SIGHTSEEING
STRUISBAAI HARBOUR
Struisbaai Harbour is a place full of character, home to both vibrant fishing culture and some truly unique residents. Among them is Parrie, a legendary short-tail stingray who has been gliding through the harbour shallows for nearly 30 years. Weighing in at over 120 kg, Parrie and his smaller companions are a beloved local attraction. Visitors can even buy pilchards from the harbour to feed the stingrays in the shallows—just keep an eye on their tails! Parrie has become such a fixture that he’s now considered the harbour’s mascot, delighting locals and visitors alike.
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For anglers, the harbour is also a hotspot. Try your luck catching South Africa’s national fish, the Galjoen, or target Shad, Kob, and Spotted Grunter—especially at high tide or after dark. The harbour wall welcomes fishers of all ages, offering a friendly spot to cast a line, share stories, and soak in the lively atmosphere. And if fishing isn’t your passion, the colourful fishing boats and bustling harbour life make for fantastic photo opportunities.
L’Agulhas Lighthouse
Standing proudly at the southern tip of Africa, the L’Agulhas Lighthouse is the second-oldest working lighthouse in South Africa. Built in 1849 after countless ships were wrecked along this treacherous coastline, it was later declared a National Monument in 1973 for its vital role in guiding sea travel.
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Today, visitors can explore the lighthouse museum and climb to the top for panoramic views of the ocean and rugged coastline. The ascent includes three sets of steep stairs, a ladder, and a low doorway—making the journey a little adventurous, but the breathtaking view at the top is well worth the effort.
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When visiting, park below the lighthouse near the sea, follow the wooden walkway up, and head around to the main entrance. Access to the top is just R40 per person, offering both a step into maritime history and one of the best views in the Cape Agulhas region.
Waenhuiskrans Cave
Tucked along the Arniston shoreline, the Waenhuiskrans Cave is a natural wonder sculpted by the sea—a hidden gem that captures both history and beauty. Its name translates to “wagon house cliff”, inspired by the idea that the cave is so vast a wagon with a full team of oxen could turn around inside it.
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To reach the cave, follow the signposts as you enter Arniston, park at the beach, and then take a short walk across rocks and shallow pools. You may need to get your feet wet, but the reward is well worth it. From inside the cavern, gaze out across the ocean and imagine the long-forgotten travelers who once stood where you are, taking in the same breathtaking view.
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Shaped endlessly by the power of the tides, this enormous cave is one of Arniston’s most popular attractions. Remember, it is only accessible at low tide, so plan your visit carefully to avoid being caught by the rising sea.
The Southernmost Point of Africa
In the nearby village of L’Agulhas, you’ll find one of the most iconic landmarks on the continent: the southernmost tip of Africa. Here, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, powerful currents crash against jagged rocks in a wild display of nature’s force. A stone marker designates the exact point, drawing travelers from around the world eager to stand—if only for a moment—at the southernmost spot in Africa.
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The sharp winds and raw energy of the coastline create a sense of standing at the very edge of the earth. Boardwalks and benches make it easy to stroll and soak in the dramatic scenery, while the area is also rich with birdlife.
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Steeped in maritime history, the coastline tells tales of countless shipwrecks and the survivors who eventually settled in the area. Even today, a rusting wreck remains as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives to the unforgiving sea. To delve deeper into this fascinating past, visit the nearby L’Agulhas Lighthouse, which also offers panoramic ocean views.
African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary
Located in Gansbaai, the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary is a dedicated marine bird rehabilitation centre that has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing seabirds since 2015. While their main focus is the endangered African penguin, the sanctuary also cares for a variety of other marine bird species.
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Visitors are welcome daily from 9am, with the highlight being the 3pm feeding session, which you can observe during your visit. Entrance is free, though donations are encouraged and vital to the sanctuary’s work—especially as the African penguin population has declined by a staggering 90% over the last 30 years.
The sanctuary also features an auditorium with live video feeds of the rehabilitation area, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at their important work. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, where you can pick up an adorable penguin plush while supporting a meaningful cause.