Cape Point Lighthouse

By Tom · Published Sep. 27th, 2021 · Updated Nov. 24th, 2022

A walk to the old and new lighthouse of Cape Point is a must when visiting Cape Point Peninsula. While it can be busy here, the views of the ocean, the spectacular cliffs and beaches are worth it.

Location

Cape Point is a section of Table Mountain National Park. The entrance gate to this section of the park is about 1-hour drive from the centre of Cape Town, and it takes another 20 minutes to drive to Cape Point. There is a large car park at the start of this hike, just by the funicular. If you don’t have a car, check out the options for car hire* from Cape Town.

Cape Point Lighthouse Walk Map

Get the route by downloading the .gpx or .kml file below. For navigation with Maps.me on your mobile phone, simply download the .kml file and open to add it to the Maps.me bookmarks.

The Cape Point Lighthouse hike starts from the main car park at the base of the funicular. There are normally car guards here who will direct you where to park and keep your car safe while you’re hiking. The trail leads out beside the funicular and winds its way up the hill. Along the route, there are many viewpoints to admire the cliffs, Dias beach and Cape of Good Hope in the distance.

Old Lighthouse at Cape Point

Continue upwards along the trail and you’ll get to the old lighthouse, the main lighthouse at the top of the hill. It’s quite a climb as they placed it on the highest point of this last part of the peninsula. It was first lit in 1860 but soon they discover that unfortunately, it wasn’t always visible for ships due to low-hanging clouds.

Many people only visit the obvious old lighthouse, but you shouldn’t miss the slightly hidden short walk to the new lighthouse. To get there, from the old lighthouse, retrace your steps towards the upper station of the funicular. Here you’ll find a little gated trail starting on the backside (east) which heads towards the new lighthouse. A good path takes you downhill.

New Lighthouse Viewpoint

Near the end of the peninsula, there is a last viewpoint from which you can see the new lighthouse well. Unfortunately, you can’t get to the lighthouse itself, but this view is magnificent as it is. This lighthouse is from 1919 and was built lower down to solve the problem of the low-hanging clouds. We had a little break here and then retraced our steps to the car park.

On the way down to the car park, I saw a baboon coming for me. Before I knew it, he jumped up to my backpack and from a side pocket took out the peel of a banana I ate earlier. Bad luck for him. So be aware with food and baboons, they are quicker than you think!

If you are lucky, you can spot some eland from the car park in the fynbos towards Cape of Good Hope. There are also bontebok and several other smaller antelopes in the region. To identify them all, it’s a great idea to get a Southern African Animals Guide*.

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I hope you enjoyed the Cape Point Lighthouse Walk. If so, there are several other beautiful walks and fun activities nearby that you can find out about in our Cape Point Guide.