Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape Peninsula
Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape Peninsula
The New Cape Point Lighthouse, located on the Cape Peninsula within the Table Mountain National Park, is a significant navigational landmark and a popular tourist attraction. Perched on the cliffs at Cape Point, this lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
History and Significance: The New Cape Point Lighthouse was built in 1919 to replace the original lighthouse, which was constructed in 1859. The original lighthouse, situated at a higher elevation, often became obscured by mist and fog, leading to several shipwrecks. To improve visibility and safety, the new lighthouse was constructed at a lower altitude, closer to the tip of Cape Point, where it is less affected by weather conditions. The new lighthouse is a critical aid for maritime navigation, guiding ships safely around the treacherous Cape Peninsula.
Structure and Features: The New Cape Point Lighthouse stands at an elevation of 87 meters (285 feet) above sea level. The tower itself is 9 meters (30 feet) tall, with a powerful light that can be seen up to 63 kilometers (39 miles) away. The light flashes three times every 30 seconds, helping ships to identify the lighthouse and navigate the rocky coastline. The robust design of the lighthouse ensures its functionality in the harsh coastal environment, withstanding strong winds and storms common in the area.
Visitor Experience: Visiting the New Cape Point Lighthouse is a memorable experience, offering stunning panoramic views and a glimpse into the maritime history of the Cape Peninsula. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by taking a scenic walk or by riding the Flying Dutchman Funicular, which transports guests from the lower parking area to the upper lighthouse level. The journey to the lighthouse provides spectacular vistas of the ocean and the rugged landscape of Cape Point.
Once at the lighthouse, visitors can explore the surrounding area, enjoy the dramatic cliffside views, and learn about the history and importance of the lighthouse through informational displays. The viewpoint near the lighthouse offers one of the best spots to observe the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, a phenomenon that Cape Point is famous for.
Conservation and Preservation: The New Cape Point Lighthouse is maintained by the South African National Parks (SANParks) as part of the Table Mountain National Park. Efforts are made to preserve the lighthouse and its surrounding natural environment, ensuring that it remains a safe and accessible landmark for future generations. Visitors are encouraged to respect the protected area by following park regulations and contributing to the conservation efforts.
Contact Information:
- Address: Cape Point, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town, South Africa
- Phone Number: +27 (0)21 780 9010
- Website: Cape Point - Table Mountain National Park
Overall, the New Cape Point Lighthouse is a fascinating destination that combines historical significance with natural beauty. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of South Africa's most iconic landmarks and enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cape Peninsula.
Accommodation Near Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape Peninsula
Aqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
14.5km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaAqua Terra Boutique Guesthouse is situated in the quiet suburb of Murdock Valley in Simon's Town and offers accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.Situated in a prime position 5 minutes from the beach, this landmark house overlooks the entire False …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Boulders Beach Hotel, Cafe and Curios
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Boulders
16.4km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaBoulders Beach Hotel is Boulders, Simon's Town is situated just 70 meters from the World Heritage Site of Boulders Beach renowned for it's breeding African Penguin Colony. This is one of the 'must see' recommendations for tourists visiting Cape Town. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mariner Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
17.1km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaCustom built on the mountainside in historical Simon's Town, award-winning Mariner Guesthouse offers breathtaking sea views across False Bay. We are within walking distance of restaurants and beaches, and pride ourselves on offering style... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Bay Splendour
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Simon's Town
19km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaBay Splendour, nestles in a quiet cul-de-sac only ten minutes walk from the old world charm of Simon's Town, South Africa's premier naval station. A coastal gem of peace and tranquillity, Bay Splendour has a spacious open-plan lounge and kitchen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Atlantic Dream Beachfront Villa
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Scarborough
20.2km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaThis luxurious double storey beachfront villa in Scarborough (sleeps 8) offers privacy, beauty and security. If you seek a safe and peaceful beach retreat within easy reach of the Cape Town Buzz, don't miss here. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Moonglow Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Simon's Town
20.4km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaMoonglow Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Glencairn, on the slopes of the Simon's Town Mountains overlooking False Bay.There are 6 well appointed ensuite bedrooms all with seaviews. 4 rooms have queen beds and all rooms have... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Crags
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
22.4km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaCome and stay in one of the original farm buildings in Fish Hoek, Cape Town within a stone's throw of the beach. This self catering apartment (sleeps 6) provides spacious, well-appointed, up-market accommodation with magnificent views across False Bay. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Tuscan Villa Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Fish Hoek
22.8km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaBed and breakfast accommodation in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. The villa boasts 4 spacious en-suite rooms named according to the direction they face. While each room has its own special attributes all rooms have Posturepedic beds, 100% percale cotton linen... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Upstairs @ No. 42
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
23km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaUPSTAIRS @ No. 42 is a real home from home with beautiful mountain views and conveniently appointed for a relaxing break. Drive into secure parking right at the entrance. Up the stairs you will find a lounge-dining-kitchen area - fully equipped with TV & …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
A Place In Thyme
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Fish Hoek
23.5km from Cape Point Lighthouse - Cape PeninsulaSituated on the mountainside in Fish Hoek, A Place in Thyme offers accommodation in three separate units: the cottage (sleeps 5); Small Thyme (sleeps 2) and Big Thyme (sleeps 2 adults & 2 children; or 3 adults.) …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Cape Point - Cape Town, Western Cape (0.04km)
- Cape of Good Hope Old Lighthouse (0.73km)
- Flying Dutchman Funicular - Cape Point (0.83km)
- Cape Point Nature Reserve - Cape of Good Hope (1.29km)
- Diaz Beach, Cape Point (1.48km)
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- Platboom Beach - Cape Point, Cape Town (5.11km)
- Buffels Bay Beach and Tidal Pool - Cape Point (5.18km)
- Gifkommetjie Trail - Cape Peninsula (8.60km)
- Smitswinkel Bay Beach - Cape Town (9.64km)
- Partridge Point - Cape Peninsula, Cape Town (10.39km)
- Cape Point Ostrich Farm - Cape Peninsula (11.33km)
- Millers Point Tidal Pool - Cape Peninsula, Cape Town (12.70km)
- Cape Peninsula National Park - Cape Town (13.37km)
- Olifantsbos Beach - Cape Peninsula, Cape Town (15.10km)
- Fishermans Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (15.80km)
- Windmill Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (16.06km)
- Simon's Town Country Club - Cape Town (16.13km)
- Boulders Beach Penguin Colony - Simon's Town (16.75km)
- Seaforth Beach - Simon's Town, Cape Town (17.05km)
