Cape Point

After Robben Island we discovered that it is an hour’s drive to Cape Point, decided that we’d be pushing our time window, and hit the road! I led us through a loop of downtown and ended right back at the Waterfront before we were able to discern either of the two maps given to us at the Tourism Information Center. Honestly not so much my fault, but interesting!

Cape Point is stunning. I thought Cape Town itself was nice, but it doesn’t touch this national park!

After entering the park we stilled had several KM to drive to Cape Point. At the parking lot we found baboons hanging around. I’m smart enough to know that they aren’t warm and cuddly, but I didn’t realize that they were hostile enough to have two fulltime employees patrolling the parking lot with sticks to run them off. Then we saw the sign. Thankfully we had no food.




The three of us hiked to the lighthouse, where they have the lovely sign telling us how far we truly happen to be from home.


You should be able to sort out who’s who, but it’s Chris, Meredith and Steven in the picture.


We then hiked out to the farthest point the allow you to go. Here’s a shot of the lighthouse we were at for the sign and group photo: quite a ways up! It would make for some sweet rock climbing… boys?


“I’m flying Jack,” err… It was really windy, so naturally my inclination is to climb up where I can really feel the wind. I don’t recall too much of a drop-off on the other side… I've been known to overlook such realities before...


This is the Atlantic Ocean. Truthfully, it’s all Atlantic Ocean at Cape Point. It’s claim to fame it being one of if not the most southern point in Africa, though it isn’t where the Atlantic and Indian actually break. Still, seeing the rain clouds pouring in the distance over the ocean is lovely.


The baboons, it turns out, are dangerous, and are attracted by anything they might think is food (like anything in your hands). This fellow was on someone’s car. Let me pause to point out that there were only three cars left and the guards had gone home for the evening. Well, they cautiously climbed in and started the car when the baboon moved off. And he came jogging towards me. I stopped the laughter I was directing at those from the other car and started walking to the other side to put the car between the baboon and myself. My hands were full with two items I was moving to the trunk. Well, he followed me around the car and stopped about three feet away from me. I kicked my foot in his direction, hoping he might be a bit skittish. Well, instead of running away he hissed at me and showed his teeth. Again, not being entirely stupid, I know I cannot kick a baboon. They are strong and have longer canines than leopards. I cautiously walked around the car, and was promptly followed by this lumbering health risk. I put both items in one hand, bent down, picked up a rock and threw it at the baboon, assuming he would not have the dexterity and coordination to catch it and throw it back at me. My projectile had the desired effect and I quickly got in the car without touching the trunk, and drove to pick up my compatriots.