Cape Point Lighthouse
There are two lighthouses at Cape Point, however, there is only one still in operation. The old lighthouse was built in the late 1850s. It is on the highest section of Cape Point Peak at 238 meters above sea level. The equipment that was needed to build the lighthouse was shipped from England. The Victoria Foundry in London forged sections of the lighthouse and then shipped them to Simonstown. From the harbour, the sections were transported to Buffel’s Bay on a cargo boat named the Alarm There is a plaque on the old lighthouse that reads “Designed, specified and directed by. Alexander Gordon, Civil Engineer” This lighthouse was decommissioned in the early 1900s after the Lusitania, a ship of 5 500 tons, with 774 people aboard, struck the Bellows Rock just below the lighthouse. This was partly because the original Cape Point Lighthouse was built too high up and its beam was hidden by fog. Low-hanging clouds created by wind blowing up the cliffs of Cape Point would obscure the light for up to 900 hours a year.
The new 22-metre high “white” lighthouse was built on a 15-metre high pinnacle of rock called Diaz Point It was begun in 1913 but only completed in 1919. The delay was caused by a combination of the First World War (1914-1918) and the difficulty of its positioning. at a lower altitude. The placement was closer to the tip of Cape Point, where it was less affected by weather conditions. The light was the flame of a paraffin torch, with a fuel line running from tanks at the original lighthouse. The light was electrified in 1936 At 19 million candlepower, it is still the most powerful light in Africa.
The optic shines a revolving electric light across the Atlantic Ocean every 10 seconds. It is visible for 25 nautical miles.
You cannot hike down to this one, unfortunately. However, there is a separate trail that takes you as close as possible. As a bonus, it also offers wonderful views of both lighthouses!
Cape Point Lighthouse walk
Begin the walk at the parking lot. Starting behind the upper funicular station. The Walk descends below the Old Lighthouse on the False Bay side of the cliffs. It levels out before reaching the viewpoint above the New Lighthouse.
Observation points have been built on either side, where you can enjoy incredible views. Whales can often be seen in spring. The easy 2 km walk takes about an hour
( 34°21′26″S18°29′51″E )
