VISIT THE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK

The West Coast National Park was established in 1985 and covers approximately 32,000ha. The park has two gates – the one is literally a few kilometers from Langebaan, while the other one is on the main road (R27) and 100km/62 miles from Cape Town.

There are so many things to do here, that we had to categorize the activities with a couple of photos to explain the beauty of this magical park.

Let’s go!

TSAARBANK (picnic and ‘braai’/barbecue):

Soft white sand on Tsaarbank’s beach – ideal for long walks

For us, a visit to Tsaarbank normally includes a picnic basket or meat 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 a few whales. We have spent many days here and it’s always a day filled with laughter and joy.

Food just tastes better next to the sea

KRAALBAAI (Beach activities & Houseboats):

Long stretch of white sand – ideal for sunbathing and safe to swim

Kraalbaai is one of the most sheltered beaches you’ll find in Langebaan – even on windy days, this beach will be perfect for sunbathing 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 a couple of 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.

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

PREEKSTOEL (Another ‘braai’ spot & sandy beach):

At Preekstoel there is a stunning view over the Langebaan lagoon

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

Should you want to take a stroll on the beach after your meal, follow 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).

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

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

You are guaranteed an enjoyable day at Preekstoel

BIRD HIDES:

At the Park’s bird hides there are plenty of opportunities to view some of the many bird species you can find here. Be on the lookout for birds such as Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover and Sanderling.

Wooden pathway to the bird hide

GEELBEK RESTAURANT & VISITORS CENTRE:

Geelbek Restaurant

The (*) Geelbek Restaurant building is a beautifully restored Cape Dutch building and a national monument. (**) This restaurant is a popular stop for tourists, as well as cyclists.

(*) The name Geelbek comes from the Yellowbill Duck and not from the Geelbek/Cape salmon fish.

(**) Update – 2025: They used to serve delicious traditional meals here, but currently there are only a few food trucks parked on the premises during the flower season.

Relaxing area at Geelbek
The food at Geelbek Restaurant was always very good

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 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 4,6km Bakoor Trail
On the trail you might see antelopes or even tortoises
It’s 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.

Stone cottage with information boards about the earlier years of the West Coast National Park
Stunning view of the Langebaan lagoon – from here, you can 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’s a really beautiful trail and an activity that the whole family will 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 this reserve in one of our earlier posts (Postberg Nature Reserve) – it will be hard to find a more spectacular drive in springtime than here!

Hiking Trail in Postberg Nature Reserve:

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