A day in Agulhas

Here, at the most southern tip of the African continent, nature is ruling the scenery in a most unbelievable fascination.

You have to just let go and go with the flow …

A walk to the “most southern tip” with a packed rucksack, along the cliff path, with thousands of shells, rock formations – formed through low and high tide, storms, sun and wind. If you can strip off life’s haste, you can watch the world of birds, sailing Seagulls, diving Cormorant, Lapwings, swarming Oryx weber birds, the noisy local Oystercatcher and last but not least a sun-bathing sea lion - and you will become an observer of this magnificent coast.

Once you leave the southern tip, after a well-deserved little break – you will pass the shipwreck “Meisho Maru” after a kilometres walk - it was stranded in 1982. This sight won’t be around for much longer as the sea is taking its toll and the ship is slowly falling apart and year after year you can see less and less of it.

Now it’s time to go back for a rest and perhaps a nice pleasant nap.

Later in the afternoon, you could wander around in the historic harbour of Struisbaai. There is not much going on – or at least that is what it looks like. Sitting on the quay wall this impression could easily change to a lively hustle in the harbour. Boats leaving and coming home into the harbour occupied with tanned and weathered sea men, bringing in their more or sometime less catch of the day. Interested people like yourself are watching the mending of the boats lying in the docks and admire the stingrays, who feel very much at home in the Struisbaai harbour.

Back at the Agulhas Ocean Art House an excellent Cappuccino and a delicious cake or/and a good bottle of wine from the region is awaiting you. Don''t miss a spectacular sundowner either at the southernmost tip of Africa, the ship wreck, from the view point or at Agulhas Art Chapel with a fantastic view to the light house (ask for glasses at reception) enjoy these unforgettable experiences.

Speaking of what is going on in the Agulhas region?

Just a few minutes by car from the Hotel, you will find the second longest sandy beach in the southern hemisphere.     24 km uninterrupted sandy beach, almost always deserted, invites you to stride along – but don’t forget your windbreaker and sunscreen! An oceanic pleasure that will stay in your mind forever.

You could also take a ride with a Jeep through the Agulhas Nature Reserve and along the coast – you have to register for this unforgettable experience.
Another suggestion would be a trip to “De Mond” Nature Reserve with the river mouth of the Heuningnes River that runs into the sea, accompanied with terrific dune landscape and magic bird life.

You could also charter a boat to go out to sea. With a little luck you will find hundreds of dolphins and the feeling of our wavy rough seas.

Or perhaps a drive to the nearby wine area of Cape Agulhas? The natural finished road in this sublime landscape – from time to time you pass a Milkwood tree, isolated springboks, timid Blue Cranes (the national bird of South Africa), grand bulls and infinite herds of sheep.

This excursion you could also combine with a visit Nuwejaars Wetlands Park – more information you can find on the internetwww.nuwejaars.com

(All images by RUDI NEULAND from Agulhas Ocean Art House - used with permission)