Arnoud Quanjer Wildlife Photography

Scenically beautiful, Langebaan Lagoon is the focal point of the wetland wilderness and the four offshore islands that comprise the park. The lagoon is also a water sports paradise where you can swim and fish and where conditions are ideal for boardsailing, yachting, snorkeling and scuba diving. Internationally renowned among ornithologists, this is one of the world's most important bird sanctuaries, providing a haven for some 256 species.

The West Coast National Park is one of the few large reserves along South Africa's coastline. It runs north from Yzerfontein to just short of Langebaan , surrounding the clear, blue waters of the Langebaan Lagoon. The 30,000ha park is situated 115km north of Cape Town. This famous wetland of international importance harbours a habitat for thousand of waders, which migrate from the Northern Hemisphere to spend the southern summer here. The park supports 25% of the world population of Cape gennets, 12% of population of African oyster catchers, 70,000 migratory waders and is one of the world's richest fish sources. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands. Flamingoes can be observed at high tide during winter. Large populations of pelicans, cormorants, and gannets roost and breed here, 12% of the African oyster catchers reside in the wetland and up to 70,000 waders can be seen at one time.

Best time to visit 

The park is open throughout the year. The Greelbek bird hide situated in a salt -marsh and mudflat feeding area is one of the best spots to study waders between September and April. Rain occurs mainly from May to August, spring time is arid and cool and summers are dry with early morning mists. In August and October the park is ablaze with wildflowers - a major attraction.