Langebaan Tourism Information

Quick Facts: Langebaan

• The idyllic little seaside town of Langebaan is located on the South African West Coast in the Western Cape Province
• Langebaan is situated at the edge of the tranquil Langebaan lagoon
• Langebaan is 120 km north of Cape Town
• The historical town of Langebaan was founded in 1922
• Langebaan and its beautiful surrounding areas are a paradise for nature-lovers and water sport enthusiasts
• The lagoon is part of a protected area: the West Coast National Park
• The lagoon in Langebaan provides excellent bird watching opportunities
• Whale watching ( August to November)
• Water sports
• Spring flowers ( July to September)
• Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve
• West Coast Fossil Park

Distance to Airport: 140 km

Distance to City: 24 km

Introducing Langebaan

The idyllic little seaside town of Langebaan is located on the South African West Coast in the Western Cape Province.  Langebaan is situated at the edge of the tranquil Langebaan lagoon and is 120 km north of Cape Town.  Founded in 1922, the historical town of Langebaan was once a whaling station but has now been transformed into undoubtedly the busiest and most popular holiday destination of the West Coast. 

Langebaan and its beautiful surrounding areas are a paradise for nature-lovers and water sport enthusiasts. The lagoon is part of a protected area, the West Coast National Park.  The lagoon in Langebaan provides excellent opportunities for certain kinds of water sport.  A world-renowned birding spot with migratory birds from as far as Russia, the West Coast National Park attracts bird watching enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

During the flower season which is from July to September, the landscape of South Africa's West Coast is transformed into a giant garden as the area explodes into a great mixture of colours when the wild flowers bloom.  During winter and early spring, August to November, visitors may be able to catch sight of a Southern Right Whale in the lagoon at Langebaan where they return to calve each year.  Sunsets on the West Coast of South Africa are legendary and which add to the uniqueness of Langebaan's tranquil and magnificent atmosphere. 

West Coast National Park, West Coast (Western Cape, South Africa)

The West Coast National Park in Langebaan is a pristine area of nature nestling the shores of the lagoon. The scenic lagoon, which is a protected wetland,  provides a safe haven for thousands of birds and thus the park is aptly referred to as a ‘birding paradise’ and forms part of the Flamingo Bird Route.  Apart from birding, the area comes alive during the Flower Season when the Postberg Section of the West Coast National Park is open to the public during the months of August and September.  The flower display during this time of the year is breathtaking.

Whale watching is unique and exciting from Tsaarsbank and swimming and picnicking are popular activities at Kraal Bay. The West Coast National Park is home to the historic Geelbek building, where today an award-winning restaurant serves delicious meals to visitors.  One can find an information centre and a curio shop at Geelbek.  Significant fossil deposits are to be found in the park, with ‘Eve's Footprint’ near Kraal Bay estimated to be 117 000 years old. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the cycling routes and for those who wish to stay longer, there are unique overnight accommodation options such as Duinepos or even a houseboat.

West Coast Fossil Park, West Coast (Western Cape, South Africa)

The West Coast Fossil Park lies just outside Langebaan on the R45 and offers daily tours of the digging sites with professional and well-informed guides. The many thousands of fossil bones from the digging sites continue to attract world-wide attention and a fascinating array of mammals are represented, including The African bear, sabre-tooth cats, giraffe, horses and even extinct elephant. Apart from the excellent tours, the West Coast Fossil Park also boasts a visitor centre, a tea room and a small shop. Horse riding trails and bird watching are other popular ways of spending time at the Fossil Park.

Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve, West Coast (Western Cape, South Africa)

The 6000-hectare Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve encompasses beautiful vistas on the West Coast.  It showcases a rich and diverse display of indigenous flora and fauna as well as fossil deposits. A recent introduction is the 12 new game species that form part of an ongoing conservation project. Visitors have the chance to experience warm West Coast hospitality and may choose from three-hour nature drives, walks or visits to the fossil sites, including refreshments on the way. The Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve lies adjacent to the West Coast National Park, just off the R27 road.