Rasperpunt Hiking Trail

Rasperpunt Hiking Trail, Cape Agulhas

More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west of the famous Agulhas lighhouse - the reason so many visitors come to L'Agulhas in the first place.

Actually the Rasperpunt Hiking Trail is a circular trail that starts at the Meisho Maru shipwreck. Yes, it is a Japanese tuna ship that came aground in 1982, but one of very few without casualties, as all 17 members of the crew managed to swim to shore. The Rasperpunt trail is not very long, 5.5 kilometres in all, and one that takes you from the water's edge up to the top of the dune via rocky sea pools and wonderful dune fynbos.

The walk takes you via a few examples of original Khoi fish traps, roughly 1.5 kilometres into the hike, unless of course, you have chosen to do the hike during high tide, in which case you probably won't be able to get nearly as close to these incredible fish-catching devises. They're dams constructed across shallow gullies that catch the fish as the tide goes out.

A little further on is a fresh water fountain that seeps into the sea via a collection of reeds – worth knowing about, particularly if you are a shipwrecked sailor in these parts. Once you've managed your thirst, the trail leaves the seaside and heads up towards the dune ridge – the uphill is worth it for the views from the top. From up there you might also spot dolphins. Certainly during whale season – June to November – it is a wonderful whale viewing spot. The walk continues whilst you enjoy fynbos, sea birds and marine life as the trail doubles back to the starting point.

You can pick up a self-guide booklet from the tourist office at the Agulhas Lighthouse. An ideal day out would include the lighthouse, the southernmost tip of Africa, and the Rasperpunt Hiking Trail.