South Africa - West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park, South Africa

Flower Season Postberg West Coast National Park

Flower season in the West Coast National Park runs during the months of August and September.
During this time, Postberg Nature Reserve is open to the public. This section of the park is closed to visitors at all other times. The flowers are an absolute delight to behold. The Flower season can vary as regards to the number of flowers -  all weather related. The remainder of the Park is open all year round.

Flower Season Postberg West Coast National Park

Flower season West Coast National Park

There is also game in Postberg - we saw buck and ostriches and the inevitable tortoises!

Ostriches Male and Female West Coast National Park

Should you wish to picnic in the park Tsaarsbank is a good spot next to the sea breezes.
There are "braai" spots and benches.
For those who love hiking, there is a trail of 1.8 km along the beach to the shipwreck of 1978 Pantelis A.Lemos. Whales can also be spotted here during the months from August to October.

Tsaarsbank West Coast National Park

Kraalbaai is another awesome spot to relax on the Langebaan Lagoon side - if you are feeling adventurous, there are houseboats for hire here. The "braai" areas are close by at "Preekstoel"

Langebaan Lagoon - Kraalbaai area, South Africa

The Seeberg Viewpoint offers great views of the lagoon. The small white cottage on top of this huge rock offers much interesting information about the history of the area and is a must stop.
If you are feeling energetic, you can also park at the Langebaan Gate and walk the 4.6 km trail to the Seeberg Viewpoint.

Seeberg - West Coast National Park South Africa

Bird Hides are a delight although one can visit and spot nothing. We were very fortunate to see huge flocks of flamingoes at the Seeberg Hide & the Geelbek Hide. These birds are so very graceful & beautiful.

Flamingoes West Coast National Park

At the Abrahamskraal Waterhole & Bird Hide we spotted a number of birds - take some time out and watch the action in the reeds and water here. My lens is not the greatest for bid photography but these pics give you some idea. The Park is known for birding and we met a group of birders from UK who were out bird-watching with very long lenses! Ok, I admit, I am jealous!

Langebaan Lagoon has been designated as a wetland of international importance in 1988
Bird species like Curlew Sandpipers, Sanderlings and Red Knots journey 15,000 km each year from their breeding grounds in Siberia Tundra to feed here during our summer months. Incredible!

The West Coast National Park was established in 1985 and covers approx. 32,000ha.

Over 250 bird species are seen annually in this park hence the park is on most bird watchers radar.

Flamingoes West Coast National Park

West Coast National Park

Plankiesbaai West Coast National Park South Africa

Plankiesbaai is a favourite picnic area and the hill above can be walked to see the flora during the months of August and September each year. Please note this is only open during these 2 months.

Geelbek Restaurant is open all year round for the times when bird watching or hiking makes you peckish! The building is Cape Dutch Style, built approx 1860 and is now a National Monument

All in all, the West Coast National Park has something for everyone!

Flower Season West Coast National Park South Africa

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