sea-level. Initially, in 1488, the Cape of Good Hope was christened ‘Cape of Storms’ by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias (a sparkling white sand beach in this area is named after him), who encountered Cape Point, as several others before him, in treacherous weather. But later King John II of Portugal renamed it as it opened up a long-awaited and much promised sea route to India and the East. But ironically enough, 10 years later Dias, with Vasco de Gama and their crew in tow, sailed once again in the tortuous seas around this coastline. Four of the 13-fleet ships sank, taking down Dias.

With such history to boast of, the Cape of Good Hope, about 50 km away from Cape Town and considered the ‘maritime crossroad of the world’, is a huge tourist attraction, and a must on the list of most visitors to South Africa. Though the original lighthouse is no longer in use as it was later replaced by another at a better location, it serves as an excellent vantage point to enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree view around Cape Point.

Tourist can either trek up to this point or use the funicular railway station (a cable car-like operation on railway tracks used to transport people over steep inclines) and reach the top in a couple of minutes. Looking down at the turquoise waters of the sea is an experience to cherish, but be careful of the wind and secure your caps, shawls and anything else you might be carrying.

Boulders Beach

Nestling in a sheltered cove between Simon’s Town and Cape Point, the Boulders Beach has become famous for its thriving colony of African penguins. Though in the midst of a residential area, you can see penguins in hundreds, roaming about freely in a natural, protected environment. According to South African Tourism literature, in 1910 there was an estimated population of 1.5 million African penguins; barely 10 per cent had survived by the end of the 20th century.

As you enter the Boulders colony, the first sight of a penguin is bound to thrill you and make you reach for the camera. But hold on for a couple of minutes; as you walk on, and towards the sea, you’ll discover dozens of them relaxing on the beach and giving you endless photo ops!

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