Lizzy

Visiting West Coast National Park, South Africa? This Guide Has Everything You Need!


A place rich with crystal clear waters, eland, wetlands, and white sand beaches; West Coast National Park South Africa, is one of the most mesmerizing places in the country that radiates color and vibrancy during the spring season.

This national park is known for its amazing diversity and extremely rich bird population, and in fact, the marine life is so versatile given the vibrant coastal wetlands. So, if you want to know more about this diverse place, let’s get into details!

( PS: I have written about multiple National Parks in South Africa before, feel free to check them out 😉 )


Where Is West Coast National Park, South Africa?


Well, it’s in South Africa, for starters! 🙂

The park is located only a hundred kilometers northwest of Cape Town and stretches from multiple villages.

For instance, it stretches from Yzerfontein, a seaside village, to Langebaan, which is in the south.

In addition, it’s in the east of Hopefield and west of the Atlantic Ocean. In simpler words, what’s not perfect about this location?

Click on the picture below to see a link on Google maps to West Coast National Park.

West Coast National Park


The Best Places To Visit


Kraalbaai


If you are a water person, this is the dreamiest place for you to visit.

It has turquoise water stretches and has a section of Langebaan Lagoon, which is perfect for fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, kitesurfing, boating, and SUPing.

In fact, you will love taking a dip and swimming in the clear waters.

Take a look at the following breathtaking video as well of Langebaan Lagoon:


On the other hand, you can just enjoy the white sand beach for sunbathing and don’t forget to take a stroll along the jetty when the sun starts going down.

Last but not least, you can always pack some lunch because Kraalbaai is perfect for lazy beach picnics.


Postberg


Ranging from game-viewing to flower-viewing, there is something for everyone because the place hosts the annual spring flower exhibition.

The entire place blooms into Sporries and Daisies, and we haven’t seen anyone who doesn’t like the vibrancy of these flowers.

Postberg has an exceptional flower section, but you’ve to visit early in the morning (weekends would be better).

In addition, you can enjoy a little picnic amidst the gorgeous blooms.

Preekstoel


It wouldn’t be wrong to call this place heaven on earth because it’s a secret beach that has the most mesmerizing and secluded beach patches, along with aquamarine waters and breathtaking rock formations.

west coast national park south africa


Honestly, there is no place more pristine than this, and you won’t be able to hold yourself from dipping your toes in the exquisite waters.

In addition, you can enjoy sunbathing or just enjoy the rugged cliffs.


Tsaarsbank


This might be called a rougher side of West Coast National Park, but nothing beats the crashing and mirror-like water waves coming from the Atlantic Ocean.

There are stunning beach stretches, and you can even collect some seashells.

In addition, it’s one the best places to enjoy a “lekker braai”, but you will have to stand in the queue (or you could wait for your turn while enjoying a little family picnic).

braai west coast national park south africa


Topping it all, if you visit during August and September, you might be able to see some southern right whales.


Just Enjoy The Wildlife


When it comes down to the West Coast National Park, South Africa, it’s home to around 250 unique bird species, mammals, and reptiles.

In addition, there are seasons for whales, and you will actually fall in love with the diverse fauna of this place.

the-whale

It would be quite easy to spot some zebras, gemsbok, scary cobras, bontebok, and tortoise.


Drifting In Houseboats


If you’ve always wanted to hang out at an extravagant houseboat, you can do it while being in West Coast National Park.

There is a Kraalbai Houseboat where the houseboats are permanently anchored, and you can swim around the lagoon and braais.

In addition, you will have a clear view of the park. As far as the houseboat is concerned, they have full-range kitchens with an oven, fridge, and stove.

Also, the houseboats have fully-equipped bathrooms.


Langebaan Lagoon


Ranging from gigantic boulders to asphalt-hued cliffs and clear turquoise waters, Langebaan Lagoon is the dreamiest place out there, and you will surely enjoy the soft and sandy beaches.

