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Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇸🇳Dakar, SNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Les Mamelles Lighthouse

Completed in 1864, Les Mamelles Lighthouse stands 16 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 120 meters, providing a geographic range of 31 nautical miles. The tower is painted white with a red cupola. It emits a single white flash every 5 seconds. Obscured from the northeast by Pulau Labuan, the lighthouse is situated on the higher of the Deux Mamelles hills.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides ships around the western tip of Africa, the continent's westernmost point.

Background
Les Mamelles Lighthouse (French: Phare des Mamelles) is a strategically important lighthouse situated near Cap Vert, the westernmost point of Africa, on the outskirts of Dakar the capital of Senegal. Completed in 1864, it has been described as "one of the world's great lighthouses, guiding ships around the western tip of Africa". It is located on the higher of the Deux Mamelles, a pair of prominent hills in Ouakam, a suburban commune of Dakar, 4 km southeast of Almadies and 9 km northwest of Dakar on the Cap-Vert peninsula.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 5s
Focal Height
120m
Geographic Range
31NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1864

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
D3004
NGA No.
24392
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1567959 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Color
white and red

Structure: White tower, red cupola; 50. Obscured from NE by Pulau Labuan

Location

City
Dakar
Country
🇸🇳SN
Latitude
14.7236°
Longitude
-17.5020°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Les Mamelles Lighthouse at night?+
Les Mamelles 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 Les Mamelles Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Les Mamelles Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Dakar at 5 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include M'bao Terminal (5.9 NM E), Rufisque (12.9 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Les Mamelles Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Les Mamelles Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Les Mamelles Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Les Mamelles 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.