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South Africa’s coastline is peppered with lighthouses. These structures carry a strangely alluring kind of beauty. There is also much to be admired in how they stoically stand beside the ocean, guiding ships to the shore.
Here are some of South Africa’s best lighthouses:
Umhlanga Lighthouse
Picture: Teagan Cunniffe.
Built in 1954, the Umhlanga Lighthouse stands proudly along the Umhlanga promenade.
It is fully automatic and has never had a light-keeper. The Oyster Box Hotel is its custodian and it is one of the country’s most photographed lighthouses. When in the KwaZulu-Natal province, the lighthouse is a definite must-see. Don’t forget to bring your camera.
Cape Recife Lighthouse
Picture: Unsplash
The Cape Recife Lighthouse is situated by Algoa Bay’s southern entrance in the Cape Recife Nature Reserve. It was first lit in 1851 and is one of the country’s oldest lighthouses.
It was built to warn sailors of the treacherous Thunderbolt Reef and Roman Rock that claimed many ships. Unfortunately, the lighthouse is not open for entry. However, you can admire it from various viewpoints.
Port Shepstone Lighthouse
Picture: iStock
Adorned in black and white chequers that make the lighthouse unique, the Port Shepstone Lighthouse is a prominent landmark of the town. It is located at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River and is undoubtedly worth the visit.
The first lighthouse was in operation from 1895 until 1905. It was then replaced by an 8-meter tall circular cast iron tower which is the lighthouse you can visit today.
Slangkop Point Lighthouse
Picture: Sourced
The giant Slangkop Point Lighthouse in Kommetjie stands at 34 meters tall. It is manned by a real light-keeper. The cast-iron Victorian lighthouse is in the protected area of the Table Mountain National Park. Upon your visit, you will have the opportunity to climb the lighthouse; an experience undoubtedly worth the try.
North Sand Bluff Lighthouse
Fancy some spectacular views of Port Edward? The North Sand Bluff Lighthouse offers exactly that. All you need to do is to go up 5 flights of spiral stairs and through a little hatch. The lighthouse is still functional and has a coffee shop. The cherry-on-top is that the Port Edward area is extremely wonderful when the whales and dolphins are in the bay. Who knows? You might just be lucky!
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