Western Cape Coast : Cape St Blaize

Where is it?

Latitude: 34° 11’ 09,45” S
Longitude: 22° 09’ 25,14” E

How to get there:

From Cape Town: Via the N2 past Somerset West, over Sir Lowry’s Pass. Proceed to Caledon Riviersonderend, Swellendam, Heidelberg, Riversdale and Albertina to Mossel Bay.

From Port Elizabeth: ake the N3 via Storms River, the Tsitsikamma district to Natur’s Valley, Plettenberg Bay, Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness and George.

Route 62 is another alternate route. Turn off at Paarl, travel via Wellington and Worcester via Montagu, to Oudtshoorn on to Mossel Bay crossing the Outeniqua Mountains via the Robinson Pass.

The 20,5 meter high, square white tower of the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse is situated 52 metres above sea level on a prominent headland at Mossel Bay and commands a magnificent view of the entrance into Mossel Bay.

Of interest

Due to the amount of vessels using the bay as a safe anchorage and to replenish supplies, it was deemed necessary to erect a lighthouse on the bluff over-looking the bay. The lighthouse was lit on 15 March 1864.

On February 3, 1488 Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay. When he landed in the bay he called it Bahia (Aguada) de Sao Bras (the Watering place of St. Blaize) St. Blaize, is the patron saint of those who suffer from disorders of the ear.

The history of Mossel Bay is closely linked to maritime activities. The sites of the Phillia, Seagull and other wrecks were recently identified for an underwater museum because of easy accessibility.

The Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex in the centre of town consists of various sites of interest, such as the Granary, the Shell Museum, the Culture Museum, the Spring, the Indigenous Garden, the Padrao and the most well known historical feature, the Old Post Office Tree. (The first Post Office on South African soil was founded at Mossel Bay when in 1500, Pedro de Ataide left a letter of importance in a shoe under a large milkwood tree. Mail is still posted at the ancient Post Office – today a national monument.)

Visiting Hours

Mondays to Fridays

10h00 to 15h00

Weekends & Public Holidays

May to September - By reservation only
October to April
10h00 to 15h00 (As from October 2005)

Entrance Fee

Adults :	R13.70
Children under 12:	R6.90
Pensioners:	R9.20
Adult Tour Groups:	R9.20
Students (with ID cards)	R9.20
School Groups:	R5.70

Contact Details

Central Reservations Office

Tel: 021 - 449 2400
Fax: 021 - 449 5625
lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net

Please note:

ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT
Arrival time is @ 15h00
NB - a fee of R150.00 per hour payable for late departure
Deposit payable = 20% (No refund if cancelled in less than 7 days prior to occupation)
Breakage deposit R400.00 (Refundable)

Banking Details

Bank Name :
Branch :
Branch Code :
Account Name :
Account Number :

Standard Bank
Sea Point
02-41-09
Transnet National Port Authority - Lighthouse Services
07-109-009-6

Seasons

In Season Dates

03/12/2005 to 22/01/2006
18/03/2006 to 05/05/2006
24/06/2006 to 23/07/2006
18/09/2006 to 08/10/2006
03/12/2006 to 21/01/2007
19/03/2007 to 03/05/2007

Out of Season Dates

23/01/2006 to 17/03/2006
06/05/2006 to 23/06/2006
24/07/2006 to 17/09/2006
09/10/2006 to 02/12/2006
22/01/2007 to 18/03/2007
04/05/2007 to 21/06/2007

On offer

Guided tours of the lighthouse

Curios and memorabilia on sale

Self-catering accommodation - 1 self-catering cottage accommodating 6 persons

Accommodation