Les Mamelles Lighthouse, Dakar
The Mamelles Lighthouse is a strategically important lighthouse in the suburbs of Dakar, Senegal's capital. It is located near Cap Vert, Africa's westernmost point. It has been regarded as "one of the world's major lighthouses, guiding sailors around the western tip of Africa" since its completion in 1864.
It's atop the highest of the Deux Mamelles, a pair of notable hills in Ouakam, a Dakar neighborhood, 4 kilometers southeast of Almadies and 9 kilometers northwest of Dakar on the Cap-Vert peninsula.
A 16-meter cylindrical tower is affixed to the seaward side of a two-story building to make up the totally white lighthouse. The machine room, which houses a generator and a battery backup system, is located on the first level. The watch room is located on the second floor and is used by the duty keepers during the night. The lantern room is reached through a spiral staircase, which houses the Barbier, Benard, and Turenne 2nd order Fresnel lens, which floats in a mercury bath. It is lit with a 1000-watt halogen lamp that runs on 220 volts alternating current. At a focal height of 120 meters, the light produces a white flash every five seconds. It is one of Africa's most powerful ships, with a nominal range of 31 nautical miles.
The light, which was originally powered by oil, is now powered by electricity, but it is still manned because it is not automated. The lighthouse is open to the public, with lighthouse keepers providing guided tours. Panoramic views of the entire peninsula may be seen from the lantern gallery, including Almadies, N'Gor, Ouakam, and the African Renaissance Monument on the second of the Deux Mamelles hills.
Location: Ouakam, Dakar, Senegal
