For us, the West Coast National Park in South Africa is by far one of the most beautiful national parks in the entire country. This is not only due to its diverse landscapes, but also to the great swimming opportunities, which are hard to find due to the low temperatures of the Atlantic around Cape Town.

In addition to birdwatching and nature hikes, the West Coast National Park also offers great picnic areas, viewpoints, and camping options. A special highlight is the annual wildflower bloom in August and September, when some parts of the park transform into a colorful sea of flowers.

But even outside of this season, a trip to the park is worthwhile. Why not combine it with a tour along the west coast of South Africa or through the Northern Cape. In the following article, we’ll introduce you to the enchanting West Coast National Park in South Africa in more detail and show you what to expect there. Enjoy browsing!

  • General information about the national park
  • Routes through the West Coast National Park
  • Wildlife and plants in the national park
  • The most beautiful viewpoints
  • Langebaan Lagoon bathing paradise
  • Activities in the West Coast National Park
  • Accommodation in the West Coast National Park
  • Our conclusion

General information about the national park

The West Coast National Park is located about 100 kilometers north of Cape Town. It’s easy to get there by car, but you can also book organized tours into the park. The West Coast National Park in South Africa is characterized by a diverse landscape, ranging from lagoons to sand dunes and fynbos. The diversity of ecosystems creates excellent habitats for a wide range of plant and animal species.

Sights in South Africa - West Coast National Park

The park is also particularly known for its rich birdlife. During the winter months, thousands of migratory birds reach the lagoons. In the various birdwatching huts in the park, you can relax and observe the variety of birds. As already mentioned, the park is covered in a colorful bloom during the spring (August and September). This is definitely one of the main attractions that draws visitors from all over the world. There is even a so-called “Wild Flower Hotline” (072 938 8186) where you can find out the current status of the wildflowers. Funny, isn’t it?

Visitor Information

  • Winter Opening Hours: April – August from 7am to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm)
  • Summer Opening Hours: September – March 7am to 7pm (last entry 6:30pm)
  • Entrance Fees: R127 adults; R61 children (during wildflower bloom R247 & R124)
  • Gates: West Coast Gate and Langebaan Gate
  • Payment on site: cashless; only with credit card
  • Brochure: ask for the park brochure at the gate
  • Pets (e.g. dogs) are not allowed
  • Speed in the park: maximum 50 km/h (roads mostly paved)
  • Geelbek Restaurant: open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (more information here)

Best time to visit West Coast National Park

The best time to visit West Coast National Park in South Africa depends somewhat on your interests. If you want to experience the impressive floral display, the best time to visit is during the wild flower season in spring. This is usually between August and September, when the wildflowers are in full bloom and transform the landscape into a colorful sea of flowers.

The winter months, especially from May to September, are ideal for birdwatching. Many migratory birds visit the park’s lagoons during this time. The various bird hides are particularly busy during this season and are highly recommended. If you want to enjoy water sports such as windsurfing or kayaking, the summer months (December to February) are the best time. The climate on the west coast is generally Mediterranean, with hot summers and cool, wet winters.

West Coast National Park Tsaarbank

Routes through the West Coast National Park

Our route took us from Langebaan to the Langebaan Gate (approx. 10 km). From there, we drove around the lagoon, past the Geelbek Visitor Center, and up to Tsaarbank Point on the Atlantic Ocean.

Along the way we passed some bird watching huts (in the brochure these points are marked as “Bird Hide”), great beaches and picnic areas. The Postberg Section in the very north of the park is only open during the wildflower bloom in August and September.

1. Route ☞ Langebaan – Langebaan Gate – Seeberg View Point – Geelbek Restaurant & Visitor Center – Atlantik View Point – Preekstoel – Kraalbaai – Tsaarbank – West Coast Gate – Cape Town.

2. Route ☞ Langebaan – Langebaan Gate – Seeberg View Point – Geelbek Restaurant & Visitor Center – Atlantik View Point – Preekstoel – Kraalbaai – Tsaarbank – Langebaan.

3. Route ☞ Cape Town – West Coast Gate – Geelbek Restaurant & Visitor Center – Atlantic Viewpoint – Preekstoel – Kraalbaai – Tsaarbank – Cape Town.

