08 Nov The Cape of Needles
Cape Agulhas is considered as one of the great Capes, is situated at the southernmost tip of Africa. The town was christened by the Portuguese navigators of the 1500’s, literally meaning the Cape of Needles; this is as a result of their compass needles’, magnetic North almost coinciding with true North. The L’ Agulhas region is also geographically renowned as it is the point where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet,. This town also has cultural and historical significance as the KhoiKhoi inhabited this area for centuries; still visible are the tidal traps that the Khoi had used to fish. Here you will also find one of SA’s oldest working lighthouse built in 1848, now equipped with museum and curio shop. Whale watchers will find the best time to visit L’ Agulhas from September to about February
The Suiderstrand
Not too far from L’ Agulhas; is Suiderstrand, surrounded by the Agulhas National Park, is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With hiking trails and coastal walks through the National Park rendering visitors with breathtaking views, pristine beaches and a marine lagoon.
The longest stretch of beach in the Southern hemisphere
A further 10 min L’ Agulhas is the coastal resort: Struisbaai, with the longest stretch of pristine beach (13 km) this side of the equator. Visitors flock to this huge beach mostly for water sports. Another must see attraction is the Struisbaai harbour. Home to a local fishing community, it appeals to visitors from local and abroad.
The Whale Haven and Wagon House
Another beautiful seaside town in the Overberg is Arniston. Named after a tragic shipwreck of the early 1800’s, Arniston is home to a vibrant fishing community and is one of the most picturesque places on the southern coastline, perfect for whale watching. Arniston is also referred to as ”Waenhuiskrans”, named after the massive cave, close by that can actually house a herd of cattle and an ox wagon.
Feuding in the name of the Lord
Do not forget to visit the sleepy towns of Bredasdorp and Napier, these farming communities originated in the 1800’s as result of a feud between two neighbours, Michiel van Breda and Pieter Voltelyn van der Byl, about where the church should be built. Unable to resolve the dispute the town, the church and its community was split.
An Ode to Slavery’s ELIMination.
In the heart of the Agulhas plain you will find a quaint little village comprising of a thatch roof church, white washed houses and fruit trees, Elim. Elim is home to a Moravian missionary station established in 1824, and in Elim all roads lead to church, literally. This little missionary town also boasts SA’s only monument commemorating Emancipation. First erected in the summer of 1834, then re- erected in 1938, and finally refurbished in 2004. This monument not only pays homage to the freedom of slaves and the abolishment of slavery, but also signifies the integration of a community.
Enjoy a destination with a difference, Cape Agulhas, the ideal getaway
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