Cape Agulhas

Afrikaans name: Kaap Agulhas

Photo © tamsindove - Fotolia.com

Western Cape

Cape Agulhas is well-known for two reasons. It is the southernmost point of the African continent and it is officially the spot where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.

The original Portuguese name was Cabo das Agulhas which means "Cape of the Needles".

Cape Agulhas is notorious in the shipping industry for its rogue waves which can be up to 30 metres in height. These, along with the rocky coastline, have led to around 150 ships being sunk along this stretch of coastline.

The Cape Agulhas lighthouse was built in 1848.

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References and further reading

Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 622 - Author: - Year Published: - Page: 23

Conolly's Guide to Southern Africa - Author: Denis Conolly - Year Published: 1982 - Page: 87

Country Life - Issue 176 - Author: - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 76

Getaway - Vol 29 No 03 - Author: - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 45

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Year Published: 1995 - Page: 216

Reader's Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 61

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 15

Things ewe never kn'ewe about South African place names - Author: Ann Gadd - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 36