Agulhas National Park

Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Nearest city: Struisbaai
Area: 20,959 hectares (51,790 acres)
Established: 14 September 1998
Governing body: South African National Parks

About the Park:

Geographical extremes capture the imagination. From ancient mariners to contemporary mankind, the quest has always been to reach the poles, sail around the tips of continents, conquer the highest peaks and dive to the ultimate depths. This is the same spirit that captivated the explorers of yesteryear who braved one of the most challenging sea crossings of their time: the Atlantic-Indian Ocean crossing via Cape Agulhas. As the southern-most tip of Africa, it has always had its mysteries and adventure, and still captures the imagination of contemporary explorers. Amongst the mysteries associated with this region, is the legendary 'Cape of Storms' which wrecked many ships en route to the east via Cape Agulhas. Ancient people also left their mark on the landscape. For example, archaeological middens remind contemporary man of a successful hunter-gathering culture that was in harmony with its natural environment; and a cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years to when the Khoi-khoi people trapped fish using ingeniously constructed tidal traps. This windswept, ruggedly beautiful coastal plain at the southern-most tip of Africa, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, has recently been proclaimed as the Agulhas National Park. There are several small towns in the area encompassed by Agulhas, but no park run camps as yet. Activities: Adventure and Outdoor Activities (Planned tourist activities) Several nature trails and a unique trail to traverse the southern-most tip of Africa. An environmental education centre. A world class museum and interpretative centre. Facilities Tourist Facilities: Since this is developing park, there are no tourist facilities such as camping, overnight accommodation and restaurants. However, these facilities are available in the nearby towns.