Jesser Point Lighthouse is the most Northerly light on South Africa's East coast. This Lighthouse was established in 1986.
It is situated within the Kwazulu-Natal Parks Board holiday resort at Sodwana Bay, which is World renowned for: its scuba diving; big game fishing and Giant Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles, which emerge from the sea in December and January to lay their eggs on the beaches. Sodwana lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's, first World Heritage Site and is adjacent to Africa's Southern, most coral reefs. The Maputaland and St Lucia Marine Reserves join together to form a continuous protected area stretching 150 kilometers from the Mozambique border, Southwards to Cape Vidal and 3 nautical miles out to sea.
Jesser Point Lighthouses revolving beam light produces 4 flashes every 40 seconds, with an intensity of 834 750 candelas, which can be seen at a distance of 25 nautical miles. The lighthouse initially had a radio beacon, with the call sign of 'ZQ'. However, maritime radio beacons have become outdated. All 24 South African radio accommodation including this one, were discontinued on the 1 of April 2000 and replaced by four DGPS (Digital Global Positioning System) reference stations. Providing a highly accurate navigation and positioning service!
As no permanent quarters were allowed to be built at the lighthouse, a prefabricated building had to be erected to provide accommodation for visiting maintenance staff. This structure has since been replaced by a wooden cabin, similar to the ones found at the popular resort adjacent.
