National park · South Africa
Agulhas National Park
Spend a half‑day on the Two Oceans Trail (≈2 h, R150 entry) in spring, or a full‑day Rasperpunt loop (≈3 h, R200) if you want coastal views; avoid the hottest midday in January‑February.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²)
approximate
Established
1999
Best months
May–Sep
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- South Africa ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Department of Home Affairs or a South African mission before booking; exemptions depend on nationality, and the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is optional for most visa-exempt visitors in 2026.
- South Africa ↗Travelling with children: accompanied foreign children no longer need a birth certificate, but unaccompanied minors, South African children and some passports that omit parents' names still do; check with Home Affairs and your airline before you fly.
- South Africa ↗Driving is on the left. If your licence is not in English or has no photo, get an International Driving Permit before you travel; rental companies also check it.
- South Africa ↗National park gates open and close at fixed times; you must be inside your camp before the gate closes, and speed limits in parks are enforced.
At a glance
- Country
- South Africa
- Area
- 120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²)
- Approximate; the park covers the cape and surrounding coastal fynbos.
- Established
- 1999
- Best months
- May–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Cape Town
Agulhas National Park protects the southernmost tip of Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. It is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage site and offers coastal fynbos hikes, birdwatching, and the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. The park is quiet compared to the Cape Peninsula, with short and full-day trails that suit most walkers.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2004Part of the Cape Floral Kingdom UNESCO site.
Size and age
120 km² (46 sq mi)46 sq mi (120 km²) · national park since 1999
Approximate; the park covers the cape and surrounding coastal fynbos.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Cape Town.
Why go
- Walk coastal fynbos and see the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
- Spot endemic birds and the Cape Grysbok in a low‑traffic park.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebCaution
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecCaution
- JanHot, dry; midday heat.
- FebHot, dry; limited shade.
- MarWarming, occasional rain.
- AprMild, less rain.
- MayCool, wildflowers start.
- JunCool, occasional showers.
- JulCool, winter rains.
- AugCool, rain still possible.
- SepSpring, wildflower peak.
- OctMild, less rain.
- NovWarming, dry.
- DecHeat returns.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape GrysbokAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Southern Right Whale (marine)Jun–Nov | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Various endemic birds (e.g., Cape Sugarbird)Sep–Feb | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Cape Town
Drive N2 south, turn off at Caledon, then follow signs to Agulhas; about 2 h, 160 km (99 mi).Drive N2 south, turn off at Caledon, then follow signs to Agulhas; about 2 h, 99 mi (160 km).
2 h
Open the page →
From Bredasdorp
Take the N2 south, then local road to the park gate.
30 min
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate & visitor centre | Ticket office, information desk, short trail access. | Open daily during office hours. |
| Rasperpunt area | Coastal loop with shipwreck view. | Self‑guided or with optional guide. |
| Two Oceans Trailhead | Start of the 10.5 km (6.5 mi) coastal circuit.Start of the 6.5 mi (10.5 km) coastal circuit. | Open; trail markers in place. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
5 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are from the SANParks website and approximate for trailheads.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (main gate) | ZAR 150 (≈ US$9) | person | Covers short trails; check for seasonal rates. |
| Trail guide for Rasperpunt loop | ZAR 200 (≈ US$12) | person | Optional; self‑guided possible. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Guided hike (optional) no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- R 150≈ US$9
- R 200≈ US$12
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on SANParks – Agulhas National Park official site before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Camping
- Not allowed in the park; use nearby lodges or Rest Camp.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use designated BBQs only.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
- Drone use
- Not allowed without special permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Agulhas Rest Camp
Chalets and dorm rooms, 2‑person R1400‑1600 per night.
Near the park
Cape Agulhas Back Packers
Budget hostel, shared facilities.
Near the park
Agulhas Country Lodge
Family rooms, sea views, R1600‑2000 per night, breakfast included.
Safety
Heat and sun exposure medium
Strong coastal winds low
Limited mobile signal low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main gate area reachable by car with short, level paths.
- Longer trails have uneven terrain and steep sections; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in park‑approved accommodation to support local conservation.
- Stick to marked trails to protect fragile fynbos.
- Avoid buying souvenirs made from endangered species.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Agulhas National Park?
R150 per adult for entry at the main gate; children under 12 enter free (check for any seasonal changes).
What are the best hikes in Agulhas National Park?
Two Oceans Trail (short 3 km loop, 2 h) and Rasperpunt Trail (5.5 km, 3 h) are the most popular; both have self‑guide booklets at the reception.
When is the best time to visit Agulhas National Park?
Spring (September–November) offers mild weather and wildflower displays; autumn is also pleasant with fewer crowds.
Can I camp inside the park?
No. Camping is not permitted; use nearby Rest Camp or private lodges.
Is the lighthouse climb included in the entry fee?
No. The lighthouse has a separate entrance fee; the climb is optional and open daily 9 AM‑5 PM.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Agulhas National Park
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