Cape Agulhas Day Tour: Two Oceans & Whale Watching

Summary

Explore Cape Agulhas and the Overberg Coast

You’ll travel from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas, passing lively townships, mountain passes, and coastal villages. Stand at Africa’s southern tip where two oceans meet, taste local flavors, and—if you’re lucky—spot whales in Hermanus. This tour blends local stories, real sights, and a bit of adventure off the usual path.

What’s the experience like?

We left Cape Town just after sunrise, the city still waking up as we joined the N2 highway. The traffic was already picking up—locals heading into town, taxis weaving in and out, and the odd minibus packed with workers. Our guide, Sipho, pointed out Khayelitsha as we passed. You can’t miss it: rows of colorful shacks stretching out, laundry flapping in the wind, and a few street vendors already selling vetkoek and coffee from makeshift stalls. Sipho shared how Khayelitsha means “our new home” in Xhosa, and you get a sense of the community’s energy even from the window.

Once we cleared the city, the road opened up. We wound our way through Sir Lowry’s Pass—fog clinging to the mountain early on, then clearing to reveal the valley below. There’s this sharp, fresh smell in the air from all the fynbos after a bit of rain. We caught a glimpse of Steenbras Dam, which our guide said is one of Cape Town’s main water sources. Not far from there, we rolled into Elgin Valley. I didn’t know this before, but it’s where Appletiser was first made—Sipho joked that you haven’t really tasted apple juice until you’ve had it here.

Driving further east, we passed through Hermanus and Caledon. Hermanus is famous for whale watching, especially between July and November. Even out of season, you’ll see signs everywhere—whale murals, little shops selling whale-themed trinkets. Caledon felt quieter, mostly farmland and grain silos, with a faint smell of earth and hay when we stopped for a quick stretch.

Bredasdorp came next—a busy little town, lots of bakkies parked outside the Spar, and folks chatting on street corners. Finally, after a few more twists and turns, we reached Cape Agulhas. There’s something wild about this place—the wind never really stops, and you can hear the waves crashing before you even see them. We walked down to the marker where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. It’s not just a line on a map; you can actually see the water swirling and clashing. The old lighthouse stands watch nearby, and if you look closely, you’ll spot pieces of old shipwrecks poking out at low tide.

On the way back, we stopped in Elim—a tiny village with whitewashed cottages and neat gardens. It was so quiet you could hear birds calling from the church steeple. Gansbaai came next, known for its shark diving (though we just grabbed a coffee at a local café). Our last big stop was Hermanus again. If it’s whale season, you’ll want to linger here; locals gather along the cliffs, scanning the water for a spout or a tail flick. Even if you miss the whales, there’s fresh seafood to try and a salty breeze that sticks with you all the way home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cape Agulhas and Surroundings Tour

• Pickup from Cape Town accommodation
• Drive east on National Highway passing Khayelitsha township
• Pass Somerset West via Sir Lowry's Pass
• Pass Steenbras dam
• Drive through Elgin Valley
• Pass Hermanus, known as South Africa's bread basket
• Pass Caledon agricultural town
• Pass Bredasdorp in Overberg region
• Visit Cape Agulhas, meeting point of Indian and Atlantic Oceans
• Return drive through Elim, a Moravian Mission town
• Pass Gansbaai, home to Great White Sharks
• Optional stop for whale watching in Hermanus (seasonal)

Top questions

How long is the drive from Cape Town to Cape Agulhas?

It takes about 3 hours each way, depending on traffic and stops along the route.

Is whale watching guaranteed in Hermanus?

Whale sightings are most likely from July to November, but nature can’t be guaranteed. Out of season, Hermanus is still worth a visit for its scenery and seafood.

Are there rest stops or places to buy snacks along the way?

Yes, we stop in small towns like Caledon or Bredasdorp where you can grab a snack or coffee. Bottled water is also provided in the vehicle.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cape Town, a knowledgeable driver-guide, bottled water for the road, and a comfy air-conditioned vehicle. We’ll make stops for photos and snacks along the way. If you need an infant seat, just let us know in advance.