Gourikwa lighthouse Ystervarkpunt

Ystervark punt lighthouse link to shipwrecks 1932

The  Gourikwa/Ystervark punt lighthouse is situated within Rein’s Nature Reserve. Directly translated the name means “Iron Pig Point” or “Porcupine Point”, It was commissioned on 4th August 1964 and was originally a lattice tower. The new lighthouse was more recently constructed after a ship carrying cyanide for mining purposes ran aground. The disaster caused havoc along the coast killing off sea life.  The lighthouse has since been replaced by a round concrete tower.The tower is red with red spiral bands and the lantern is painted red. It has an automatic electric light system that has a white flash every 10 seconds with a light Range of 24 nautical miles. The height of the focal plane: 65 is metres above high water.

You cannot enter the Lighthouse’s premises (although you can easily drive up to its gates) You will have to pay an entrance fee at the gates of the nature reserve. A map of the area is available at the reception building. The lighthouse is situated down a gravel road to the west a few km behind the reception building..