Danger Point lighthouse is
situated at the tip of a peninsula and associated with the unfortunate loss of
the Birkenhead. The closest town is Gansbaai at the base of the peninsula. This
is a magnificent lighthouse and in very good condition. Views are in the afternoon
sun and the following morning.
The “museum” within the
tower houses the various types of light used since inception in 1895. Initially
pressurised paraffin combusted through a mantle producing the light, but this
was replaced in 1937 by a 4000 watt electric globe powered from a diesel driven
generator. The power source was changed to Eskom in 1970 and the wattage could
be reduced to 1500 and later to a 400 watt metal halide lamp.
The traditional system of descending weights to operate the rotating light has been replaced by small electric motors.
Certain lighthouses offer
accommodation and we stayed here overnight. Our host was Robin and the 3 bedroomed
accommodation is highly recommended and is well furnished. Anyone wishing to
reserve this accommodation should book through Tasneem at 021 449 2400 or
E mail to lighthouse.tourism@transnet.net .
The Birkenhead Memorial,
commemorating the loss of 445 souls, is a plaque set in a waist high concrete
base. A groove in this base is lined up with the Birkenhead rock where the
swell breaks on occasion. This was the case the next morning. The rock itself
is below water level and about 2 km offshore.
This smaller plaque is set
into the wall of the lighthouse.
The seaside resorts of
Kleinbaai and Franskraal are also on the peninsula.
Kleinbaai is the base of the
shark cage diving industry as it is the closest harbour to Dyer Island which is
frequented by Great White sharks because of its seal population. It is amazing
how this industry has grown so rapidly.
The Strandveld Museum houses
Oom Jan’s private collection of memorabilia and this is to found at Franskraal.
