Danger Point Lighthouse

The Danger Point Lighthouse can be found on the southern point of Walker Bay. The name Danger Point says it all. This beautiful but treacherous peninsula got its name from the many reefs and rocks under the ocean’s surface that made it one of the most dangerous sea routes, in the world, for early travellers. No fewer than seven wrecks lay scattered around the jagged rock pinnacles that lurk in the waters beneath the lighthouse, most notably, the HMS Birkenhead. In 1895, after more than 20 ships had been wrecked, the Danger Point Lighthouse was built to alert sea traffic to the presence of the Danger Point Reef. Danger Point Lighthouse is a Transnet National Ports Authority-manned lighthouse and is generally closed to the public.
However, pre-scheduled lighthouse tour events are arranged by the Gansbaai Tourism Bureau.

About

Danger Point Lighthouse specs:

Heritage Status:

Danger Point Lighthouse is a recognised heritage site

Date Commissioned:

1 January 1895

Markings:

White tower with a red lantern

Shape of Tower:

Octagonal masonry tower

Height of Tower:

18.3 metres

Character of Light:

Group Flashing - three every 40 seconds

Intensity of Light:

1,700,000 candelas

Range of Light:

27 nautical miles

Manned:

Public Access:

Steps to the Top:

History

More than 140 ships have been wrecked and thousands of lives were lost between Danger Point and Cape Infanta, to the east of Gansbaai.

The lighthouse commission of 1890 stressed the need for a light at Danger Point and in May 1892 engineer W T Douglass submitted a report regarding the intended lighthouse at Danger Point. In 1895, the Danger Point Lighthouse was built, providing more security for the ships in these dangerous waters.

The light was first exhibited on 1 January 1895.

HMS Birkenhead Memorial

In the early hours of 26 February 1852, the HMS Birkenhead struck an unchartered rock, one-and-a-half kilometres off Danger Point, and sank.

The sinking of HMS Birkenhead stands out in history because it was the first shipwreck where the "women and children first" protocol was applied. All seven women and 13 children on board were saved, but most of the soldiers lost their lives. Many of the soldiers attempted to swim the 2 km stretch of ocean to shore but most perished along with the horses that were onboard. Of the 643 passengers on board, only 193 survived.

Now, almost two hundred years later, Danger Point Lighthouse stands testimony to this tragedy and stoically keeps a watchful eye over the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean, enhancing the efficient navigation of vessels along this rugged stretch of Southern African coastline.

Lighthouse Tours

Danger Point Lighthouse, and the lighthouse grounds, are open to the public on scheduled dates. This incentive is managed by Gansbaai Tourism Bureau.

Entry Fee:

Free for children aged 0 to 10 years old
R10 per person for visitors aged 10 to 17
R20 per person for visitors 18 and older

Donations appreciated.

Whether you want to take a look over at the floundering site of the ill-fated HMS Birkenhead troopship, climb the 99 steps to the very top of the lighthouse tower or relax on the green lawns with a little picnic, this is a unique activity not to be missed.

For more information about the next open day contact Gansbaai Tourism, here.

Directions

Danger Point Lighthouse is a short drive from Gansbaai town centre.

Directions to Danger Point Lighthouse (from Hermanus)

Travel on the R43 from Hermanus to Gansbaai
Drive through Gansbaai until you reach the four-way intersection at the industrial area
Turn right towards Kleinbaai onto Van Dyk Street for 1.3km
Turn right at the African Seabird Sanctuary intersection onto Lord Roberts Street for 2.6 km
Turn right onto Kabeljou Street for 2.9 km until you reach your destination

Nearby Attractions

Gansbaai has become known around the world for its nature-based holiday opportunities and the rugged coastline has many exciting activities to keep visitors to the area busy. There are safe hiking trails that wind their way along the coast as well as caves and beaches just waiting to be explored. For those thrill-seekers who love a little ocean-based adrenalin, a multitude of companies offer Shark cage diving and boat-based Whale watching tours.

Read here for more information on Things to do in Gansbaai.

Reviews

“Visiting Danger Point Lighthouse was an amazing experience and there was so much history to be learnt. You must make a turn to experience what I did. Climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. Well worth it with a breathtaking view.” Brendan Gradwell

“What a view! Danger Point Lighthouse is an awesome place to visit to show the kids what the inside of a lighthouse looks like. Great history with awesome footpaths. Knowledgeable guides to explain the inner workings. A place to put on your places to visit in Gansbaai-list.” Johan Venter

“A visit to the Danger Point Lighthouse is quite an experience, not only is there the lighthouse that can be explored, but you can also visit the memorial commemorating the lives lost when the HMS Birkenhead sank in 1852. There is a notch carved in the outer edge of the Memorial which helps you to identify the exact point of the reef, about 1,500 metres out to sea, which the HMS Birkenhead struck causing her to flounder. A chat with the lighthouse keeper while you are there is a must, he is a mine of information.” Jennifer Eloise

Latitude 34°37.8’ S Longitude 19°18.1’ E