As the park is located less than 2 hours’ drive from Cape Town, adventurous, sporty and active visitors are drawn to join in the delightful mix of activities on offer. During springtime from August to early October each year, visitors flood to the area to appreciate the magnificent display of wildflowers blooming and watch the Southern Right whales passing along the shores.

Not only are the bird-lovers and water sport-enthusiasts entertained, but history lovers can also discover the iconic 117000-year-old footprint of Eve while enjoying a hike in nature before settling in for a picnic on the beach.

The Langebaan Lagoon was proclaimed as a marine reserve in 1973. The condition of the surrounding area caused concern and in 1985 the Langebaan National Park, including the peninsula, wetlands, Saldanha Bay and the offshore islands, was declared. It was expanded by adding forestry and agricultural land, as well as the land around Postberg. In 1987 it was named the West Coast National Park, stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the R27 coastal road, running from Yzerfontein to Langebaan, covering about 40 000 hectares. In 2000 it was added to the UNESCO Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve.

The climate is semi-arid Mediterranean and mild, without extremes. Strong seasonal winds occur and the average annual rainfall is 265 mm, mainly falling in winter.

The saltmarshes of the Langebaan lagoon is unique in that there is no river feeding into the lagoon. Dense populations of molluscs and crustaceans and 71 species of marine algae can be found in the lagoon and wetlands. It is also a nursery for the development of young fish and supports up to 55 000 water birds in the summer.

Almost 250 000 sea birds, many of which are endemic to the area, live on the five islands of Saldanha Bay. Four bird hides give visitors the opportunity to view many of these birds.

A few amenities are available inside the West Coast National Park, but because the park is located 5 km from Langebaan and close to numerous towns and villages, most facilities are available at these towns.

• Geelbek Information Centre at entrance to the Park
• Information Centre at Preekstoel
• Geelbek Restaurant
• Picnic sites
  • Kraalbaai
  • Tsaarsbank
• Bird hides
  • Geelbek (two hides)
  • Abrahamskraal Waterhole
  • Seeberg Viewpoint
• Filming, photography and events
  • Not allowed from the 15th of December to the 15th of January each
• No fuel available in the park
• Fuel stations in nearby Langebaan Village (5 km away)
• NO ATM facilities in the park
• Food and refreshments available at Geelbek
• Food and refreshments available at a kiosk at Postberg during Flower
• season, stretching from August to September each year
  

Attracting visitors from all walks of life, including those enjoying water sports, cycling, hikes and walks. Offering a haven for a wide variety of birds, birdwatchers especially enjoy visiting the hide-outs to get up close to the birds. Proof of life dating back to 117 000 years ago, can be seen at Eve’s Footprints. Both day visitors and overnight visitors are welcomed at the West Coast National Park.

Activities List

• Spectacular wildflower display in the spring
  • Postberg Section
• Visitors Centres
  • Geelbek Visitors Centre
• Beach access
  • Langebaan Lagoon
  • Rock Pools
• Birdwatching from bird hides
  • Geelbek (two hides)
  • Abrahamskraal Waterhole
  • Seeberg Viewpoint
• Picnic sites
  • Kraalbaai
  • Tsaarsbank
  • Plankiesbaai
    
• Visit Eve’s Footprint
• Hiking
  
  • Eve’s Trail – 30 km, 2 and a half days, guided, portered and catered
  • Strandveld – 28 km, 2-day hike
  • Postberg – 27 km, 2-day hiking trails during flower season, overnight at Plankiesbaai.
    
• Walking
  • Geelbek Short Day Walks
  • Bakoor Trail – 4.6km route
  • Steenbok – 13.9 km, 1-day hike
• Mountain biking
  • Geelbek and return – 30 km on tarred road
  • Kraalbaai and return – 70 km on tarred road
  • Seeberg viewpoint – 13 km circular mountain bike route
  • Seeberg viewpoint and Mooimaak – 30 km circular mountain bike route
• Water sports
  • Zone A: multi-functional section for kayaking and kiteboarding
  • Zone B: sailboats and board sailing – no power boats or angling
  • Zone C: wilderness area
• Whale watching
  • During August and September
  • Southern Right Whales
  • Along coastline in Tsaarsbank section

• Eve’s Footprint
• Floral splendour in springtime
• 200 Species of birds
• Southern Right Whales
• Seeberg viewpoint – short 4.6km trail to viewpoint

• Bring along swimwear, fishing equipment, hats, sunblock, walking shoes.
• Beware of strong and changeable currents at Schaapen Island.
• For those doing water sports, ensure you know and understand local conditions and boating and angling regulations.
• The whole of Saldanha Bay and Langebaan Lagoon is a reserve where crayfish and abalone are protected. Do not remove any of these from the area.
• Water sports are restricted to certain areas. Adhere to regulations.
• Binoculars and cameras are a must.
• As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night.
• Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure.
• Firewood and kindling may not be collected in the park.
• Motorcycles are allowed in the park except in the Postberg section during flower season.
• Medical, pharmaceutical and vehicle repair services are available in Langebaan Village.
• Fuel is available in Langebaan Village and Yzerfontein.
• Wood is not available in the park
• No alcohol may be consumed in public areas such as picnic and barbecue sites, on the beaches and around the lagoon.
• Driving off indicated routes and outside camping sites is a serious offence. It is harmful to the park and dangerous to the visitor.
• Picking of plants, removal of seeds, rocks, crystals or driftwood is an offence. Please help us to preserve the park’s wilderness atmosphere.
  

• Cape Town: 100 km
• Upington: 759 km
• Gqeberha: 841 km
• Bloemfontein: 1 122 km
• Johannesburg: 1 440 km
• Durban: 1 647 km

• September to March - 07:00 to 19:00
• April to August - 07:00 to 18:00