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Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇿🇦Western South Africa, ZAInactive

Location & Light Range

About Cape Agulhas Lighthouse

Completed in 1849, this white tower stands 27 meters tall with a focal height of 31 meters. The structure features a lantern top and has a geographic range of 30 nautical miles. It emits a single white flash characteristic. The lighthouse is situated at the southernmost point of Africa, within the Agulhas National Park.

Why it matters: Recognized as an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, this lighthouse marks the southernmost tip of the African continent.

Background
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is at Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa. At 171 years old, it is the third-built lighthouse in South Africa, and the second-oldest still operating, after Green Point. It is located on the southern edge of the village of L'Agulhas, in the Agulhas National Park; the light is operated by Transnet National Ports Authority. In 2016, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) identified the lighthouse as a deserving prominent historic engineering project and International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
31m
Geographic Range
30NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1849
Heritage Status
Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D6370
NGA No.
D 6370
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3642596 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
lantern
Tower Color
white

Structure: Red tower, white banded, lantern; 89

Location

City
Western South Africa
Country
🇿🇦ZA
Latitude
-34.8293°
Longitude
20.0090°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Agulhas Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Agulhas displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Agulhas Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is GANSBAAI at 36.1 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Goudiniweg (36.8 NM WNW), Riviersonderend (41.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Agulhas Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
What shipping routes pass near Cape Agulhas Lighthouse?+
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is located within the Cape of Good Hope route — the historic shipping route around the southern tip of Africa. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Cape Agulhas Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Agulhas Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.