There are altogether 24 lighthouses on the Western Cape coastline, namely Cape Agulhas, Cape Columbine, Cape Hangklip, Cape Infanta, Cape Point (new), Cape Point (old), Cape Seal, Cape St Blaize, Cape St Martin, Danger Point, Dassen Island, Doringbaai, Green Point, Milnerton, Mouille Point, Quoin Point, Robben Island, Roman Rock, Saldanha Bay North Head, Saldanha Bay South Head, Simon’s Town Dockyard, Slangkop Point, Stompneuspunt, Ystervarkpunt.
Not all lighthouses along the coastline of South Africa are accessible by road and/or open to the public. Some lighthouses may be located on private property or in remote areas that are not easily reached by road. Additionally, access to certain lighthouses may be restricted for safety reasons or due to their historical significance. It is recommended to check with local authorities or lighthouse organizations for information on specific lighthouses that are open to the public and their accessibility. A few Western Cape lighthouses provide on-site accommodation for visitors. These lighthouses offer a unique and memorable accommodation experience, allowing guests to stay in historic buildings while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding area.
Western Cape Lighthouses with Accommodation
Cape Columbine, near Paternoster
One of the lighthouses on South Africa’s Western Cape coastline that has lodging available on-site is Cape Columbine. Built in 1936, it was the last staffed lighthouse built, and the first to have radio beacon, fog signal, and light installed as a single unit. It bears the name of the barque Columbine, which sank in the vicinity in 1829. Situated in the Columbine Nature Reserve close to the fishing community of Paternoster, the lighthouse is perched atop Castle Rock, a sizable protrusion of granite on the stormy shoreline. Beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Britannia Reef can be seen from the spiral staircase within.
Accommodation:
- Three cottages near the lighthouse are available for guests to stay in after being renovated from the homes of the former lightkeepers. All of the self-catering cottages have satellite television, complete kitchens, internal fireplaces, outdoor braai areas, and linens for the bedrooms and bathrooms. On the property are also a gift shop, meeting centre, and swimming pool.
- The lighthouse complex is located 3.5 kilometres (2.2 miles) from Paternoster along a gravelled road. It is advised to use a vehicle with high clearance, and it may be necessary to use a 4×4 in wet conditions.
Cape St Blaize, Mossel Bay
On March 15, 1864, the lighthouse, which was constructed for the community of Mossel Bay, was formally put into service. An extremely interesting natural feature is a big, 72 metres (236 feet) broad by 10 metres (33 feet) high cave, located in the precipitous cliffs directly below the lighthouse. Based on archaeological evidence, humanoids have been using it continuously for at least 160,000 years. The cave and the lighthouse are excellent elevated vantage points to see the whales and dolphins that frequent the inshore seas of this untamed coastline.
Accommodation:
- There are five lighthouses in South Africa that have lodging available on-site, including Cape St. Blaize.
- The only self-catering cottage is called “Whale’s Way,” and it has three bedrooms with a maximum capacity of six people. It has two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a living/dining space, and linen for the bathroom and bedrooms.
- Montagu Street is a paved road that connects to a short (250 m) section of gravelled road that ascends to the lighthouse complex.
Danger Point Lighthouse, near Gansbaai
Located on the Cape Whale Coast, Gansbaai is a well-liked tourist resort. It is situated in the Overberg District in the breathtakingly gorgeous Western Cape province of South Africa. While it was formerly a significant fishing town, it is today well-known for its shark diving, breathtaking fynbos landscape, and top-notch farm-to-table dining. The region is home to two tidal pools, one at Perlemoenbaai and the other at Kleinbaai, as well as a number of stunning, undeveloped beaches, including Stanford’s Bay, Franskraal, and Pearly Beach. Beautiful hiking trails, 4×4 routes, fishing, horseback riding, golf, kayaking, and quad biking are some other options for recreation.
Accommodation:
- Danger Point does provide lodging on the property in the shape of “Misty Waves,” a single self-catering cottage. It has two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a living/dining space, and three bedrooms that can accommodate up to six people.
- Satellite TV with a few channels is included, as are all bed and bathroom linens.
- This is a wonderful and unique area to stay, and it is a great spot to see whales, even though the weather may be unforgiving at times.
Popular Lighthouses in the Western Cape
- Slangkop Lighthouse: NO ACCOMMODATION, GIFT SHOP & CONFERENCE CENTRE
One of the few lighthouses in South Africa that is accessible to the general public is Slangkop Point, where tours are typically given by the resident keeper. There is a gift shop and conference centre in the property that may be used for special events such music festivals and weddings. It is a very well-liked site among photographers. - Green Point (WC): NO ACCOMMODATION, SMALL CONFERENCDE FACILITY, GIFT SHOP
Wrongly identified by some as the Mouille Point lighthouse. There’s a visitor centre, a tiny meeting room and a gift store on site to serve the numerous tourists that are drawn to this striking and historic building. - Cape Agulhas Lighthouse: NO ACCOMMODATION, MUSEUM
On March 2, 1973, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse was designated as a national monument, making it one of South Africa’s most well-known landmarks. The only museum of its kind in Africa is currently housed in the old keeper’s quarters. In addition to browsing through the numerous fascinating artefacts, visitors can ascend the 71 steep steps that lead to the lantern gallery, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the town of L’Agulhas and surrounding areas, and the coastline. - The old Cape Point Lighthouse: NO ACCOMMODATION, TOWER CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
The keeper’s quarters and the cast iron tower’s exterior remain intact. The tower itself is closed to the public, however entry to the site is simple. With breathtaking views across the entire Cape Point and the majority of False Bay, it is without a doubt the most popular lighthouse in South Africa in terms of both visits and photos. A tarred road leads to the parking area. The majority of visitors begin by climbing the steep slope in the direction of the “old” lighthouse, or by using the “Flying Dutchman,” a funicular railway. If they are still feeling up to it, visitors can then walk an alternate route that leads to the 1915-built “new” lighthouse along the peninsula’s spine.
Interesting Facts about Lighthouses
The Green Point Lighthouse, which was put into service on April 12, 1824, was the first lighthouse ever constructed in South Africa. It is still in use today, having received certification in 1973 as a provincial heritage property. A lot of people mistakenly call it the Mouille Point Lighthouse, but that’s actually another tower that was built a few years later near Granger Bay and shares the same name.
Contrary to popular belief, CAPE AGULHAS – rather than Cape Point – is the official meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the southernmost point of the African continent. The only museum of its kind in Africa is currently housed in the old keeper’s quarters. Massive rogue waves can be produced by winter storms that are known to occur in the waters off Cape Agulhas.
At 33 metres (108 ft) in height, the Slangkop Point Lighthouse is the highest lighthouse in South Africa. The tower was built out of cast iron and put into service on March 4th, 1919.
The lighthouse known as Cape Seal, which is situated on the Robberg peninsula close to Plettenberg Bay, has the highest focal plane (height above sea level) in South Africa.
