Cape Town · Day trips
West Coast National Park
Wildflowers, a turquoise lagoon, and the world's oldest living culture — all just 90 minutes drive from Cape Town
Distance
120 km
1.5 hr drive
Duration
Full day
8–10 hrs
Best time
Aug–Oct
flower season
Pace
Easy walking
swim optional
!Khwa ttu, West Coast National park, Langebaan, Blouberg sand beaches
For a few weeks each spring, the West Coast turns into one of the most extraordinary natural displays on earth — kilometre after kilometre of wildflowers, knee-deep, in colours you didn't know existed in nature. Outside flower season, the park is still a beautiful day out: a turquoise lagoon, free-roaming antelope and ostriches, world-class birding, and a stretch of coast that few visitors to Cape Town ever see.
HIGHLIGHTS
What you'll see
- !Khwa ttu San cultural reserve
- Spring wildflowers (August to October)
- Langebaan lagoon — warm enough to swim
- Antelope, ostriches, baboons, zebras
- 250+ bird species — one of SA's best birding sites
- Blouberg beach with Table Mountain views
THE DAY
What to expect
We head north from Cape Town along the Atlantic coast. Our first stop is the !Khwa ttu reserve, where we learn about the San Bushmen — South Africa's first people, with a culture, language, and knowledge of this land that stretches back tens of thousands of years.
From !Khwa ttu we drive into the West Coast National Park itself. T 27,500 hectares of fynbos, dunes, and lagoon, home to free-roaming eland, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, baboons, and ostriches. With a bit of luck, you may also spot southern right whales in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
And, in spring, a carpet of flowers that has to be seen to be believed!
We stop for a late lunch in Langebaan, a small town wrapped around a turquoise lagoon. The water is shallow and warm, so bring a swimsuit if you're keen. On the way home we pause at Blouberg — the longest beach in Cape Town and the postcard view of Table Mountain across the bay.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
- Wildflowers peak in late August and September — exact timing varies year to year with the rains
- Outside flower season, the lagoon, wildlife, and birding still make this a worthwhile day
- Bring a swimsuit if you'd like to swim in Langebaan lagoon
- Comfortable walking shoes — short trails through the flower fields are part of the experience
- The itinerary and stop times can be adjusted to suit your group
- Door-to-door transport from your hotel and Czech-speaking guide included
Did you know?
The West Coast National Park is renowned for its diversity of local flora and fauna, especially the wide variety of bird species. Among the wildlife species in the park, you can encounter free-roaming ostriches, various species of antelope (eland, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, duiker, and steenbok), baboons, and zebras. Among the smaller animal species are caracals, mongooses, and turtles. With a bit of luck, you may also spot southern right whales in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The West Coast National Park extends around a lagoon that reaches deep into the interior. The water in the bay is shallow and much warmer than the surrounding cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, making the West Coast National Park a popular swimming destination.
READY WHEN YOU ARE
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