Olifantsbos Shipwreck Trail Cape Point: the hidden hike most people don’t know about

Cape Point is famous for being the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula. Did you know about the shipwreck trail Cape Point? A visit there would usually entail things such as going up the Flying Dutchmen or a short hike near the cable car. But during our recent trip, thanks to me wanting to do a Shipwreck hike, we were exposed to a plethora of other things that you can also do at Cape Point.

In fact, when we actually looked at the map, we realized you could have multiple visits and do something another activity altogether. Want to watch what you can see? Click here.

Shipwreck Trail Cape Point

This time around went to hike the Olifantsbos Shipwreck Trail. This hike features the remains of the American Liberty ship that struck a rock nearby in the 1940s and the remains of it lie on the sea, mostly near the shore, and it allows you to explore and take pictures.

Unfortunately we didn’t get much information when we asked a guide at the information desk, but that is why we are here right? 😉 Giving you the most recent information through our struggles haha! 😁

The hike starts at the parking area at Olifantbos. Once you are parked, you will find a sign there that gives you an indication of where to start. It’s the path on your left, a path with beachy sand. You will probably hear the ocean and people to your right, but the shipwreck is to the left. Our online search told us that you will find yellow markers on the path that should direct you on where to go, but while hiking we couldn’t find these. This made it slightly difficult to figure out where to start or if you are actually on the right path, and the other group hiking at the same time as us also seemed lost.

If you do know though, the path is fairly easy to navigate. The most tedious part is actually walking on the sand, since sand along the beach can be easy to sink into.

After about 40 mins of walking from the starting point, you will see the first remains of the ship. It is the bright yellow plastic thing shown in the reel. As you walk further, you will see more and more until you see the biggest part of the ship right near shore. As weird as it sounds, it was really cool to see it. Luckily, nobody died during the crash (phew!). There are so many different parts and as you stand amidst it, you can only imagine how the ship broke into several pieces during impact. You’ll also see nature taking its course as the parts are moved around by the ocean and the waves.

In terms of time, the trail should take you about 1,5 hours round trip, including taking pictures and exploring the remains. The wind gets pretty hectic so make sure to take a windbreaker or jacket!

Bookmark this for your the next time you’re looking for something fun to do! Want more hiking recommendations, both in and outside South Africa? Follow us @afor_adventures or subscribe to our food & travel blog – always honest, always helpful.