Paradise for nature lovers - Cape Point Nature Reserve

AApart from the animal life, the diversity, density and endemism of the indigenous flora numbers around 1100 indigenous plant species - among the world's highest - and some of which occur nowhere else on Earth.

Animals and plants can be enjoyed on the numerous scenic hiking trails that crisscross the 40km coastline and 7750-hectare reserve, but no visit to Cape Point is complete without exploring the old Cape Point lighthouse. An icon of the Cape Peninsula, it was decommissioned years ago as it was built in the wrong place, which led to many ships crushing on its rocks. The most famous is the story of The Flying Dutchman, the ghostly galleon that sank rounding the Cape Point on a stormy night. Inspired by the local legend is the novel and exciting Flying Dutchman Funicular. Also known as the Cape Point Funicular, it will get you from the car park to see the old lighthouse.

Believed to be the only commercial funicular of its type in Africa, it leaves every three minutes, carrying 40 passengers at a time and runs from a lower station at the Cape Point car park, up an incline through dense fynbos to the upper lighthouse.