Mon Dec 26 2022 07:53:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) - QikTruck Media
The Eastern Cape is known for its stunning coastline, which is punctuated by iconic and historically important lighthouses, making it the perfect destination for lighthouse spotting. From the rugged, rocky coastline of the towns of St. Francis Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay, to the rugged and craggy mountains in the interior, the Eastern Cape has more than its fair share of beautiful and interesting lighthouses. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a touch of adventure, then consider a road trip to explore some of these must-see lighthouses.
The first stop on your lighthouse tour should be the St. Francis Bay Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the Krom River. This splendid red and white striped beacon has been warning ships of the shallows and jagged rocks for more than one hundred fifty years. Its bright, powerful light can be seen for forty kilometres, or twenty-four miles, out to sea, earning it the nickname “the Mother of the Storms” amongst sailors. Before you leave, be sure to wander around the nearby lighthouse museum, which has a variety of interesting exhibits covering topics such as the history of lighthouses and the importance of these maritime landmarks.
Jeffrey’s Bay is home to one of the most beloved lighthouses in the Eastern Cape, the Jeffrey’s Bay Lighthouse. Constructed in 1929, this white and black structure stands tall to this day, warning ships of the shallow waters and treacherous rocks of the bay. It’s a popular spot for tourists, who flock here for the incredible views of the surrounding bay, as well as the chance to observe the flocks of seabirds which nest here. Nearby Plettenberg Bay also has a beautiful lighthouse, the Robberg Peninsula Lighthouse, which dates back to 1869. Climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the peninsula and its surrounding waters.
If you’re looking for something a bit more secluded, then the two lighthouses at Cape Recife and Cape St. Francis are perfect for you. The former is set in a beautiful nature reserve and its light has been keeping ships away from the treacherous reefs of Algoa Bay for more than 150 years. Cape St. Francis, on the other hand, is more remote, situated on a rocky outcrop just north of Port Elizabeth. Both of these lighthouses are popular spots for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the most iconic lighthouses in the Eastern Cape is the East London Lighthouse, which has been helping ships navigate the treacherous Sand Spit since 1906. The red and white striped tower was renovated and reopened in 2017, and today it stands tall overlooking the city, reminding visitors of its historic purpose. Climb the 118 steps to the top of the tower and marvel at the stunning views of the ocean, the city, and the surrounding mountains.
The eastern cape is littered with lighthouses, but the most breathtaking of them all is the beacon that sits atop the Table Mountain. From its vantage point overlooking the city of Cape Town, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Table Bay, Lion’s Head, and the skyline of South Africa’s oldest city. Come here for a memorable and intimate experience of a lifetime.
Exploring these lighthouses makes for a wonderful getaway, but it can also be difficult to organize, especially for those travelling alone. This is where Qiktruck can help. Qiktruck is an on-demand truck and driver hire service, providing a convenient and affordable way to move around any location in South Africa. From a courier service to moving cars, vans and trucks from A to B, Qiktruck connects customers with reliable and professional drivers. For those looking to make their lighthouse tour of the Eastern Cape easier, without having to worry about organising transport, Qiktruck is the perfect addition to any road trip.
The Eastern Cape is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating lighthouses anywhere in South Africa, and it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the sunset. So, grab your bag and head to the Eastern Cape for a lighthouse tour that you won’t forget. You can rest assured knowing that with Qiktruck, your transportation is sorted, giving you time to focus on what’s most important – taking in the beauty of the Eastern Cape’s lighthouses.