There is an array of watersports available and braai facilities with stunning scenery.

As far as the activities are concerned, there is angling, kayaking, waterskiing, kitesurfing, swimming, boating, and snorkeling – yes, it’s all the water-related activities, but it will be absolutely worth it!


Eve’s Trail


If you’ve got the stamina to hike, Eve’s Trail is a 2.5-day hike, and you can enjoy the nature-loving surroundings.

The surroundings are breathtaking, and when you are tired and hungry, you can stop down at the Duinepose chalets to have some food.

On the other hand, if this hike is too long for you, you can opt for Steenbok and Bakoor trails.

Have a look at another video below where this family hikes around Langebaan Lagoon.


Shipwreck Hike


If you have a knack for adventure and wanderlust, we are sure you’d love to see the shipwrecks.

So, pack the bags to go beyond Tsaarsbank, and you will be able to check out the remains of a Croatian carrier, which was once 74,000 tons but was wrecked at this location back in 1978.


The Best Time To Visit


Truth be told, this is the West Coast which means the weather can be a bit unpredictable.

For instance, there are southerly wings during summers, but the winters bring some northerly winds, which can be extremely chilly.

During the summer season, the temperature ranges from 18-degrees Celsius to 28-degrees Celsius, while winters get 7-degrees Celsius to 15-degrees Celsius – to be honest, the summer season is quite amazing as the sea winds calm down the summer heat!


The Best Place To Stay

  • Houseboats : if you like to live around the lagoon waters, nothing will be better than living on the houseboats because they are fully equipped with the bathroom and kitchen stuff.

  • Abrahamskraal Cottage: this is a self-catering cottage around the waterhole with two single couches and four beds. The kitchen is fully equipped, and the living area has a fireplace, so you can snuggle up at night with some hot chocolate.

  • Steytler Cottage: again, this is a self-catering place with a double-bed room and a double sleeper couch installed in the living room. The kitchen has a fireplace, stove, and microwave, so you can cook your midnight snacks.


My Final Conclusion.


So, are you ready to enjoy the pristine beauty of the West Coast National Park in South Africa?

I hope that I could learn everything you need to learn from this park, but if you have any extra questions, please feel free to ask them below or join me on my social media channels below or Facebook group 🙂

I wish you happy travels!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

I now have a YouTube channel as well!

YouTube

4 thoughts on “Visiting West Coast National Park, South Africa? This Guide Has Everything You Need!”

  1. Although I have visited South Africa on numerous occasions, I have never hear of the West Coast National Park, so this was a very pleasant surprise to come across. It looks absolutely amazing and with so many diverse places to visit, I will certainly bookmark this post and place it on my bucket list for my next visit to South Africa. 

    What is you recommendation as to the best place to stay to explore the West Coast National Park and surrounding areas? Would staying in a place like Langebaan be good? Do you have a minimum recommended time that one should stay in the area? Thank you for your ideas.

    Reply
    • Hi Line!

      Thank you for your positive comment and yes, this park sure is a revelation haha!

      I have used the houseboats to stay in this national park for 4 days, it was a wonderful experience!

      I will write reviews soon on all the places to stay, please bookmark my website for updates 😉

      I wish you happy travels!

      kind regards,

      lizzy

      Reply
  2. Visiting South Africa would be a dream vacation. I did not realize that South Africa afforded so many opportunities to enjoy such spendid ocean related activities. West Coasr National Park seems like a very special place indeed and well worth the investment. It seems that the temperature in the summer would be terrific because of the cool breezes and even in the winter the temperature is very nice. I t would be so nice to relax on the houseboat and just enjoy all the features of the park which are varied and diverse so that you could do a different activity each day. Thank you for opening up my eyes to such a fantastic place to visit!

    Reply
    • hey there!

      Thank you so much for your compliments and positive comment and I wish you happy travels!

      Kind regards,

      Lizzy

      Reply

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