The Agulhas Plain

The Cool Tip of Africa

The Agulhas Plain is the area on the cool tip of Africa. It has rich natural and cultural features. The area is of international significance because of its phenomenal plant biodiversity. There are 2000 species of plants from the indigenous Cape Floral Kingdom in the area. (The smallest and richest of the world's six plant kingdoms). 100 of these are endemic and over 110 are Red Data Book species. Put simply – this means the Agulhas Plain has a biodiversity that is equivalent to a tropical rain forest.

Plants, Birds and Animals

A wide variety of wetlands occur in the area that not only contribute to a high diversity of wetland plants and animals, but also attract a host of water birds. The coastline supports a rich marine and intertidal life, with breeding sties of rare coastal birds such as the African black oystercatcher. In spring and early summer Southern Right Whales come to mate and calve along the Agulhas coast.

An Ancient Heritage

The Agulhas area also has a rich cultural heritage. Archaeological sites have been discovered along the coast of stone hearths, pottery and shell middens that link the archaeological deposits with the ancient era of Khoisan migration and settlements.

This area of the Cape coast has also been called the ‘Cape of Storms’ because of the numerous shipwrecks of the early explorers attempting to reach the East.

Cool, Cool Climate

Prevailing winds blow from the southeast in the summer and the northwest in the winter. The Agulhas area receives approximately 450 mm of rainfall per annum.