The West Coast National Park is a place of exceptional beauty. Rugged, rock-studded shorelines, snow-white dunes, the turquoise waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, lots of coastal fynbos and densely-woven carpets of pretty flowers in springtime – the park has an abundance of scenery, and is home to scores of birds and animals.
In spring the landscape bursts into life with brightly-woven tapestries of flowers. These are especially abundant in the Postberg section of the park, and the flowers are usually at their best during August and September.
In addition to flower-viewing, the park offers a mountain bike and cycle trail; hiking trails; seasonal whale watching at Tsaarsbank; birding; picnicking; and animal sightings. On our recent drive through the park, we watched in delight as about ten gemsbuck raced across the road just in front of our car. Eland, red hartebeest, Cape grysbok, caracal and rock hyrax are some of the other animals to keep a lookout for. Tortoises and ostriches are bound to show themselves too.
Birders will have a royal time in the West Coast National Park. The waters of the Langebaan Lagoon – most of which is incorporated into the park – attract some 70 000 migrating waders! September is a particularly good time to see them. Watch the lagoon waders from the Geelbek hide at low tide. You’ll also have a good chance of seeing Flamingoes and White Pelican. The reserve’s fynbos is also host to many species of birds.
Opening Times:
September – March: 7am – 7pm
April – August: 7am – 6pm
There are two entrances to the park, one on the R27 about 10km beyond the Yzerfontein turnoff, and the other south of Langebaan.
(Not all the pics above were taken in the West Coast National Park. Some were taken in nearby Paternoster (where we stayed at the fabulous Abalone House), and in the Cape Columbine Reserve and at Velddrif.)
Mail our Getaways Consultants to book accommodation, or call 0860 102 907 (local) or +27 21 797-7122 (international).
