Name and Location

The Donkin Hill Lighthouse is located in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), South Africa.

Construction and History

The Donkin Hill Lighthouse was built in 1861 during the reign of Queen Victoria. It was constructed on a rocky outcrop, Donkin's Hill, which rises 68 meters (224 feet) above sea level. The building was designed by British engineer Charles Frederick Richards and took approximately two years to complete.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive 24 meters (79 feet) tall with a distinctive red-and-white striped tower.

Light and Navigation

The Donkin Hill Lighthouse began operations on June 1, 1861, marking the end of an era in which vessels had to rely on unmarked rocky outcrops and uncertain celestial navigation. The lighthouse was equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens capable of producing a beam that could be seen for over 30 kilometers (19 miles). Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations and modernizations, including the installation of a dioptric lens in 1907.

Accessibility and Visiting

Today, the Donkin Hill Lighthouse is considered a national monument and is managed by the South African Heritage Resources Agency. The lighthouse is open to visitors and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore are available.

Technical and Operational Details

No technical or operational details are provided.

Further Information

For more information, visit Wikidata (Q13034628), Wikimedia Commons (Category:The Hill Lighthouse), and Wikipedia article: "af:Donkin Hill-vuurtoring"."