Slangkop Lighthouse

About Slangkop Lighthouse

Ever wanted to shake hands with a real live Lighthouse Keeper? Now is your chance. The winding road that slithers along the Atlantic coastline leading to Kommetjie has been described as a snake like drive. This curving coastal carriageway leads to Slangkop (Snake head) Lighthouse which has been burning brightly since 1914, becoming fully automated in 1979. The tower's light shimmers 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.

Guided tours take you up a steep internal spiral staircase that climbs this faithful beacon standing 100 feet from base to wire mesh balcony. Painted white like a nautical guardian angel this is the tallest cast iron tower in South Africa. Initially manned by 3 Lighthouse Keepers it is now maintained by one Senior Lighthouse Keeper who still washes the lighthouse windows. Tours delve into the history of of lighthouses on the South African coast and reveal why South Africa is one of the only countries still with Light House Keepers on staff. Climb to the top for a revolutionary few of the region, no torches required.