How Long Do You Need at the Cape of Good Hope?
Plan to spend at least 3–5 hours on your Cape of Good Hope Day Trip. Families like us often spend half a day exploring the main viewpoints, short hikes, picnic spots, and the Cape Point Lighthouse. If you want to add beaches or longer trails, you can easily fill a whole day.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Before you go, here’s what you need to know:
- Opening hours: Daily from 6 am to 6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
- Entry fee (international visitors): R400 per adult (~20 USD / ~19 EUR), R200 per child 2–11 years (~10 USD / ~9 EUR)
- Entry fee (South African residents): R90 per adult (~4.50 USD / ~4 EUR), R45 per child (~2.50 USD / ~2 EUR, SA ID required)
- Funicular ride (Flying Dutchman): R95 one way (~5 USD / ~4.50 EUR) or R160 return (~8 USD / ~7.50 EUR) for adults, half price for kids
💡 Pro tip: Buy your tickets right at the car entrance. We waited around 6 minutes in line on a Saturday, around noon in September — not bad at all.
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Why we Loved our Cape of Good Hope Family Trip
The Cape of Good Hope is one of those names you’ve probably heard since childhood. It sounds like the end of the world, right? In reality, it’s only the southwestern tip of Africa (not the southernmost — that’s Cape Agulhas). But it still feels wild, dramatic, and very special.
We went on a Saturday at the end of September. It was lunchtime, windy, and we were already a bit tired after a busy week. And still, this day ended up being one of our absolute highlights in Cape Town with the kids. Let me walk you through our day, what worked well, what didn’t, and how you can plan your own Cape of Good Hope adventure with your family.
Getting There and the First Surprise
From Cape Town CBD, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive if you go straight. But the fun is in the journey. You can take the Atlantic coast route via Chapman’s Peak Drive (breathtaking, if the weather allows) or drive past Simon’s Town and maybe stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguins (find my detailed Penguins of Cape Town Guide here).
At the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve, we joined the queue of cars. It looked long, but we waited only about six minutes until it was our turn to buy tickets. Not bad for a Saturday. On the way to the first parking lot, we already spotted wildlife: a group of baboons sitting close to the road and two ostriches walking calmly by the sea. An absolute highlight for the girls and us!
First Stop: the Famous Cape of Good Hope Sign
Everyone wants this photo: The big wooden sign that proves you made it to the Cape of Good Hope. When we arrived, we got lucky. No tour buses in sight! The parking lot was busy but not overcrowded. We snapped our family picture in peace before the crowds rolled in. And then we went for a little hike.
Trail Voetpad – an easy walk for kids
From the parking lot, there’s a short trail called Kaap die Goeie Hoop Wandelpad. Even our four-year-old Ruby managed it with a smile. The path winds up gently, and in less than 20 minutes we stood on top of the cliffs. The views? Unreal. Jagged rocks, turquoise waves crashing against the shore, seabirds soaring above us.
We also continued to the View Site Uitkykpunt. Phenomenal. Stone cliffs dropping into the ocean like something from a movie. By the time we walked back, the parking lot had exploded with tour buses. Dozens of people queuing for that same photo. Lucky us for avoiding these crowds.
Next Stop: Cape Point and the Old Lighthouse
From the Cape of Good Hope sign, it’s just a five-minute drive to Cape Point. Don’t be alarmed if you see cars parked along the road before you get there. Just keep going until you reach the main parking lot next to the gift shop. We got a spot right there.
From here, you’ve got choices: a 1.5-hour return walk that takes you along the cliffs between Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, or the straight-up walk to the old lighthouse (don’t confuse it with the new one). We picked the lighthouse.
The Uphill Walk to the Lighthouse
The girls were already a bit tired from the morning. Ruby especially. So what should have been a 10-minute climb took us around 25 minutes with breaks. The path is steep but paved, so it’s kind of stroller-friendly (though pushing one up there might be a workout).
When we finally reached the top, it was… crowded. Very crowded. Honestly, it felt a bit like being at a tourist attraction rather than in nature. The views were wide and dramatic, but I actually preferred the peace of our first hike.
The Flying Dutchman Funicular
If walking isn’t an option for you, there’s a little train called The Flying Dutchman Funicular. It runs up and down between the parking lot and the lighthouse. My tip? Only use it if you really need it. The ride is short, and I found the ticket price too high for just two minutes.
Facilities at Cape Point
Here’s where you’ll find the most infrastructure: toilets (clean and plenty), a restaurant with sea views, and a gift shop that sells everything from postcards to stuffed penguins. This is also where most people linger, so it feels busier than the rest of the park.
Beaches and Picnic Spots
If you have more energy than we did, add a stop at one of the picnic areas. Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif both have safe tidal pools for kids to splash in. On a sunny summer’s day, it must be perfect. There’s also Diaz Beach, a wild and beautiful stretch of sand. But beware, the stairs down are long and steep. Better for older kids or adventurous teens.
Our Timing: Four Hours of Exploring
In total, we stayed about four hours. Honestly, we could have spent the whole day here. There are shipwreck trails, birdwatching points, and more beaches we didn’t see. But by then the wind was cold, the kids were wiped out, and we were ready to call it a day.
Tips for visiting the Cape of Good Hope with kids
Best Time to Visit
Go in the morning to avoid crowds (and tour buses). Spring and summer are lovely, but it can be windy any time of year.
What to Bring
Snacks and water (there is only one restaurant). Sunscreen, hats, and a windbreaker. Comfortable shoes (lots of steps and sandy paths). Baby carrier if you have toddlers. Strollers are tough. I wouldn’t recommend.
Facilities
Toilets at Cape Point. Restaurant and gift shop at the lighthouse area. Picnic areas with tidal pools at Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif.
