Location: South Africa » Western Cape » West Coast » SaldanhaThe 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 Saldanha

BLUE BAY LODGE accommodation in Saldanha
The Blue Bay Lodge at Blouwaterbaai is an exclusive retreat overlooking the aquamarine waters of Saldanha Bay. The gables of this elegantly restored Wicht homestead, are a true reflection of tranquility and the warm hospitality of the Western Cape. B... More

Drop Anchor Beach Lodge accommodation in Saldanha
Situated right on the beach of Saldanha Bay, offering Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering accommodation all en suite with Satelite TV, Pub and Entertainment area, fully licenced Sports Bar and private heated Swimming Pool.Secure on site parking. Our... More

Protea Hotel Saldanha Bay accommodation in Saldanha
Remodelled to create an atmosphere of space and light, this hotel occupies a magnificent waterfront position only 80 minutes' drive from Cape Town. Protea Hotels Saldanha Bay offers excellent accommodation with a choice of standard or superior ro... More

Hoedjiesbaai Hotel accommodation in Saldanha
The Hoedjiesbaai Hotel is situated on the lovely Saldanha Bay about 120km from Cape Town on the South African West Coast. It offers amongst others: Conference facilities for about 80 persons (200 cinema style) Catering for weddings, business dinner... More

Directory of accommodation in Saldanha