Slangkop Lighthouse Cape Town
Iconic cast-iron lighthouse offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic boardwalk in Kommetjie.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Slangkop Lighthouse Cape Town
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic cast-iron lighthouse offering breathtaking coastal views and a scenic boardwalk in Kommetjie.
"The views from above were stunning and worth the effort."
Confirm Lighthouse Access
Check if the lighthouse is open for climbing; access can be inconsistent.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk and beach are best explored on foot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Slangkop Lighthouse Tower
Top of the lighthouse
Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and ocean.
Kommetjie Boardwalk
Coastal path
A picturesque wooden walkway offering scenic ocean vistas and a gentle stroll.
Rocky Beach Exploration
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Discover hidden painted pebbles and enjoy the rugged beauty of the coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Embrace the Boardwalk and Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Lighthouse Access
Check if the lighthouse is open for climbing; access can be inconsistent.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk and beach are best explored on foot.
Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetjie at Sunset [Credit: Mitchell Krog]
Pet-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome on the boardwalk and beach.
Capture Golden Hour
The lighthouse and coastline are stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Slangkop Lighthouse, South Africa
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Lighthouse Access
Check if the lighthouse is open for climbing; access can be inconsistent.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The boardwalk and beach are best explored on foot.
Pet-Friendly Exploration
Leashed pets are welcome on the boardwalk and beach.
Capture Golden Hour
The lighthouse and coastline are stunning at sunrise and sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Slangkop Lighthouse for its stunning coastal views and picturesque setting, especially during sunrise and sunset. The boardwalk offers a pleasant walk, and the pet-friendly nature is a plus. However, inconsistent opening hours for the lighthouse tower and occasional maintenance closures can lead to disappointment.
"We visited Slangkoppunt on Wednesday 8 January 2025 hoping that the lighthouse would be open as stated on TransNet’s (the national ports authority) website. However, the gate to the lighthouse was closed with a hand-written sign reading, “Closed for maintenance.” This was not surprising as some reviews of Slangkoppunt mentioned that it has, since 2020, been closed for maintenance. By chance, a TransNet worker who was mowing the lawn let us in after asking for an entrance fee of R20p/p for those who wanted to go up the tower. The outside area was clean, and it looked as if the lighthouse had recently been painted. However, the inside was cluttered and dusty and none of the brass finishes were polished.
Slangkoppunt is the tallest lighthouse in South Africa, so expect a lot of stairs. Fortunately, the steps are wide with a secure handrail all the way to the top. The views from above were stunning and worth the effort.
The restrooms are situated in the building adjacent to the lighthouse where there is also a minute exhibition of artefacts and schoolchildren’s projects about Slangkoppunt’s history.
We were very lucky that there was a TransNet worker who happened to be on site and allowed us to enter the grounds as the on-duty security guard was not at all interested in allowing access to anyone. I would have rated this experience five stars because we were lucky to go up the tower, however, due to TransNet’s lack of transparency and consistency regarding the possibility of visiting the lighthouse, I rate this experience four stars."
Eduard Walters
"Beautiful on sunrise and sunset.
A short walk. Pets friendly."
Leonid Khanin
"A stunning place. The lighthouse is beautiful, and makes for some great photos. The rocky beach, local flora, and wooden walkway are picturesque. Safe to walk around, and an all-round beautiful place. Keep an eye out for hidden painted pebbles on the beach."
Kristian Meijer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Slangkop Lighthouse is located in Kommetjie, about a 40-minute drive from Cape Town. You can drive yourself, and there is small parking available nearby.
Public transport options to Kommetjie are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to reach the lighthouse. Consider ride-sharing services if you don't have a car.
The most common route from Cape Town involves taking the M3 South, then the M42 towards Muizenberg, and finally following signs for Kommetjie.
Yes, Kommetjie is known for its beautiful beaches like Long Beach and its surfer-friendly atmosphere. Cape Point is also a popular day trip destination in the vicinity.
There is a small parking area near the lighthouse, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the grounds and boardwalk is generally free. However, accessing the lighthouse tower itself may require an entrance fee, which can vary and is sometimes collected by on-site workers.
The lighthouse's opening hours can be inconsistent. It's often closed for maintenance, and access to the tower is not guaranteed. It's advisable to check locally or be prepared for potential closure.
Climbing to the top of the lighthouse is possible when it is open to the public. Be prepared for many stairs, as it is the tallest lighthouse in South Africa.
No, Slangkop Lighthouse is not always open. It has been reported as closed for maintenance since 2020, with access sometimes granted by workers.
Historically, there was a small fee (around R10-R20) to climb the tower, but this can vary. Access might be at the discretion of on-site personnel.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk the scenic boardwalk, explore the rocky beach, enjoy the views from the lighthouse tower (if open), and visit the small exhibition area.
The boardwalk is generally safe, but some planks may be loose, so exercise caution while walking.
Yes, the area around Slangkop Lighthouse is pet-friendly, making it a great spot for a walk with your dog.
The views from the top of the lighthouse are stunning, offering panoramic vistas of the coastline and the ocean.
Restrooms are typically located in the building adjacent to the lighthouse.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself, the boardwalk with the ocean backdrop, and the rocky beach offer excellent photographic opportunities. Golden hour is particularly beautiful.
Absolutely! The lighthouse and its surroundings are incredibly picturesque during sunrise and sunset, offering dramatic lighting.
Landscape photography, architectural shots of the lighthouse, and nature photography are popular here. Keep an eye out for painted pebbles for unique shots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset provide the best light. Midday can be harsh, but the lighthouse structure is still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that access to the lighthouse tower can be inconsistent, so have a backup plan focusing on the boardwalk and beach exploration. Pack snacks and drinks, and be mindful of the potentially loose planks on the boardwalk. The open space and fresh sea air make it a refreshing escape for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Even if the lighthouse interior is closed, the surrounding natural beauty offers ample opportunities for photography and relaxation. Enjoy the sound of the waves, the fresh sea air, and the dramatic coastal landscape. Kommetjie itself has quaint restaurants and coffee shops for a delightful end to your visit.
📸 Photographers
Golden hour (sunrise and sunset) is particularly spectacular, casting a warm glow on the lighthouse and the ocean. Experiment with wide-angle shots of the landscape, detailed shots of the lighthouse's ironwork, and capture the textures of the rocky beach. Don't forget to look for those hidden painted pebbles for unique, charming details in your photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Slangkop Lighthouse
The lighthouse's design and construction are unique, utilizing cast iron sections that were assembled on-site. This method allowed for its impressive height and distinctive appearance. While its operational status and accessibility for public tours have varied over the years, its historical importance as a navigational aid remains undisputed. The surrounding area also holds ecological significance, with diverse coastal flora and fauna.
Recent visitor experiences suggest that while the exterior is well-maintained, the interior may sometimes appear dated or closed for maintenance. However, the breathtaking views from the top are consistently praised by those who manage to ascend. The lighthouse is more than just a structure; it's a symbol of Kommetjie's connection to the sea and its maritime heritage.
Exploring the Kommetjie Boardwalk and Beach
Adjacent to the boardwalk is the rocky beach, which adds a rugged charm to the landscape. Visitors often enjoy exploring the rock pools and keeping an eye out for hidden painted pebbles, a fun treasure hunt for all ages. The beach provides a different perspective of the lighthouse and the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.
While the boardwalk is generally well-maintained, it's advisable to be mindful of potentially loose planks. The area is also known for its pet-friendly nature, making it an ideal destination for dog walkers. The combination of the boardwalk, beach, and lighthouse creates a picturesque setting, especially during the magical hours of sunrise and sunset.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit