VISIT THE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

The West Coast National Park was established in 1985 and comprises of some 32 000ha. The park has two gates – the one is literally a few kilometers from Langebaan, while the other gate is on the main road (R27 highway) and about 100km from Cape Town.

There are so many things to do here … we had to categorized the activities with a couple of photo’s to explain the beauty of this magical park.

Let’s start …

TSAARBANK (picnic and braai – or barbeque):

The beach at Tsaarbank has soft white sand – ideally for taking long walks

For us, a visit to Tsaarbank normally includes a picnic basket or some meat to put on the fire.

A braai with a view!

The view is magnificent and during August to October you might count yourself lucky should you spot some whales. We have spent many days here and it’s always a day filled with laughter and joy!

Food just taste better next to the ocean!

KRAALBAAI (Beach activities & Houseboats):

A long stretch of white sand – ideal for sun bathing and safe to swim

Kraalbaai is one of the most sheltered beaches you will find in Langebaan – on even windy days, this beach will be perfect for sun bathing and other water activities. 

The jetty will take you closer to the houseboats

There are plenty of accommodation in the West Coast National Park. You can choose between several cottages or chalets. And then you will find several houseboats at Kraalbaai. These houseboats are well equipped and is perfectly suited for family holidays or even functions. Have a look on their website at the different options they provide.

The houseboats at Kraalbaai
Find your way to a houseboat for the perfect getaway

PREEKSTOEL (Another braai spot & sandy beach):

Enjoy a break at Preekstoel with a view over the Langebaan lagoon

There are also braai facilities at Preekstoel – once again you will have the opportunity to prepare your lunch with a beautiful view.

When you want to have a stroll on the beach after your meal, you can take the stairs down to the beach. Walk on the soft sand towards Preekstoel (this beach is named after the rock formation that is shaped like a preacher’s pulpit).

The stunning rock formation, called Preekstoel
Preekstoel – as seen from the main road

This is another popular beach where tourists will anchor their boats to enjoy a day in the sun or even to take their kayaks out on the lagoon.

You are guaranteed an enjoyable day at Preekstoel

BIRD HIDES:

The Park’s bird hides give you the opportunity of viewing some of the many bird species you can find here. Be on the lookout for birds such as Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover and Sanderling.

A wooden pathway that leads to the bird hide where you can get a closer look at the birds

GEELBEK RESTAURANT & VISITORS CENTRE:

Geelbek Restaurant

The Geelbek Restaurant is a beautifully restored Cape Dutch building and a national monument. This restaurant is a popular stop for tourists, as well as cyclists – they serve many favourites, like Venison Pie, Geelbek Mussels, Bobotie, etc.

The name Geelbek comes from the Yellowbill Duck and not from the Geelbek (Cape salmon) fish 👍🏻

With a big grass area and playground available for the children, the adults can indulge in the food and best-selling wines
The food at Geelbek Restaurant are always tasteful and a feast for the eye

CYCLING & MTB ROUTES:

There are four routes available inside the West Coast National Park. Depending on your fitness level, you can either do the 70km return trip from the Langebaan gate to Kraalbaai, or the shorter routes of 30km and 13km.

HIKING TRAILS:

There are several hiking trails in the Park. It differs from two-day hiking trails, one-day hikes and a short walk of 4.6km from the Langebaan gate to Seeberg Viewpoint. Some of the trails are guided, while you can do other hikes on your own.

We have recently done the Bakoor Trail – this hike is a short walk from the gate to the Seeberg Viewpoint and then back to the gate again.

The Bakoor Trail of 4.6km
On the trail you might see some antelopes or even tortoises
It is an easy trail, with a slight uphill as you get closer to the viewpoint
You can see right across the park from Seeberg Viewpoint

There are plenty of information about the park inside the little historical, stone cottage at the top of the granite boulders.

The stone cottage has lots of information boards inside about the earlier years of the West Coast National Park and surroundings
A stunning view of the Langebaan lagoon – you can actually see Kraalbaai on the other side

As you follow the Bakoor Trail back to the gate, you will see the lagoon constantly on your left-hand side. It is a really beautiful trail for the whole family to enjoy.

You will have the lagoon in your sight all the way back to the main gate

POSTBERG NATURE RESERVE:

A carpet of spring flowers

Do not forget to visit the Postberg Nature Reserve inside the West Coast National Park. This reserve is only open in August and September each year during the flower season.

Flower Drive:

You can read more about the reserve in one of our earlier posts (Postberg Nature Reserve) – it will be hard to find a more spectacular drive in spring time than here!

Hiking Trail:

We have also done the 2-day hiking trail in Postberg Nature Reserve. You can read about it here.