Durban - There are more than 14 lighthouses along KZN’s coast, four of which are on the South Coast, namely Ifafa Beach Lighthouse (more of a metal scaffolding than a “house”), the Port Shepstone Lighthouse, Scottburghs’ Green Point Lighthouse (not to be confused with the lighthouse of the same name in Cape Town), and the North Sand Bluff Lighthouse at Port Edward.
Both the diminutive black-and-white checked Port Shepstone Lighthouse and the elegant white lighthouse at North Sand Bluff are open to visitors, and the conducted tours are fascinating.
Port Shepstone is home to one of the two oldest functioning lighthouses in KZN, having been in service since 1892. In 1905 the original building was replaced by the current cast-iron structure. Prefabricated in Britain, this was to have been erected at Scottburgh, but ended up in Port Shepstone because it was too short to warn ships of the notorious Aliwal Shoal. A small shop and coffee shop offers info and refreshments.
North Sand Bluff Lighthouse is surrounded by tropical vegetation and stunning views can be enjoyed from its red “top deck”. There are two cosy cottages, once the light keeper’s homes, right next to the lighthouse, that can be rented for weekends and holidays. They are very popular for families as well as fishermen. At the base of the lighthouse is a small coffee shop/restaurant that’s locally famous for its coffee, cakes and light meals. The climb to the top of the viewing deck is quite an adventure, but worth every puff and wheeze. Besides, you can take a breather halfway up by stopping to read the accounts of early voyagers and shipwrecks displayed on the wall, along with other maritime memorabilia. – Sunday Tribune