Location: South AfricaThe West Coast National Park was established in 1985 to include Langebaan lagoon (16km long and 4.5km wide) and the islands of Jutten (43ha), Malgas (18ha), Schaapen (29ha) and Marcus (17ha), either in the lagoon itself or in Saldanha Bay. In 1989 the area of the park was extended by some 6800ha to a total of 24700ha by incorporating a larger portion of the coast, Postberg Nature Reserve, and substantial tracts of adjacent farmland.
Registered as a wetland under the international Ramsar Convention, Langebaan is the richest lagoon in South Africa, supporting some 60 000 birds of at least 23 species, of which the most common are cormorants, gulls, sandpipers, plovers, gannets and flamingoes. The number of species rises to well over 200 if temporary visitors are counted. Summer flocks include seasonal migrants from as far afield as Siberia and Greenland who seek out this rich feeding ground. The lagoon, no more than 6m deep and about 10 degrees C warmer than the bay, is home to many species of fish and the food rich mudbanks are exposed when the tide goes out. The park has been dubbed one of the largest oyster graveyards in the world. The enormous colonies of oysters which once lived in the lagoon were gradually destroyed by changes int he water temperature and today the bed is covered with oyster shells up to 7m deep.
Another attraction of the park is the wild flower display in early spring, the south western fringe of the famous flower carpets of Namaqualand. The South African Nature Foundation in 1987 acquired the historic old farm Geelbeksfontein (yellow mouth fountain), known even by Jan van Riebeeck as a place of copious water, and donated it to the park. The old homestead has been fully restored and is now used as an environment education centre. The National Parks Board in 1988 bought a hotel on the shores of the lagoon and renamed it Langebaan Inn. It also serves as an information centre.
The ruins of an old Dutch fort, Oudepost, can be seen at Kraalbaai (corral bay) on the western shore of the laggon. During the Second Wordl War the lagoon was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a runway for their giant Catalina flying boats.
Salamander Point on Donkergat (dark hole), the northernmost point of the peninsula, once was the hub of a flourishing whaling operation from the largest whaling station in the southern hemisphere. The wrecks of many whaling boats in the bay are sad reminders of those days. At various times in the 18th and 19th century the area was also used as a quarantine station for smallpox sufferers. Several hundred lonely graves bear testimony to this dark perod in the peninsula's history. This was also the scene of one of the worst conflagrations in Sotuh Africa's history when 200 barrels of whale-oil caught fire. The name Salamander was that of a Dutch ship which once put into the bbay when it was discovered that some of the crew were infected with smallpox.Accommodation in and around South Africa Red Stone Hills Holiday Farm accommodation in South Africa
A scenic, circular route links this farm to the Cango caves and other attractions. Self contained cottages, circa 1880, with spectacular views, nestle in a valley of vineyards, surrounded by a range of colourful red stone hills, displaying there own ... More
 De Zeekoe accommodation in South Africa
Graced with three overlapping flower zones, and only 7km from Oudtshoorn, the 2000 hectare 4-star accredited DeZeekoe Guest Farm/Reserve is part of one of the world’s 17 “hot spots’.Sixteen stylish rooms open onto cool verandas set ... More
 Mimosa Lodge accommodation in South Africa
Situated in Montagu, the heart of Route 62, and just two hours from Cape Town, Mimosa Lodge is the perfect stop on the scenic route between Cape Town, Oudtshoorn and the Garden Route. The Lodge is a delightful retreat with an enviable reputation for ... More
 Swallows Nest accommodation in South Africa
SWALLOWS NEST is within walking distance of the lagoon, Lookout Beach shops and restaurants. Beautiful sea, lagoon and mountain view from the bedrooms and enclosed breakfast area. Downstairs rooms overlook the garden and swimming pool.Swal... More
 Fynbos Ridge Cottages - Plettenberg Bay accommodation in South Africa
Fynbos Ridge is set amongst fragrant Fynbos. There are spectacular mountain views and the property abounds with abundant birdlife. The secluded pool is ideal to relax and unwind, or one can enjoy the many activities in the vicinity – forest or ... More
 Rietfontein Ostrich Palace accommodation in South Africa
Welcome to Rietfontein Ostrich Palace, a working ostrich farm situated between Calitzdorp (Port Capital of the World) - & Oudtshoorn (Ostrich Capital of the world) on the Route 62 (longest wine route in South Africa). It is the eldest worki... More
 Kadie Cottage accommodation in South Africa
Close to restaurants, shopping centre, golf course and Bontebok National Park. Breakfast basket. German spoken. Winter rates available. Road and mountain bike rides.We welcome you and hope it will be a memberial time at Kadie Cottage. Our... More
 Happy Valley Lodge accommodation in South Africa
A Family owned self catering guest lodge situated on a small citrus farm in the heart of the Franschoek winelands. Two rivers border the farm, the smaller Kastaiings river and the Franschoek river which joins the Berg river about 4kms downstream. We ... More
 Mooiplaas Guest House accommodation in South Africa
There is a farm in the heart of the Klein Karoo…where time stands still…where grassy plains meet the blue sky and where the sun sets in an explosion of colour over the great Swartberg Mountains. Hanlie and Viljee Keller invite you to en... More
 101 Oudtshoorn Holiday Accommodation accommodation in South Africa
Miranda and Bart will greet you personally to make you feel welcome and give you an unforgettable stay. As we have children ourselves, your kids are more than welcome to enjoy the space of our garden, the playthings and all facilities. Several c... More
Directory of accommodation in South Africa |
|
