Cape Agulhas Day Tour: Penguins, Wine & Southern Tip Adventure

Summary

Explore South Africa’s Southernmost Point & Coastal Wonders

If you want to see penguins up close, taste cool-climate wines straight from the source, wander through an untouched Moravian village, and stand at Africa's southernmost tip—all in one day—this tour covers it all without feeling rushed or crowded.

What’s the experience like?

Fog still clung to the mountains as we rolled into Betty’s Bay. The air smelled faintly of salt and kelp—there’s always a chill here, even in summer. At Stony Point, the African penguins waddled between boulders, squabbling over their favorite sun spots. You can get surprisingly close; I could hear their braying calls over the crash of waves. Our guide, Sipho, pointed out a few fluffy chicks hiding under a wooden walkway—something you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it.

The drive up through Hemel-en-Aarde valley is all winding roads and green hills. We stopped at Hamilton Russell for a tasting—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that tasted crisp and almost salty from the sea air. The winemaker chatted with us about how the cool climate shapes the grapes here. There’s no rush; you can linger on the terrace and watch clouds drift over the vineyards.

Lunch in Hermanus was easygoing—fresh fish at a café called Lemon Butta right by the water. Locals were out walking dogs along the cliff path. If you’re lucky and it’s whale season (June to November), you might spot southern rights breaching just offshore. Even out of season, there’s a laid-back buzz in town that makes you want to stay longer than planned.

Elim feels like stepping back in time. Rows of whitewashed cottages with thick thatch roofs line quiet streets shaded by old fig trees. We wandered past gardens bursting with roses and ended up at the church square where kids were playing soccer barefoot. The whole place smells faintly of wood smoke in winter.

Cape Agulhas itself is wild and windswept—the kind of place where your hair gets tangled fast. There’s a sign marking where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, but honestly, it’s the feeling of standing at Africa’s edge that sticks with you most. We climbed up the old red-and-white lighthouse (second oldest in South Africa) for sweeping views—fields of fynbos stretching inland, seabirds wheeling above rocky pools below. Downstairs, there’s a tiny museum packed with shipwreck stories and faded maps.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Agulhas and Surroundings

• Visit African penguin colony at Betty's Bay
• Wine tasting at Hamilton Russell, Hemel n Aarde
• Lunch and whale watching in Hermanus
• Explore Moravian village of Elim
• Explore Cape Agulhas and lighthouse visit

Top questions

Is this Cape Agulhas tour suitable for families with young kids?

Absolutely! The route is relaxed, there are plenty of stops to stretch legs, and we provide infant seats or stroller space if needed.

Will we have enough time at each stop?

Yes—we plan enough time for penguin watching, wine tasting, lunch in Hermanus, exploring Elim village, and enjoying Cape Agulhas without feeling hurried.

Are meals included?

No meals are included but you'll have free time for lunch in Hermanus where there are many great options for all tastes.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes! Our vehicle is wheelchair-friendly and most stops are accessible—including pathways at Stony Point and Cape Agulhas lighthouse grounds.

What’s included

Your private air-conditioned vehicle comes with chilled bottled water onboard. Entrance fees for Stony Point penguin colony and Cape Agulhas museum are covered too—as well as wine tasting fees at Hamilton Russell estate.