Of the 45 lighthouses around the South African coast only 15 are still manned and a number of the decommissioned ones are now open to the public.

Some, like the lighthouse at Cape Agulhas, have a small museum, curio shop and tea room; while others, such as Danger Point near Gansbaai, are wild and desolate. Here you can look out onto the rocks where the Birkenhead went aground – particularly evocative if there is a swirling mist or the wind is howling. Most lighthouses have accommodation and, for those with a head for heights, there's the exciting climb all the way to the top for a bird's eye view of the surroundings.

Those open to the public include Cape Columbine (near Paternoster), Green Point, Slangkoppunt (Kommetjie), Danger Point, Cape St Blaize (Mossel Bay), Great Fish Point, North Sand Bluff (Port Edward) and Port Shepstone. There is usually a small entrance fee.

Look at www.npa.co.za for more information, phone SA Lighthouse Adventure Tour Operations (021) 449-2400 or pick up a brochure at your local info office.