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Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse

Q White🇹🇿Kilimani, TZOperational

Location & Light Range

About Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse

The Zanzibar Range Front light is a 14-meter square pyramidal skeletal tower constructed of steel, standing on piles approximately 500 meters offshore. It guides vessels through the Southern Pass, a critical channel southwest of Stonetown, Zanzibar, and offers a geographic range of 10 nautical miles. The light displays a quick white flash. The site is open to visitors arriving by boat, but the tower itself is closed to the public. This range light operates as an active aid to navigation, contributing to maritime safety near the nearest port of Zanzibar, which is 2 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This range front light is indispensable for maritime traffic approaching Stonetown, marking a critical break in the extensive reefs southwest of the city and preventing groundings.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q White
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
White
Raw Code
Q W
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Location

City
Kilimani
Country
🇹🇿Tanzania
Region
Zanzibar Urban/West
Sea Region
Located about 500 meters offshore, this range light guides vessels through the Southern Pass, a crucial break in the reefs southwest of Stonetown, Zanzibar.
Latitude
-6.1846°
Longitude
39.2055°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Zanzibar(2.0 km)
Admiralty No.
D6706
NGA No.
31404
ARLHS No.
ZAN-002

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
square
Material
steel

Structure: square pyramidal skeletal tower mounted on piles

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
Zanzibar Range Front displays the characteristic Q White. 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 Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Mkokotoni, Zanzibar at 1.7 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Zanzibar (1.8 NM NNW), Dar es Salaam (38.9 NM S), Pangani (47.8 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Zanzibar Range Front 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 Zanzibar Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Zanzibar Range Front 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.