Shipwreck hiking trail near the Cape of Good Hope

Organized by
3.5 hrs
Occasionally sporty
From 5 years-old and up
From€45

This easy circular hiking route starts and ends at Olifantsbos and is suitable for all ages.

With this exciting hiking trail, right on the water’s edge you’ll see distinctive African black oyster catchers with red legs and beaks and the ubiquitous kelp gulls, often squabbling over a kelp frond.

You can pick one of three routes from Olifantsbos, all of which end at the departure point.

The easy 3km Thomas T Tucker trail marked in yellow takes you down to the water. Not far along you’ll find the remains of American liberty ship, the Thomas T Tucker, which struck Albatross Rock on her maiden voyage during wartime in 1942. Further on you’ll come across the Nolloth, a Dutch coaster wrecked in 1965 with a full load of liquor, long since removed by the authorities!

For a longer 5km walk, keep going past the Nolloth and the parking lot to Sirkelsvlei, named for the spring-fed wetland to be found here.

Another trail leads on to Staavia Edge, a vantage point from which you can see Olifantsbos Cottage at the base of the hill.

The drive out to Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park is scenic and relaxing, setting the scene for your peaceful stroll in nature once you arrive.

Book your activity

From€45

Practical information

This easy circular route, starting and ending at Olifantsbos, is suitable for all ages.

Set in a tranquil area at the Cape of Good Hope, this hike has so much to offer in the way of history, beautiful rock formations, fynbos, game animals and birdlife.

The remains of two shipwrecks; the Thomas T. Tucker and the Nolloth, and a military observation post dating back to WW2 are highlights along the way.

The story of the wrecks
Dutch born, J.K Van Der Luit, clearly remembers the day the Nolloth, his family’s coaster, was shipwrecked at Cape Point. “In 1963, we left Cape Town for Durban in stormy weather. We sailed painfully slow. At 1am or 2am that morning we started shipping water; and after about an hour the bilge pump gave up. Within two hours, we had taken on two metres of water. The vessel was very sluggish and we all went to the wheelhouse where, miraculously, and with the engine still running, my father was able to steer the vessel clear of the coast.

“All we could do was pray that the engine wouldn’t stall. I will never forget the sound of the ship smacking the beach.”

This, now rusty, piece of family history can still be seen partially submerged beneath the sand along the shipwreck trail at Olifantsbos.

Activity requirements

Advice on what to wear:
The weather on the mountains can change unexpectedly and sudden drops in temperature are common. On a hot day the correct clothing can help prevent heat exhaustion and sunburn. Wearing the wrong clothes on your hiking/walking tour could spoil your tour.

Special terms

Please make your way to the Cape of Good Hope, and proceed to the Olifantsbos parking area where the hike will start. Please contact Table Mountain Treks and Tours should you need assistance with transport. A single supplement fee of R150 is charged if only one person is hiking.

Meeting point:
Please make your way to the Cape of Good Hope, and proceed to the Olifantsbos parking area where the hike will start.
Spoken languages:Afrikaans, English
Excluded
  • Table Mountain Aerial Cableway tickets
  • Transfers
  • Snack pack & water: R100
  • Cape of Good Hope entrance fee
Do not forget to bring
  • Comfortable clothing adapted to the weather conditions
  • Hiking shoes
  • Warm top/rain jacket in case
  • 1 - ­2 litres of water
  • Trail snacks for a 3.5 hr hike
  • Sun protection (lotion/hat)

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