 The lighthouse in 2008 | |
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| Location | Ouakam,Dakar,Senegal |
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| Coordinates | 14°43′25.7″N17°30′06.6″W / 14.723806°N 17.501833°W /14.723806; -17.501833 |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1864 |
| Height | 16 metres (52 ft) |
| Light | |
| Focal height | 120 metres (390 ft) |
| Lens | second order Fresnel lens  |
| Range | 31 nautical miles (57 km; 36 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s |
Les Mamelles Lighthouse (French:Phare des Mamelles) is a strategically importantlighthouse situated nearCap Vert, the westernmost point of Africa, on the outskirts ofDakar the capital ofSenegal.[1] Completed in 1864, it has been described as "one of the world's great lighthouses, guiding ships around the western tip of Africa".[1]
It is located on the higher of theDeux Mamelles, a pair of prominent hills inOuakam, a suburbancommune ofDakar, 4 km southeast ofAlmadies and 9 km northwest of Dakar on the Cap-Vert peninsula.[1][2]
The completely white lighthouse consists of a 16 metres (52 ft)) cylindrical tower attached to the seaward side of a two-storey building. The ground floor contains the machine room housing a generator and battery backup set. On the second floor is the watch room, which is used by the duty keepers during the night. A spiral staircase climbs up to the lantern room, containing theBarbier, Benard, et Turenne 2nd orderFresnel lens that floats in a bath of mercury. It is illuminated by a 1000 watt halogen lamp operating on alternating current at 220 volts. The light produces a white flash every five seconds at a focal height of 120 metres (390 ft). With a nominal range of 31 nautical miles (57 km; 36 mi), it is one of the most powerful in Africa.[1][3]
Initially fuelled with oil, the light is now electrified, but remains staffed as it is not automated.
The lighthouse is open to the public, with guided tours offered by the lighthouse keepers. Views from the lantern gallery provide panoramic views of the entire peninsula, including Almadies, N'Gor, Ouakam, and theAfrican Renaissance Monument which is located on the second of the Deux Mamelles hills.
It is maintained by the lighthouses and beacons division (French:subdivision des Phares et Balises) of theDakar Port authority. It is registered under the international Admiralty number D3004 and has theNGA identifier of 113-24392.[1][3]
| Authority control databases: Geographic |
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