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Ra's Enghela Lighthouse

Fl White 2.5s🇹🇳Bizerte, TNOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ra's Enghela Lighthouse

Also known as: Ra's Enghela (Cap Angela)

Ra's Enghela lighthouse, operational since 1890, marks the northernmost point of the African continent. Situated on a headland approximately 12 kilometers northwest of Bizerte, this cylindrical tower stands 15 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 38 meters above sea level. The tower features a broad white horizontal band beneath the gallery and rises from a one-story keeper's house. The light emits a single white flash every 2.5 seconds, visible for 16.7 nautical miles. Construction on the station began in 1888.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is paramount for safe navigation around the northernmost point of Africa, warning ships away from the specific headland it occupies. It guides vessels through a critical maritime corridor in the Mediterranean.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 2.5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
2.5s
Raw Code
Fl W 2.5s
Focal Height
38m
Geographic Range
16.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1890

Significant events: Construction began in 1888, first lit in 1890

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bizerte(0.3 km)
Admiralty No.
E6456
NGA No.
22132
ARLHS No.
TUN-026

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with a broad white horizontal band under the gallery

Structure: square cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, rising from a 1-story keeper's house

Location

City
Bizerte
Country
🇹🇳Tunisia
Region
Bizerte
Sea Region
Northernmost lighthouse of the African continent, standing in latitude 37° 20.7' N, located on a headland about 12 km northwest of Bizerte.
Latitude
37.2804°
Longitude
9.8930°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ra's Enghela Lighthouse at night?+
Ra's Enghela displays the characteristic Fl White 2.5s. 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ra's Enghela Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ra's Enghela Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bizerte at 2 NM to the SW. Other ports served include Menzel Bourguiba (8.2 NM SSW), Ariana (29.3 NM SSE), Al Marsá (31.8 NM SE), Tunis (33.5 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ra's Enghela Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ra's Enghela 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.
What shipping routes pass near Ra's Enghela Lighthouse?+
Ra's Enghela Lighthouse is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Ra's Enghela Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ra's Enghela 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.