History Facts about Struisbaai & L’Agulhas - Photo Journey

History Facts about Struisbaai & L’Agulhas - Photo Journey

Xplorio Headquarters

The two neighbouring towns of L’Agulhas and Struisbaai were born from a history that caused waves not only in South Africa, but the world over. Located at the southernmost point of the African continent, these two towns are known for their unrivalled natural beauty and treacherous coast. The two towns and their communities established here have now become a beacon of hope and a welcoming sight to national and international travellers who frequent the towns.

Here are 5 historical facts about Struisbaai and L’Agulhas:

1. The Southern Tip was originally named Cabos dos Agulhas (Cape of Needles) by the Portuguese, but later French influence turned it to L’Agulhas.


Image courtesy of Lorinda Minnaar, the SOuthernmost Photographer

2. The building of the Struisbaai Harbour started in 1959.

3. The rocky L’Agulhas reef claimed her first victim in 1673, the Zoetendal. Followed shortly by the Joanna (1682), the Nossa Senhora dos Milagros (1686) and lastly, the Meishu Maru in 1982.

4. It is still debated whether the origin of Struisbaai’s name came from the straw (“strooi” in Afrikaans) roofs of the houses, the ostriches (“struisvogel” in Dutch) that used to roam here or derived from the an old Dutch word meaning “huge” for the long stretches of beach.

5. The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was declared a National Monument in 1973.

For more information about the adventures, yet treacherous past of this area tucked away at the southernmost reaches of South Africa, delve into the History of L’Agulhas & Struisbaai.

History Facts about Struisbaai & L’Agulhas - Photo Journey

Xplorio

Xplorio is a marketing company that has created a digital platform to help local communities in the Overberg accurately represent themselves online. The user-friendly Xplorio platform allows towns and businesses to create an online presence that is accurate and true to life. This representation help...

View Profile

Recent Posts

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

Great Money-Saving Specials in the Overberg!

By making the most of Xplorio’s special pages you save money and support local businesses in the Overberg!

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Have You Heard? Overberg Community News!

Every day, awesome people who call the Overberg home, share their uplifting stories, business news, municipal announcements and stunning town-friendly photos.

Gold Again! South Africa Shines at RHS Chelsea Flower Show!

Gold Again! South Africa Shines at RHS Chelse...

For the second year running, South Africa has struck gold at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. 

How to Support Local Businesses in the Quiet Season

How to Support Local Businesses in the Quiet ...

It feels like yesterday we were rushed off our feet at work, queuing at packed grocery stores...

On the Coffee Table: Beautiful Betty’s Bay

On the Coffee Table: Beautiful Betty’s Bay

Something special is brewing in Betty’s Bay, and it's not just the coffee.

Local Talent, Big Sound: Dinah’s New Release Is Live!

Local Talent, Big Sound: Dinah’s New Releas...

South African singer-songwriter and former Gansbaai resident Dinah-Lee Jane Visser released her debut single.