Where is Agulhas?

Heading to the most southern tip of Africa can feel like a journey to the edge of the world, and what a fantastic journey it is. Revealing some of the most spectacular views and landscapes this sunny country has to offer, the road to Struisbaai and L’Agulhas certainly makes the journey worthwhile.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and rolling fields on one side and harbouring the meeting point of two mighty oceans on the other side, the southern tip of Africa is not only a destination but an experience. Accentuated by the area’s rich history and warm hospitality, the most southern towns of Africa should be at the top of your bucket list.

When planning your trip to Struisbaai and L’Agulhas it would almost seem that all roads lead to the tip of Africa and deciding which route to take only adds to the adventure. A little over 2 hours away from Cape Town, it’s a scenic drive through the Overberg and Cape Agulhas regions that will lead you to this gem hidden at the most southern corner in the world. When travelling from the luscious Garden Route, you continue on the N2 until the landscape unfolds into a quilt of green and yellow orchards. Upon reaching Swellendam, turn off onto the R319 and enjoy as the farmlands flow past your window. You will then pass Bredasdorp and continue on the R319 until you notice the presence of seagulls and the glimmer of the warm African sun on aquamarine waters.

Alternatively, when travelling in from Cape Town there are a few different routes to choose from. If you continue on the N2 over Sir Lowry’s Pass, you have the chance to enjoy panoramic views over Stellenbosch and Strand and the big blue ocean reaching out to Cape Point. And while making your way up the mountain imagine how the olden day folks managed to do it with ox-wagons. Travel past the orchards of Grabouw and over Houwhoek Pass to turn onto the R43 just past Botriver from where you can start making your way towards Hermanus or Caledon. Continuing through Hermanus, continue on the R43 out of town. At Stanford you can continue on through Gansbaai and past Pearly Beach until you turn onto the R317 until it connects with the R319. You can also choose to turn off at Stanford onto the R326 until it connects with the R216 that takes you through the business hub of Cape Agulhas, Bredasdorp. If you prefer the rustic beauty of rolling hills and grazing sheep, definitely continue on the R316 through Caledon. This fairly straight road that allows for ample admiring of your surrounds will lead you through Napier, Bredasdorp and finally bring you to your destination.

Another scenic alternative when travelling from Cape Town is to take the Whale Coast Route. Heading through Gordons Bay you turn off onto the R44 and continue on this coastal-hugging route. This route is filled with spectacular ocean views and the climbing cliffs of the Koggelberg. This coast-hugging route also takes you through the quaint little villages of Rooi Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay and Kleinmond. The R44 connects to the R43 once again and leads you towards Hermanus. Holding true to its name, be sure to keep an eye out for the yearly congregation of Southern Right Whales in the warm and protected coves of Walker Bay. Once again, continue through Hermanus towards Stanford and carry on either through Gansbaai or Napier and Bredasdorp along the R316.

When travelling to the two most southern villages in Africa, the options are endless and definitely rewarding. Showcasing some of the most breath-taking views and landscapes South Africa has to offer, the journey to Struisbaai and L’Agulhas offer up beauty and adventure. No matter which route you choose, there is something unique to enjoy every time.

Find directions for Agulhas.