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West Coast National
Park surrounds the Langebaan. During the spring the strandveld is embroidered
with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in the
Postberg section many antelope are to be seen in a
setting that is as unique as it is idyllic.
The Lagoon is listed in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International
Importance. Many of the wader species are Palaearctic
migrants, so summer is the best time to visit the
lagoon, particularly in September as species return
fatigued from their transcontinental travel, and
March when they congregate in large numbers to feed
heavily prior to undertaking the reverse journey.
Though the thousands of migrating birds
is one the main reason for the conservation
of the West Coast National Park, the showy
plants of the area, usually growing on
granite or limestone rocks, especially
during spring time, are what attracts most
visitors to this fascinating park.
South African National Parks provides limited
accommodation in the park. We recommend two nights
giving you a full day in the park (click on the map opposite to visit SANParks™
website)
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Related pages
Beaufort West, Bellville, Bredasdorp,
Caledon, Cape Town, Ceres,
Clanwilliam, George, Knysna, Malmesbury,
Mossel Bay, Oudtshoom, Paarl, Riversdale,
Swellendam, Vrendenburg, Worcester
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One of the summer-flowering west coast
plants is the Koekemakranka (Gethyllis
namaquensis). There are about 32
Gethyllis species, of which G. afra
and G. spiralis are perhaps the most
commonly known.
The best time to observe the lagoon
waders is to visit the Geelbek hide as the
tide is coming in. As the water rises the
waders are forced closer to the hide until
eventually they must fly off until the tide
recedes again.
Flamingos and White Pelican frequent
deeper water, and there is chance of seeing
Osprey. Another isolated hide west of the Geelbek educational centre overlooks a salt
pan that is an excellent place to see
Chestnut-banded Plover.
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