We have explored much of the deep south of Cape Town (from Noordhoek to Cape Point). We love the natural beauty and fun places to visit, but strangely, we have never visited Slangkop Lighthouse – and what a treat we were in for! The views from the top are absolutely amazing! Take a look at our visit in the video below.
According to www.capepointroute.co.za:
Slangkop (meaning Snake head) Lighthouse in Kommetjie has been burning brightly since 1914, and became fully automated in 1979. The tower’s light shines 33 nautical miles out to sea from its 33 M circular construction.
First commissioned by Sir Francis Hely-Hutchinson (Governor of The Cape of Good Hope) to safeguard against shipwrecks on the rocky shore. One of South Africa’s oldest lighthouses, it emits four flashes every 30 seconds with a candlepower brightness of 5 000 000 C.D. on a focal plane of 41m above high tide.
UPDATE: My friend Stephen, from Steve’s Critters, clarified that although it was built in 1914 it only was fully functional in 1919 (something I remember reading previously). I found more info on FindTripInfo.com:
The Slangkop Point Lighthouse in Kommetjie has a long history dating back to 1914 when it was scheduled to be completed. When World War 1 broke out, the completion of the lighthouse was pushed back and it was only completed in 1919.
Visitors Hours:
Monday to Friday – 10.00 am to 3.00 pm (with an half hour break between 12.00 and 12.30 pm)
Closed over weekends and public holidays
What places do you like to visit in Cape Town?
Tell us in the comments below!
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