Cape Point Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse stands on the peak at Cape Point, within the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park at the southern tip of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa's Western Cape, about 60 km south of central Cape Town. It was built between 1857 and 1860 to warn ships rounding the Cape of Good Hope, and its light was positioned 238 metres above sea level. This proved too high, because low cloud and sea mist frequently obscured the beam. The problem became tragically clear in 1911, when the Portuguese liner Lusitania ran aground on Bellows Rock below the point, and after an inquiry the authorities built a new lighthouse lower on the cliff between 1913 and 1919. The new light, at about 87 metres, is among the most powerful on the South African coast. The old lighthouse was then retired, and it survives as a heritage structure and viewpoint. It is a squat, whitewashed stone tower with a keeper's quarters, built from local stone, and from it visitors look down over the rocky headland, the Atlantic and Indian ocean waters and False Bay. Access is by a funicular, the Flying Dutchman, or by a steep walking path of several hundred metres from the upper car park. The interpretation consists of information boards on the lighthouse, shipwrecks and the maritime history of the Cape, while the site itself is part of a nature reserve with fynbos, baboons, ostriches and other wildlife. The structure has been maintained by the park authority, and the exterior remains in sound condition. The path and the viewing area are exposed, so wind and weather are strong factors. Visitors should note that reserve entry fees are charged at the gate, and that the funicular is a separate charge.