Agulhas National Park: Cape Agulhas Lighthouse to reopen after restoration works!

The iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, located in Agulhas National Park at the southernmost tip of Africa, is set to welcome visitors again from Friday, 29 August 2025. The historic landmark has been closed since 01 August 2025 to undergo essential repair and restoration work after suffering damage from a lightning strike on 27 August 2024. The restoration, overseen by the Transnet National Ports Authority, ensures the safety, structural integrity, and continued preservation of one of South Africa’s most treasured maritime heritage sites.

Built in 1848, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse holds the title of the third-oldest lighthouse in South Africa and is the second-oldest still in operation, after the Green Point Lighthouse in Cape Town. Managed by the Transnet National Ports Authority, it remains a vital navigational aid for ships passing through the often treacherous waters around Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Situated at the edge of the charming coastal village of L’Agulhas, this historic beacon is not only a symbol of South Africa’s maritime history but also a popular attraction for travellers exploring the region.

Agulhas National Park: Cape Agulhas Lighthouse closed until further notice! [update]

update (10 October 2024): SANParks just confirmed that the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse situated in Agulhas National Park is still closed due to the electricity outage

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the iconic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse situated in Agulhas National Park is temporarily closed until further notice. This is due to a power outage caused by a lightning strike during yesterday's (27 August 2024) adverse weather in South Africa's Western Cape. The Transnet National Ports Authority has been informed and will analyze the situation to assess the damage and coordinate repairs. The Agulhas National Park administration office is also currently experiencing network outages.
The Cape Agulhas Lighthouse is the third-built lighthouse in South Africa, and the second-oldest still operating, after the Green Point Lighthouse in Cape Town. It is located on the southern edge of the village of L'Agulhas, in the Agulhas National Park. The light is operated by the Transnet National Ports Authority, making it an important navigational aid for ships in the area.

Transnet to stop operating the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train

South Africa's rail company Transnet announced the decision to terminate the world-famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe train service. According to Mboniso Sigonyela, Transnet’s External Communications Manager for Group Corporate and Public Affairs, Transnet identified the Choo-Tjoe as one of its non-core assets.

Therefore Africa’s last scheduled steam train will stop operating within the next couple of month unless a new operator for the service will be found. The company already tendered for a new operator as it hoped to privatise the service, but the parastatal could not identify a suitable new operator. The Outeniqua Transport Museum in George will remain open to the public.

UPDATE (14 Sept 2010): MOSSEL Bay has swung into action to try to save the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe, Africa’s last scheduled steam-hauled train, which has been slated for closure later this month. More on weekendpost.co.za

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South Africa: Shosholoza Meyl train service currently disrupted

UPDATE (18 Oct 2010): Some long-distance train services suspended by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) in August are still not running, the United Transport and Allied Trade Union (Utatu) said on Sunday. [more...]

UPDATE (21 Sept 2010): The service is still disrupted. Several long distance routes had been suspended for over a month now because of operational difficulties with Transnet in servicing the trains [more...]

UPDATE (25 Aug 2010): Current operational routes are:
• JHB-DNB-JHB (the Trans Natal and Premier Classe); and
• JHB-CPT-JHB (Premier Classe only).

UPDATE (18 Aug 2010): PRASA has already started running the Johannesburg <> Durban service again, Johannesburg <> Cape Town will start on Thursday (19 Aug 2010). Buses were being used to transport passengers on other routes. [more...]

UPDATE (16 Aug 2010): The Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa) and Transnet are in "high-level talks" today to try and resolve an impasse that has seen the suspension of Shosholoza Meyl's long-distance service. [more...] 

UPDATE (12 Aug 2010): The Shosholoza Meyl train service is going to run a limited long-distance service nationally for around two weeks! People should call the Shosholoza Meyl call centre on 0860-008888 for further information.

Due to a financial dispute between the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) and Transnet, which is running the Shosholoza Meyl long-distance train service, thousands of train passengers were left stranded yesterday (11 Aug 2010).
Trains in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Durban, Musina and Komatiepoort are currently affected. Buses had been arranged as alternative transport to ferry passengers from stations throughout the regions. A normal service will operate on the Cape Town-Durban route, though.
Stations will continue to make announcements to keep passengers informed of the service disruption and alternative transport arrangements. If you don't have a valid train ticket already, take the bus (Intercape, Greyhound, Translux) or board a plane.
According to PRASA spokeswoman Lillian Mofokeng technical and operations teams were working to re-instate a full service in due course. We'll keep you posted!