West Coast National park
The West Coast National Park covers an area of 36,259 hectares and is a fantastic example of nature’s garden. It incorporates most of the Langebaan Lagoon, the islands in Saldanha Bay, and an inland section to the east. It was first proclaimed as a marine reserve in 1973 and then as a national park in 1985. Colourful wildflowers surround the lagoon within the reserve. The fields come alive with yellow, purple, orange, and white. Fields of daisies and fynbos as far as the eye can see during September and into October. The wildlife that calls this home ranges from antelope and predators on land to the magnificent fish, mammals, and sharks of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy trails and walks, Birding, Water sports, and 4×4 trails all within the park. This is a self-driving park, and visitors are free to move around the area at their leisure. Surprisingly, even motorcycles are permitted entry, although not within the Postberg section
There is a range of accommodation facilities within the park, from beach cottages and farm chalets to dormitories at the Geelbek stables. It is even possible to hire houseboats, some of which are permanently moored, and others which are mobile.
Various areas of the park include:
- Postberg Section: This part of the park is only open in August and September when it is full of flowers.
- Tsaarsbank: A fantastic picnic and braai (BBQ) site right by the ocean. From August to October, you can spot whales from here.
- Kraalbaai: Beautiful location for a picnic by the lagoon.
The area can get very windy, even in summer, so it is wise to take a jacket if you plan to get out of your car. There are no fuel stations in the park; make sure to fill up before you go. Look out for
- Atlantic Viewpoint: On a clear day, you can see Table Mountain from here
- Seeberg Viewpoint: From here, you can enjoy an amazing view of the lagoon.
Eve’s trail
Join the “Footsteps of Eve trail It takes two and a half days and covers 30km of the park’s stunning terrain, starting from Duinepos and ending at Seeberg. This trail is fully catered and the accommodation is comfortable. The cost depends on the size of the group.
The trail traces the history of the archetypal Eve who lived 117 000 years ago and is said to be the common ancestor of all humans on earth.
Other hiking trails
- The Steenbok trail is a moderately challenging 15.8-km loop. It takes about 4 hours to finish. The best times to visit this trail are from August to September.
- The Postberg flower trail is a popular 15.6-km loop trail. It is quite a challenging route that takes an average of 4 hours to complete. The best times to do this trail are August to October.
- The Postberg trail is a 19.2-kilometre loop trail that is considered a challenging route. It takes about 5 hours to complete. It is a popular trail for backpacking and camping. You will see many wonderful birds on the route. The best time to do this trail is from August to September.
- The Bakoor trail is an easy 5 km out-and-back route that takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Seeberg Cultural Heritage Information Centre
The landmark Seeberg Lookout is one of the best vistas of the West Coast National Park. This carefully restored historical shepherd’s hut is used as an information centre. It was built at the end of the 18th century. Prickly pear, fig, and quince trees planted in the garden remain today.
Geelbek Visitor’s Centre & Restaurant
When you are at the park, pop in at the Geelbek visitors centre. There, you can learn some of the cultural history and find out more about the fauna and flora of the region. You will also find a replica of Eve’s footprints. The footprints were discovered in Kraalbaai in 1995. They are thought to have been left by a young woman who lived about 117,000 years ago. The original footprints can be viewed at the Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town. There is also a restaurant which is open 365 days a year from 7.00 to 7.00
In 1920, Geelbek had the largest wine cellar in the country, even though it did not produce wine there. The governor kept his wines here.
Mountain bike trails
All the trails begin at the Langebaan gate. One route is a 30-kilometre round-trip from Geelbeck and back, the next is a 70-kilometre trail that passes Kraalbaai and returns. There is a “green trail” of 13 kilometres up to the Seeberg bird hide and a “red trail” of 17 kilometres, which also goes to the hide but then on to Mooimark before returning to Geelbek. These trails can be ridden between 7.00 am and 7.00 pm. There is a no helmet- no ride policy at the park.
022 772 2144,
- The Postberg Nature Reserve is within the West Coast National Park. It is closed for most of the year but is opened to the public during spring (August – September), where one can view the exceptional carpet of spring flowers in the reserve.
- Over 200 kinds of birds can be viewed from the Geelbek bird hide.
- The area can get very windy, even in summer, so it is wise to take a jacket if you plan to get out of your car. There are no fuel stations in the park; make sure to fill up before you go.
West Coast National Park, between Yzerfontein and Langebaan on the R27.
The Steenbok Flower trail is best done in early spring
reservations@westcoastnationalpark.co.za
