Just inland from the secluded harbour of Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and salt marshes are home to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. 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.

How to get there

The entrance to the park is some 100 km north of Cape Town, off the R27 highway. Most internal routes are tarred. The last section of the road to Postberg is gravelled.

Directions from Cape Town City Centre: Take N1 (Paarl) On-ramp, pass Lower Church Street off-ramp, take next off-ramp - R27 (Marine Drive), drive through Paarden Eiland and Milnerton, R27 continues as West Coast Road, travel along R27 for ± 120 km, pass Yzerfontein / Darling Turn-off (11 km), turn Left into West Coast National Park Gate, turn Right at T-junction to Geelbek, turn Left to Geelbek.

Directions from Airport: Airport - N2 - Goodwood N7 Off-ramp.

Gate hours

1 April to 30 September: 07:00 - 19:30
1 October to 31 March: 06:00 - 20:00

Late arrivals with accommodation at langebaan must phone the Park (+27 (0)22 772 2144) during offices hours to obtain permission.

Postberg: 09:00 - 17:00 (This section is open during flowering season only.)

Accommodation

• Jo Anne's Beach Cottages
• Houseboats - Permanently moored floating chalets. Fully catered or self catering.
• Hostels and camping facilities are available for youth groups - contact park on +27 (0)22 772 2144.
• There is a variety of privately run accommodation in the vicinity of the park.

Activities

• The park has been divided into 3 recreational zones:
• Zone A: Multi-functional section for most water sports.
• Zone B: Reserved for sailboats and board sailing (no power boats or angling).
• Zone C: Wilderness area, which is closed to the public.
• The Strandveld Educational Trail starts and ends at Geelbek Homestead.
• The Postberg Flower Trail is open during the spring flowering season only.
• Game viewing from own vehicle in the Postberg Section (only during the spring flowering season).
• Picnic, barbecue and ablution facilities for day visitors in the Postberg Section (only during the spring flowering season).
• Tea garden and light meals at the Geelbek Homestead.
• Bird hides near the Geelbek Homestead.

Facilities

Geelbek Goldfields Environmental Centre, dormitory-type accommodation for 110 persons attending environmental courses.

Conference facilities in Houseboats.

Climate

Rain occurs mainly from May to August. Summers are dry with early morning mists with southeasterly or southwesterly winds. A temperate coastal climate prevails.