West Coast National Park South Africa Rental Car Road

Wildlife and plants in the national park

As already mentioned, the park is particularly known for its rich birdlife (around 250 species). During the winter months, numerous migratory birds visit the lagoons, including flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and many other waterfowl. The park is also home to various mammals, including eland, kudu, springbok, mountain zebra, and other antelope species.

Small predators such as Cape foxes, bat-eared foxes, porcupines, and jackals can also be spotted with a bit of luck. The region is home to various reptile species, including lizards and snakes (e.g., Cape cobras and mole snakes). You should keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures as you explore the park.

You can also often spot turtles on the trails. You can also observe whales and dolphins along the Atlantic coast. You can tick off all the animals you have spotted in the informative park brochure.

The best spots:

  • 1. Bird Hide just after the Langebaan Gate
  • 2. Bird Hide at the Geelbek Restaurant & Visitor Center
  • 3. Bird Hide Abrahamskraal Water Hole

West Coast National Park Flamingos West Coast National Park South Africa West Coast National Park bird watching hut

The most beautiful viewpoints

There are some magnificent viewpoints in the West Coast National Park. Be sure to pack a good pair of binoculars (more about our binoculars) and keep an eye out for water birds, kudus, and the like. In the following list you will find our favorite spots:

  • Seeberg View Point (view over the entire lagoon)
  • Bird Hide at the Geelbek Restaurant (view of the lagoon)
  • Atlantic View Point (view over the Atlantic and dunes)
  • Tsaarbank (view over the Atlantic, great beach)
  • Kraalbaai & Preekstoel (beautiful views over the beaches)

Seeberg View Point Kraalbaai WCNP View over the Langebaan Lagoon

Swimming paradise Langebaan Lagoon

Kraalbaai is a beautiful beach on the popular Langebaan Lagoon in the West Coast National Park. Here you can spread out your towel on the fine sand and enjoy the turquoise, crystal-clear waters of the lagoon. You have to go veeeery far into the water to be able to swim properly, as the water is very shallow here. But it’s naturally perfect for a day at the beach with children.

On weekends, locals like to come to the beach to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the big city. We were last in the West Coast National Park in mid-January and saw very few tourists. If you’re also in the park during the summer months, we recommend bringing a parasol for the beach. It was very hot for us in January, at least. Don’t forget sunscreen!

Kraalbaai Lagoon Kraalbaai Lagoon Kraalbaai Lagoon

Activities in West Coast National Park

In West Coast National Park in South Africa, you can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking, and swimming. There are 7 different hiking trails and 4 mountain bike trails. For the 2-day hike in the Postberg Section, you need a permit from the park administration.

You can book this from June (Geelbek Visitor Centre 022 707 9902/3). The campsite has toilets, sinks, and drinking water. There are also operators that offer this hike in small groups: e.g. Wild Cape South Africa.

  • Geelbek Visitor Center: short hikes (7 & 9 km)
  • Strandveld Trail (2-day hike | 28 km)
  • The Bakoor Trail (4.6 km)
  • Steenbok Trail (13.9 km)
  • Postberg Trail (2-day hike | 27.3 km)
  • Eve’s Trail (30 km)
  • MTB trails (13 km, 30 km, 30 km & 70 km)

In the Langebaan Lagoon you can also try out various water sports activities such as fishing, angling, water skiing, snorkeling, kiting, diving, kayaking and much more. The largest selection of activities can be found around Langebaan (Zone A).

  • West Coast: Clinking Sounds & Breathtaking Lagoon (Private Tour)*
  • Cape Town: Guided e-Bike Safari Tour*
  • From Stellenbosch: Wildflower West Coast Guided Private Tour*

West Coast National Park Hike

Accommodation in West Coast National Park

There is only a small selection of accommodation options in West Coast National Park. You can find detailed information about accommodation in the park brochure. Alternatively, you’ll find a wide selection of accommodations in Langebaan.

  • Duinepos Chalets
  • Abrahamskraal Cottage
  • Joanne’s Beach Cottage
  • Larus Houseboat Kraalbaai
  • Kraalbaai Lifestyle House Boats*

Our Conclusion

We’ve been to West Coast National Park twice so far and will definitely go there a third time. The park is definitely a must for anyone who wants to explore the spectacular west coast of South Africa.

If you’re planning a trip to the Western Cape and are already traveling around Cape Town, be sure to plan one or two days for West Coast National Park in South Africa. For a day trip, you should plan at least 6 hours to explore the park.