When world geography came up in school, we were taught that the Cape of Good Hope was the southern-most point in Africa - which made it a key reference point in shipping a few hundred years ago. Then our tour of the region actually goes there, and we are told that it is not the southern-most point. That distinction belongs to an island off the coast well to the east. Meanwhile, nearby Cape Hope actually goes a bit more south than the Cape of Good Hope too.
That leaves the Cape of Good Hope as merely the bottom of the southwestern portion of the continent. By the way, it's also a key marker for shipping. If you are traveling from Europe to India this way by boat, this is where ships start to go more east than south.
There's not much here - a sign, and a very difficult-looking walking trail that goes up the hill in the photo. Still glad I saw it, though.
Here's your history lesson:
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