- 39 Formosa Street , Storms River , Tsitsikamma , 6308
- bookings@tsitsikamma.org
- +27824523361
West Coast National Park
West Coast National Park is one of the Western Cape’s most rewarding “big nature, easy access” day trips: a mosaic of coastline, fynbos, salt marshes, and the jewel-like Langebaan Lagoon. The lagoon’s calm, shallow waters and shifting sandbanks create a landscape that feels almost Mediterranean in colour, but unmistakably West Coast in texture—white dunes, hardy strandveld, and wide skies that make everything feel spacious and unhurried. The park is managed by SANParks and is best known for pairing relaxed beach time with some of South Africa’s most significant wetland and bird habitats.
When to go
If you want the famous carpet-of-colour experience, plan around flower season (typically August–September). Rainfall affects the intensity each year, but these months are the classic window.
For birding, the park remains rewarding year-round, and the lagoon scenery is excellent in any season.
What makes it special
Birding at scale: The park hosts 250+ bird species annually, and the lagoon system supports large numbers of waterbirds and migratory visitors. If you enjoy quiet, slow travel, the hides and viewpoints can keep you busy for hours.
Kraalbaai on the lagoon: A go-to stop for picnics and laid-back swimming in sheltered lagoon water—often the “anchor activity” for families and groups.
Tsaarsbank rock pools: On the ocean side, you can explore rugged shoreline and rock pools for a completely different mood from the lagoon beaches.
Things to do beyond the viewpoints
Walks and trails: Options range from short, accessible routes to longer hikes; the trail network is designed to highlight lagoon views and strandveld habitats.
Stay options inside the park: If you want to slow it down, there are SANParks accommodation choices, including Kraalbaai Houseboats on the lagoon (a distinctive way to experience sunrise/sunset light on the water).