Name and Location

The Pelican Point Lighthouse is located in Walvis Bay, Namibia, serving as an important maritime aid to navigation in the southern African region.

Construction and History

The exact date of construction for the Pelican Point Lighthouse is unknown, but it was likely built in the mid-20th century to serve as a aid to navigation for ships navigating through the Walvis Bay harbor. The lighthouse has been recognized as an important cultural and historical landmark in Namibia.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed using traditional materials with a tower shape and a black and white horizontal color pattern.

Light and Navigation

The Pelican Point Lighthouse emits a white light with a characteristic sequence of Fl (3) W 20s, meaning it flashes every 20 seconds for a period of three seconds, followed by a white light. The range of the light is approximately 22 nautical miles (25 statute miles). In addition to its visual aid, the lighthouse also features a racon radar transponder, which operates on a frequency of D and has a range of 12 nautical miles (14 statute miles).

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, but it is not possible to enter the tower itself due to safety concerns. The surrounding area offers scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Walvis Bay harbor.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding landscape features a mix of sandy dunes, grasslands, and coastal scrub vegetation.

Anecdotes and Folklore

• The Pelican Point Lighthouse has been a subject of local folklore, with stories passed down through generations about its importance in guiding ships safely into port. There are also accounts of former lighthouse keepers who would spot whales and dolphins swimming in the nearby waters.

Technical and Operational Details

The Namibian Ports Authority is responsible for the management and upkeep of the Pelican Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse can be found on nautical charts D 5520, with coordinates 14°25'24"E, -22°53'10"S.

Further Information

• Wikipedia: Pelican Point Lighthouse