Lighthouses

Western Cape Coast : Cape Columbine (Paternoster)

Where is it?

Latitude: 32° 49’ 39” S
Longitude: 17 ° 51’ 23” E

How to get there:

Take the R27 from Cape Town to Vredenburg – your journey will be about an hour and a half and you will travel through some very scenic areas past Yzerfontein and Langebaan and en route stop in Saldanha Bay. Then continue to Vredenburg, through the quaint Paternoster, a fishing village famous for its “West Coast Houses” often depicted in paintings. Paternoster is on the doorstep of the Columbine Nature Reserve, which, in spring, is carpeted with a riot of fynbos flowers.

Cape Columbine Lighthouse is situated on a prominent headland ±5 km from the picturesque fishing village of Paternoster (meaning Our Father) deriving its name from the heartfelt prayers of shipwrecked Portuguese sailors. The lighthouse, built on rising ground at Castle Rock, and usually the first lighthouse sighted by shipping coming from South America and Europe, is about 30 km from Vredenburg on the West Coast.

Of interest

Cape Columbine Lighthouse was commissioned on 1 October 1936 and derives its name from the barque Columbine, which was wrecked there on 31 March 1829.

Several ships were wrecked in the area, which is known for its multitude of submerged rocks and reefs.

The Columbine Nature Reserve surrounds Cape Columbine Lighthouse. On the southern side of the lighthouse is Tieties Bay where one will find a caravan/tent park. The coastline is well known for its sea life, especially for crawfish and abalone. Langebaan Lagoon, the West Coast National Park, a Fossil Park, and a number of private game lodges may also be found in the area.

On offer

Accommodation