Cape Columbine is a prominent rocky headland in the Western Cape, South Africa, that juts out into the South Atlantic Ocean. It is the most westerly point of the province, and is situated some 30 km from Vredenburg, and 170 km by road from Cape Town. It is enclosed in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve of 263 hectares, which is situated on the stretch of coastline between St Helena Bay to the northeast and Saldanha Bay to the south, and various smaller inlets along the rugged seaboard. The neareast village is Paternoster. The nature reserve and its faclities are managed by the Saldanha Bay Municipality. It is a popular spot for hiking, camping, birdwatching and enjoyment of coastal scenery.
Lighthouse It is well known for its lighthouse, the last staffed lighthouse built on the South African coast. . The Cape Columbine Lighthouse was commissioned on October 1, 1936. Both the headland and lighthouse derive their name from the barque Columbine, that was wrecked 1.5 km North of the lighthouse on March 31, 1829 .
South African lighthouse firsts First to receive three navigational aids: light, a fog signal and a radio beacon. First lens system designed for use with a 4 kW incandescent electric lamp.
Shipwrecks Several ships were wrecked in the area, which is known for its multitude of submerged rocks and reefs.
Columbine 1829 1899 SS Saint Lawrence 1876 SS Lisboa 1910 SS Haddon Hall 1913 SS Malmesbury 1930 Haleric 1932 Da Gama 1979 SS Columbine 1944 (torpedoed)
Climate
Surrounds The Columbine Nature Reserve surrounds Cape Columbine Lighthouse. On the southern side of the lighthouse is Tieties Bay (). 5 km away is the fishing village of Paternoster. The coastline is well known for its sea life, especially for crawfish and abalone. Langebaan Lagoon, the West Coast National Park and a Fossil Park are located to the south.
Selection of flora
External links National Ports Authority: Cape Columbine
References
Along the West Coast of South Africa: Cape Columbine South African Department of Public Enterprises: LAUNCH OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN LIGHTHOUSE ADVENTURE TOUR OPERATIONS