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 Guest Farm accommodation in South Africa
Graced with three overlapping flower zones, and only 7km from Oudtshoorn, the 2000 hectare 4-star accredited De Zeekoe Guest Farm/Reserve is part of one of the world’s 17 'hot spots'.Sixteen stylish rooms open onto cool verandas set in ... More
 Clovelly Lodge accommodation in South Africa
Enjoy the fresh air of Cape Town s green belt with all the city s attractions in easy reach. Located in the heart of the Table Mountain National Park alongside the warm waters and the whales of False Bay, Clovelly Lodge is an ideal base for exploring... More
 Boulders Lodge & Spa accommodation in South Africa
Boulders Lodge & Spa is situated on the edge of town en-route to the Cango Caves. With an open, welcoming atmosphere you will experience the Oudtshoorn lifestyle at its best. Stay in our suites with king size beds and feel at home with en-s... More
 Mooiplaas Guest House accommodation in South Africa
The thirteen double suites have been tastefully decorated. They are spacious and luxurious with big comfy beds, large en suite bathrooms, private lounge area with large flat screen TV, honesty fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, air condi... More
 Van Eeden Accommodation accommodation in South Africa
AccommodationVAN EEDEN ACCOMMODATION is well known for its clean, comfortable, well maintained units at affordable tariffs. We are situated approx 400m from the beach and tidalpool. Safe off-street parking. We are a non smoking establishment. W... 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
 Olive Garden Country lodge **** accommodation in South Africa
A place in the mountains where the living is good... At Olive Garden you can indulge in the Italian art of 'far-niente' or 'doing nothing'.But this is not all. Enjoy the outdoor romantic hot hydro-jet jacuzzi in the garden, the ... More
 Sunshowers Plett accommodation in South Africa
Sunshowers Plett consist of six spacious bedrooms, modern and stylish decorated.Room 5 and 6 has sea views to die for!!All rooms are equipped with DSTV, Aircon, wireless internet, safes, fridges, kettles, complimentary coffee, tea and homemade biscui... More
 Fynbos Ridge Country House & Cottages 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
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