Outdoor Adventures in Agulhas

The towns of Struisbaai and L’Agulhas may have been established around its farming and fishing industries, but there is so much more to it than just farming. The neighbouring villages offer up a wide variety of activities that will keep you busy and exploring the beauty and history of the area.

The colourful and bustling harbour in Struisbaai and the historic lighthouse in Agulhas are sure to be at the top of your to-do list when visiting the area and although they should not be missed, there are a list of other great outdoor adventures to take part in.

Known for its breath-taking beaches, Struisbaai holds the longest stretch of beach in the southern hemisphere which is a must-see. The waters here are warmed by the Benguela current and allows for great swimming and surfing. The crystal clear water and outstretched white sandy beaches resemble those of some tropical island while the African sun warms your skin and carries you away. The endless beaches lend to days spent tanning, swimming, having picnics and long walks along the coastline.

These tropical looking beaches also allow for the perfect spot to cast a line into the bountiful waters. The coastline is often dotted with local fishermen casting their lines from the beaches or shallow reef. The area is known for its thriving fishing harbour and here you can stand a chance to catch the national fish of South Africa, the Galjoen. Another popular attraction regarding the marine life are the stingrays that frequent the harbour. Often following the fishing boats on their return, the stingrays come up to the shallows and you can even feed them pilchards bought at the shop in the harbour.

Those looking for a bit more of a challenge or just looking to explore the landscape can choose to take on one of the hiking trails in the area. Following the coastline and leading you along the water’s edge or taking you up into the hills of Agulhas, the trails showcase the natural landscapes and offer spectacular views on the way. A popular trail in L’Agulhas is the Spookdraai (Ghost Turn) Trail. The path leads you first along the coast and then heads up into the hills to give you a 360° view of the ocean stretching beyond the horizon. Clearly marked and easy enough for all ages to do, this trail is definitely recommended to get the best view around.

For the nature lovers, there is also plenty to feast your eyes upon. L’Agulhas and much of the surrounding area hold some of the best nature reserves in the country. Visit for a day or two at the Agulhas National Park and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at its best. The nature reserves include endless fields of Fynbos, wetlands, numerous species of wildlife and even protected areas of ocean. The reserves also hold fantastic walking and hiking trails and allow for spectacular bird watching.

The once treacherous but now only beautifully preserved area holds such a variety of outdoor activities that it will keep you busy exploring for hours. All of the different activities encompass some unique aspect of the area and truly showcase all there is to see. From lounging in the sun on the sandy beaches to exploring the coastline and viewing nature, it will seem that there are not enough hours in the day for all you want to do.