Covering 7700ha of barren coastal shrubland and incorporating some 40km of coastline, the reserve is regarded as a botanical treasure house, its decomposed sandstone soils supporting over 2200 species of plant.

Many species of bird and small animal make their home in the reserve.  Of particular interest are the baboons, the only baboon community in the world to have adapted to feeding off marine life.

A regular bus service ferries visitors up the steep road leading to the summit of Cape Point and to its old lighthouse, built in 1860.  Far below is the powerful modern lighthouse, which may be reached via a steep zigzag path.  The world's most famous phantom ship, Flying Dutchman, is said to haunt the waters of Cape Point.

There are several sheltered picnic places in the reserve, such as Olifantsbos and Buffels Bay, the latter iwth a tidal pool.

Diaz Beach is a remote stretch of pure white sand hemmed in by high cliffs.  The beach is named after Portuguese navigator Bartholomew Diaz, who rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1488.  A monument elsewhere in the reserve commemorates his achievement.

Accommodation in and around Cape Town