The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is located near the southernmost point of the African continent (Cape Agulhas) and immediately southwest of the small town of L’Agulhas, within the Agulhas National Park. The lighthouse, only the third in South Africa, was built in 1848 by the then English colonial government at a cost of £15,871 and first commissioned on 1 March 1849. The structure was loosely modelled on the legendary Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria - from there it’s unique architectural character.
Originally the light was fuelled by the tail-fat of sheep, but in 1905 an oil-burning lantern was installed. In March 1910 the lens was replaced with a first-order Fresnel lens. In 1929 the oil burner was replaced by a petroleum vapour burner, which was in turn replaced in 1936 by a four-kilowatt electric lamp powered by a diesel generator.
The lighthouse became derelict and was officially taken out of service in 1968. However the community in the area took it upon themselves to restore the lighthouse. In 1973 it was declared a National Monument and in 1988 the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse officially entered service again, making it the second oldest lighthouse, after the Green Point Lighthouse in Cape Town, still in service in South Africa. In 2013 the lighthouse was once again renovated and is in great shape.
The Lighthouse makes for a perfect combination with visiting nearby Cape Agulhas. It is open daily from 09:00-17:00. The small complex of buildings includes the lighthouse tower, a coffee shop, curios shop and small lighthouse museum. A small entry fee applies and you may ascend the 27m high tower for sweeping views of the area.
This is a circular 5 day scheduled tour departing from Cape Town. Route 62 journeys through the valleys and mountain passes of the Klein Karoo. On the Garden Route you’ll focus on Knysna You return to Cape Town via the Cape South Coast. Mountain scenery, wildlife, ocean and more.
Highlights:
Oudtshoorn
,
Cango Caves
,
Route 62
,
Garden Route
,
Knysna
,
Oudtshoorn ostrich farms
,
Mossel Bay
,
The Garden Route Game Lodge
,
The Bartolomeu Dias Museum
,
Swellendam
,
Hermanus
,
Cape Agulhas
.
L’Agulhas, bordering Cape Agulhas - the southernmost point of Africa, is the southernmost human settlement in Africa. It’s about three hours’ drive from Cape Town. Most travelers who visit arrive to tick of having been to the the southern tip of Africa. Another popular attraction is the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse.
Cape Agulhas is the southernmost point of Africa. If visiting the southern the tip of Africa is on your bucket list the journey is obviously worthwhile. Also worth a visit is the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse. It includes a coffee and curios shop and a lighthouse museum in an adjoining building.
The Western Cape is the most Southwestern province of South Africa and boasts many of the most popular tourist attractions. Cape Town is the hub of many of these attractions. It includes Table Mountain, The Cape Peninsula with its scenic beauty and wildlife, The Cape Winelands and the The Garden Route.