Vasco da Gama had been a historical European explorer who journeyed to India using this route.
The uncovering of the maritime route to India by the Portuguese was the very first documented journey from Europe to India through the Cape. It was done underneath the reign of Emperor Manuel I in 1495–1499. It was led by Vasco da Gama.
"A. His army could not pass through the Alps" is the best option from the list as to what is true of Hannibal's route during the second Punic War, but he traveled with elephants.