Attractions
WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK
The pristine wetlands and landscapes offer exceptional birdlife, spring flowers and white beaches edging azure waters, that stretch into the early morning mist. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands and brooding salt marshes host vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere.
During the spring in West Coast National Park, Western Cape, South Africa, the strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, and in the Postberg Reserve many antelopes can be viewed in a setting that is as unique as it is idyllic. From August to November, whale watching is a popular activity from Tsaarsbank overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Interesting things to seek in the West Coast National Park include Eland, Red Hartebeest, Cape Grysbok, Caracal and Rock Hyrax. Bird watchers can spot Waders, Black Harrier and Flamingos amongst many others from 3 bird hides in the park, whilst history buffs search for Eve’s foot print.
Contact:
Westcoast DC, Southafrica
Phone: +27 22 772 2144
WEST COAST FOSSIL PARK
Contrary to the way the West Coast looks today, millions of years ago the area was dominated by riverine forests and wooded savanna, and animals that today are long extinct wandered the land. We know this because phosphate mining operations at Langebaan during the late 1950s exposed one of the richest fossil sites the world has ever seen, and since then the bones of some 200 different kinds of animals, some of them hitherto unknown to the world of science, have been recovered.
For the visitor, the highlight of the West Coast Fossil Park is the ‘live’ exhibit of an ongoing excavation of early Pliocene fossils (fossils from 5 million years ago). There are daily guided tours that give a background to the fossils and the climatic changes that happened in the region. But the park is not about fossils alone. There are also several mountain bike trails in the park that include rides for the whole family.
Contact:
Internet: http://www.fossilpark.org.za
Phone: +27 (0)22 766 1606
KRAAL BAY AND PREEKSTOEL
Lying just outside the Postberg Flower Reserve, which is part of the West Coast National Park, Kraalbaai is a beautiful, lagoon-side space in which to escape, made all the more memorable by the obvious house-boats moored in the shallows on which people stay on a regular basis. It’s a spot to which many head over weekends, and it is especially popular during the flower season and summer. But it never gets beyond measure as the park was established to conserve the Langebaan Lagoon and its surrounds, not to exploit it.
Thousands of sea birds use this lagoon as their home, and the golden, curved beaches of the lagoon seem to stretch for miles. During spring, Postberg is opened to the public for the incredible display of rich and colourful wild flowers, some of the best for miles around. There are two well-known landmarks that make Kraalbaai so recognisable. One is the wooden jetty that seems to jut out of the centre of the white, sandy beach towards the boats moored offshore. The other is the Preekstoel or preacher’s pulpit, which looks more like a modern day cycling helmet to be honest, but nonetheless provides shelter from the south-easterlies that can sweep through here.
GEELBEK
Place of spiritual tranquility. Home of the Khoi people who lived here thousands of years ago. The skies are open and bright – the air smells of wild rosemary and sea. Light touches your heart and you realize you are a small particle in a place where your soul is free.
Geelbek is situated on the azure Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park, less than a hundred kilometers from Cape Town.
Magnificent natural surroundings, a gracefull Cape Dutch building and a magical energy awaits you.
Contact:
Internet: http://www.geelbek.co.za/
Phone: +27 22 772 2134
LAGOON WITH FLOWERS
Every spring, from August to September/October, the apparently barren soil of the West Coast, from the mountains to the ocean, burts forth in a kaleidoscopic carpet of flowers. Many tourists are drawn to this glorious annual display, and if you decide to follow suit, please bear the following in mind.
The duration of the flower season and the quantity of flowers is determined by the rainfall and the absence of warm berg winds. The flowers turn to face the sun, and therefore are best viewed with the sun at your back. Flowers are in full bloom between 11:00 and 15:00, on sunny days.
Never remove plants, bulbs or flowers from the veld… it is illegal to do so. Maps of the flower routes are available from the information offices.
CLUB MYKONOS
Club Mykonos, Langebaan, has all the resort facilities any resort lover may be looking for, as well as a variety of excellent restaurants. Club Mykonos, Langebaan, also accommodates day visitors so you don’t actually have to be staying at the resort to enjoy its facilities.
The day visiting public only has access to the marina/ restaurant area, the Casino area and the Beach Bar/Boesmanland area. The gym and Health & Leisure facilities are restricted to resort guests and paying members only. The general public is not allowed access to the indoor pool, tennis courts or any other facilities in this area besides the beauty salon (only on appointment).
Contact:
Internet: http://www.clubmykonos.co.za/
Phone: +27 22 707 7788
LANGEBAAN GOLF COURSE
Langebaan Country Estate features a beautiful 18-hole golf course, set amongst the splendid natural surroundings of Langebaan, teeming with flowers and wildlife.
This Gary Player inspired course will provide a good challenge to players of all skill levels. The clubhouse is open to visitors, members and residents alike, and boats lovely facilities such as a restaurant, lounge, a dedicated smoking area at the bar, and even an under-cover braai area. The on-site pro shop is well stocked to match any golfer’s needs.
Additional facilities include a driving range and mashie course, perfect for practising, or just to enjoy a quick and relaxed round with the family.
Contact:
Internet: http://www.langebaanestate.co.za
Phone: +27 22 772 2112