Safety Notes
Don’t feed the baboons. Watch kids on cliff paths as there are no fences. Always lock your car and keep valuables out of sight (the general Cape Town rule).
Where to Stay in Cape Town
We live in Constantia, in the southern suburbs of Cape Town. For tourists, I’d recommend choosing a hotel in the City Bowl, V&A Waterfront, or Camps Bay. Here are a few hotel tips for you – or simply check the map below.
Urban Elephant 16 on Bree
- From $120 (€110) per night (Studio)
- Serviced apartments with rooftop pool and modern kitchens in trendy De Waterkant
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- From $400 (€431) per night (Classic Room)
- Rooms with ocean views, kids staying free, 2 pools, gardens, and even a private cinema
Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
- From $995 (€1,011) per night (Fairmont Room)
- Spacious suites with harbor or mountain views, pool, spa, and family-friendly service in the heart of the V&A Waterfront
Key Takeaways
- Time needed: 3–5 hours for highlights, full day if you add beaches and longer trails
- Opening hours: Daily 6 am–6 pm (last entry 5 pm)
- Fees: R400 (~20 USD / ~19 EUR) adults, R200 (~10 USD / ~9 EUR) kids; locals pay less with SA ID
- Best time: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and tour buses
- Top spots: Cape of Good Hope sign, Voetpad trail, Uitkykpunt viewpoint, Cape Point lighthouse
- Wildlife: Baboons, ostriches, antelope, dassies, seabirds
- Beaches & picnics: Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif tidal pools, Diaz Beach for older kids
- Facilities: Toilets, restaurant, gift shop at Cape Point
- Tips: Bring snacks, water, layers for wind, comfy shoes; baby carrier better than stroller
👉 You might also like:
– Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Routes, Tips & Epic Views
– See Penguins in Cape Town – Boulders Beach with Kids
– The 60 Best Travel Activities for Kids (Screen-Free)
– Best Age to Travel with Kids? My Honest Take
Final Thoughts on a Cape of Good Hope Day Trip
If you’re in Cape Town with kids, the Cape of Good Hope should be at the top of your list. It’s not just another tourist stop. It’s history, adventure, and raw nature all wrapped in one. The kids get space to run wild, and you get views that take your breath away.
Yes, it can get crowded. Yes, the wind might blow your hat off. But it’s worth it. Go for the sign photo, stay for the hikes, and don’t forget to look out the car window, because you might just spot an ostrich walking by the sea.
Do you plan to visit Cape Point Nature Reserve? Please let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ about a Cape of Good Hope Day Trip with Kids
Is the Cape of Good Hope worth visiting with kids?
Yes! It’s one of the best places for a family holiday in the Western Cape. Kids of all ages love the short walks, wild animals like ostriches and baboons, and the dramatic ocean views. Parents will appreciate the park’s rich biodiversity and beautiful beaches. It’s part of the Table Mountain National Park, which is a protected area, so you get nature, history, and safe facilities in one trip.
How long does a Cape of Good Hope day trip take?
Plan for at least 3–5 hours inside the reserve. If you want to explore more of the Cape Peninsula on a scenic route, add stops at Hout Bay, Muizenberg Beach, and Simon’s Town with its penguin colony at Boulders Beach. A full road trip can easily turn into a full-day adventure.
Is Cape Point the same as the Cape of Good Hope?
No. Cape Point is the higher rocky headland with the old lighthouse and funicular railway (called the Flying Dutchman). The Cape of Good Hope is the lower, westernmost point where you find the famous wooden sign and sheer cliffs. Both are inside the reserve and just a five-minute drive apart.
Why is it called the Cape of Good Hope?
The name goes back to Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama, early Portuguese explorers. King John II of Portugal renamed it from the Cape of Storms to the Cape of Good Hope because it gave sailors a good reason to believe they’d found a sea route to India.
Can you see where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet?
Many visitors think so, but it’s a common misconception. The true southernmost tip of Africa is Cape Agulhas in the Eastern Cape, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. At the Cape of Good Hope, you can still enjoy incredible views over both False Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s the best hike for families?
For young kids, the short walk on the Voetpad trail or up to Uitkykpunt viewpoint is perfect. Older children can manage the 1.5-hour Shipwreck Trail or the steady climb from the Cape of Good Hope to Cape Point. Bring sturdy shoes and water. The trails are safe, but there are strong currents on nearby beaches, so swimming isn’t recommended.
What animals can we spot in the reserve?
The park is home to ostriches, baboons, antelope, dassies, and plenty of seabirds. In season, you may even see southern right whales from the cliffs. It’s a great spot to show kids the park’s rich flora and fauna up close. Just remember: never feed the baboons.
Are there facilities for families?
Yes. At Cape Point you’ll find the main car park, toilets, the Two Oceans Restaurant, a gift shop, and the funicular’s lower station. Picnic areas with tidal pools (Buffels Bay and Bordjiesrif) are safe and perfect for younger kids.
How do you get to the lighthouse at Cape Point?
You can either take the funicular railway (special funicular rates apply for kids and South African pensioners) or walk up. The walk is a steady climb of about 10 minutes without kids, or 20–25 minutes with young ones. The funicular leaves every few minutes, but the line can get busy at the Cape Point ticket office in high season.
What’s the best way to plan the day?
Start early from Cape Town city center, follow the scenic route along the African coast, and make stops at great places like Hout Bay or the penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Then spend the main part of the day at Cape Point Nature Reserve. Check Google Maps for driving times, as traffic can get heavy.
Is the Cape of Good Hope safe for children?
Yes, but keep a close eye on younger children near the cliffs and rugged rocks. There are no fences at the viewpoints, and the wind can be very strong. Beaches have white sands but also strong currents, so they’re not for swimming. For kids, the picnic areas, tidal pools, and short hikes are the safest and most fun.
