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Pelican Point Lighthouse
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Landmark
The Pelican Point Lighthouse is located at the end of a long, narrow sandspit that encircles the Walvis Bay lagoon. The original lighthouse was a wooden structure erected in 1915. The current, distinctive black-and-white striped lighthouse was built in 1932. It is made of cast iron and was shipped to Namibia in segments and assembled on site. The lighthouse was crucial for safe navigation into Walvis Bay, Namibia's most important commercial port. The remote location of the peninsula meant the lighthouse keeper and their family lived in complete isolation. Today, the lighthouse is automated. The Pelican Point peninsula is famous for its massive seal colony and rich birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans, making it a popular destination for kayaking and boat tours.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Sandwich Bay (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 19 | 20 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 10 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The lighthouse is accessible from the outside at any time, but the interior is rarely open to visitors. The sandbank is a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers.
Typical hours
A visit in daylight is best, especially for the view. Sunrise and sunset offer memorable colors over the Atlantic.
Photography
The lighthouse and the surrounding dune landscape are fantastic photo subjects. A telephoto lens is useful to capture the details of the cast-iron structure.
Time needed
Allow about 30 minutes to one hour for visiting the lighthouse and its surroundings. Those exploring the Walvis Bay lagoon need more time.
Combine with
Combine the visit with Walvis Bay Lagoon, famous for its flamingos. The dunes of Sandwich Harbour are also a worthwhile destination.
Getting there
Access is by 4x4 vehicle, as the sandbank is only reachable via sand tracks. Guided tours are recommended to avoid getting stuck.
Insider tip
Visit the lighthouse at low tide for the best view of the structure. Bring plenty of water and some food, as there are no facilities.
Geography
Facts
- Built in 1932, replacing a 1915 structure
- Made of cast iron
- Distinctive black-and-white stripes
- Crucial for Walvis Bay harbour
- Located on a long sandspit
- Automated today
- Near a massive seal colony
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pelican Point Lighthouse (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you visit the lighthouse?
Often accessible only with a booked tour.
Are there animals there?
Yes, seals are very active in the area.
What is the access route like?
Only accessible with 4x4 vehicles.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, very safe on guided excursions.
What kind of view?
Fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Pelican Point Lighthouse: where is it located?
Pelican Point Lighthouse is located in Namibia.
Pelican Point Lighthouse: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Pelican Point Lighthouse: why is it worth visiting?
The Pelican Point Lighthouse is located at the end of a long, narrow sandspit that encircles the Walvis Bay lagoon.
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