The West Coast National Park is a national park on the west coast of South Africa in the province Western Cape. In general it can be said that this park is certainly not one of the most famous. But especially in recent years, the special charm has been discovered more and more and the number of visitors is also increasing outside the flower season. The rough and bitter nature of the West Coast can be experienced particularly well here.
background
The nature reserve established in 1985 is one of the largest on the coast of South Africa. The reason for the establishment of this area was to protect this unique wetland of international standing.
The park stretches along the Atlantic coast from Yzerfontein in the south to Langebaan in the north. That is included in the park Langebaan Lagoon with its azure blue water and a wonderful bathing beach.
The center of the West Coast National Park is Geelbek. A nature conservation station has been set up on the old farm site. In the old Cape Dutch house there is a small shop, a small exhibition and a restaurant. In the restaurant you can sit comfortably on the terrace or in the garden and enjoy regional specialties. There is still an old slave bell in the garden.
history
Originally the area of the national park was settled by the nomadic peoples of the Khoikhoi and San. Lions roamed the dunes in search of antelopes and zebras that lived here. Rhinos populated the grassland. Ostriches raised their young. The Portuguese navigator landed in 1497 Vasco da Gama in the nearby St Helena Bay.In the following time, the bays were mixed up again and again. The Langebaan Lagoon was also known as Table Bay. At the end of the 16th century, however, all uncertainties had been cleared up. The table bay lies with the then newly founded Cape TownDue to the relatively little fresh water, the West Coast did not develop as quickly as other coastal strips in South Africa. In recent years, new holiday areas have emerged along the West Coast. Became a center Langebaan.
In 1998, footprints were made in the National Park Homo sapiens found. They are among the oldest of their kind and are now exhibited in a museum in Cape Town.
landscape
Flora and fauna
With 265 different bird species, the park is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the world. The lagoon with its islands offers shelter for numerous species of birds and the reed and marshlands attract countless species of waders. It's a paradise for ornithologists; on land, the lions and rhinos have long since disappeared. Today different antelope species and ostriches roam the area. When driving on the streets, you have to pay particular attention to small park residents. Turtles often cross the path or lie in the warming sun.
Between July and October you have the chance to watch whales off the Atlantic coast. Dolphins can be seen all year round.
In addition to the fauna, the flora inspires visitors to the park in the South African spring. After extensive winter rains, the National Park solidifies in a unique splendor of flowers. During this time, the private area of the Postberg also opens its doors. The Postberg consists of the three old farms Oude Post, Nieuwland and Kreeftebai. There are also some wild zebras here.
climate
getting there
The West Coast National Park is about 120 km north of Cape Town. It can be reached by car from Cape Town on the R27 in the direction of Saldanha, Vredenburg or Veldrift.
The park has two entrances. One is located directly on the R27 north of the junction to Yzerfontein. The second entrance is located in Langebaan.
Fees / permits
mobility
Tourist Attractions
activities
The small town of Churchhaven is located on the headland along the Atlantic coast. From the church there is a stunning view over the lagoon to Geelbek and Langebaan. There are various viewpoints and bird watching points throughout the park. Shortly after the junction to Geelbek, a wooden walkway leads through the marshland to a point from which it is very easy to observe flamingos on their way through. There is also an observation point behind Geelbek.
If you come to the national park from Langebaan, you can take a detour to the right to a viewpoint shortly after the gate. This place, located on a mountain, offers an excellent view of the entire lagoon, Langebaan and Saldanha Bay.
If you drive in the direction of Postberg, a small path leads to the left to a water hole, Abrahamskraal. A little further you can look out over the Atlantic from a vantage point. With good visibility you can see the Table Mountain of Cape Town on the horizon.
There are parking spaces on the right-hand side just before the entrance to the Postberg. From here stairs lead to the beach of the lagoon. Due to the shallow water, it can warm up well here and so it comes to pleasant bathing temperatures. This place is very busy on weekends.
If you continue on the road, you come to the Atlantic. There are also several parking spaces where you can park your car. If you want, you can walk from here along the beach to a wreck. The beach is almost extinct, especially during the week and outside of the flowering season. With a little luck you can see seals basking on the rocks. From the last parking lot there is a view of the offshore island with its old and dilapidated whaling station.
to buy
kitchen
accommodation
Overnight accommodations are rare in the national park. Two self-catering cottages are available: Jo Anne's Beach Cottage and Flamingo Jos Beach Camp.
A very special type of overnight stay is offered on houseboats in the lagoon. Information on this can be found at http://www.houseboating.co.za .
For youth groups, the national park offers overnight accommodation on a campsite and in a hostal. The national park administration must be contacted for this.
Outside the park, there are various sleeping options in the nearby Langebaan.
