Garden Route Day Four: Playing Tarzan and Africa's Southernmost Tip

There’s nothing like a two-and-a-half hour zip-line adventure to kick off the day! The four of us did a “canopy tour” in Tsitsikamma National Park, which consisted of ten zip-lines from tree to tree throughout the canopy of the forest. To say we had fun is an understatement. I was expecting it to be more of a thrilling experience, but I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it is actually quite relaxing. There were a small number of us within the tour group, about eight in all, and the quiet nature of the forest was incredibly peaceful. On the longest and fastest zip-line, peaking at 91 meters long, we each took turns belting out our best Tarzan call!

Our next stop on the route was a solid five-hour car ride away, but we didn’t complain, as it started to sprinkle once our canopy tour was finished. It actually felt nice to stretch out in the van and rest amid the rain.

By the time we reached our destination at Cape Agulhas, the sun was starting to come out. I’ve discovered over the past couple of months that Cape Point is in fact not the southernmost part of Africa; it is a hotspot for tourists so it is falsely advertised everywhere that it is the point at which the two oceans meet. However, in actuality, Cape Agulhas is the genuine southernmost tip of Africa, with signs to prove it! We each took turns posing (on land) with the sign designating the divide of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. We climbed to the top of the Cape Agulhas lighthouse to soak in the fantastic view. I can now genuinely say that I have seen two oceans at the same time!

We spent the night at Cape Agulhas Backpackers, a very quirky and brightly colorful hostel. We passed the evening hanging out in the main lounge area, playing cards by the fire and sipping delicious drinks from the bar. We couldn’t believe our mini-vacation was nearing its end, but were all incredibly satisfied with everything we’d gotten to experience on the Garden Route. One more day to go!

xo Em

I don’t have pictures from zip-lining as Sarah was the one who brought along her camera, but I’ll try to upload a couple of hers as soon as possible! Here are some samples of the rest of the day:

The girls at the top of the lighthouse

 Long way down! Many ladders to climb to the top

Cape Agulhas lighthouse

 Sarah and me straddling the two oceans

 Kate in front of the beautiful scenery

 Abandoned shipwreck!

 Christie and Sarah at the Backpackers

 Playing cards by candlelight