West Coast National Park

Located a relatively short drive north of Cape Town is the picturesque West Coast National Park. Bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean, and with the Langebaan Lagoon as its focal point, this destination boasts a mix of wildlife not seen in many other parks.

In this park, you want to look out for the Cape fox – a real gem of a sighting, as it’s South Africa’s only true fox. You’ll also find the bat-eared fox along with other small carnivores like the African wild cat and the caracal.

The antelope species available include eland, red hartebeest, Cape mountain zebra, springbok, rhebok and bontebok, a species only found in the south-western cape. 

There are over 250 recorded bird species within West Coast National Park, many of them migratory. This means that summer is the best time to visit, when population numbers of wading birds at the lagoon can swell to 20 000! Grey plover, Red Knot, chestnut-banded plover and Kitlitz’s plover can all be seen, while the equally exquisite greater and lesser flamingo paint the pans pink. In the rest of the park, look out for African marsh harrier, southern black korhaan and African rail, which are just a few of the many highlights.

West Coast National Park is also home to abundant fynbos. The endemic plants become one of the park’s main attractions in August and September, when flowering season carpets the area in a riot of colourful blooms.

Perhaps one of the park’s most breath-taking sights happens in spring, when southern right whales can be seen close to the shore. With the blossoms behind you, look out into the ocean from the Tsaarbank section of the park to witness these graceful giants migrating towards Antarctica in large numbers, from August to November.

Enjoying all the West Coast National Park has to offer can be done in many ways. The park is easily navigable by regular vehicle, and a game drive is reward enough, but for a more immersive experience, choose one of the many activities available. On the lagoon, visitors can enjoy kayaking, kiteboarding, or windsurfing; for those who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, walking trails, hikes, cycling routes and mountain bike routes – all of various lengths – are on offer.

Eve’s Trail is one such hike. It follows the path made of preserved human footprints found in the area, said to have been left behind by a young woman around 117 000 years ago. The hike covers 30 km over two-and-a-half days and is fully portered and catered.

West Coast National Park is also the home of Geelbek Restaurant. This national monument is situated in a Cape Dutch house, and its fine dining experience pairs South African meals with spectacular views of the park and the lagoon.

Accommodation in West Coast National Park is available at a number of cottages and chalets, located throughout the park. Abrahamskraal and Jo Anne’s Cottages are off-the-grid, fully equipped self-catering units sleeping four to six people. Van Breda and Steytler Cottages are similarly equipped self-catering options, but have electricity. These units sleep six and two people respectively. Large groups of up to 62 people can be accommodated at Geelbek Stables. This dormitory-style unit has ablution and kitchen facilities, but guests are required to bring their own cutlery, crockery and bedding.