West Coast Park


West Coast Park is located 120 km from the large South African city of Cape Town , in the Western Cape of South Africa. The park covers an area of ​​27.5 thousand hectares, it also includes the lagoon Langebaan, its area is 6 thousand hectares.

What to see?

The West Coast Park has a rich flora and fauna, which makes it invaluable. In summer, during the flight of birds from the northern hemisphere, there are more than 750 000 birds there. It is during this period that the tourist season begins in the park. The park includes four islands:

  1. The island of Maglas , an area of ​​18 hectares. It is inhabited by 70,000 gannets, birds of the pelican order. They were discovered relatively recently, in 1849.
  2. The island of Schaapen , an area of ​​29 hectares. His house is considered cormorant, which is a large colony.
  3. The island of Marcus , an area of ​​17 hectares. It housed the largest colony of spectacled penguins.
  4. The island of Jutten , an area of ​​43 hectares. This island is remarkable for its beautiful nature.

From August to October, the flowering period begins in the park. At this time, all the vegetation of the West Coast blossoms and the reserve becomes one of the most beautiful places. The effect is further strengthened by the fact that the Cape area is one of the richest floristic regions of the planet Earth, so one can only imagine what kind of beauty is open to visitors of the park.

Another advantage of the West Coast is "Eve's Prints". In 1995, Kraalbaai found footprints on the rock, previously it was sand. Scientists claim that these are the impressions of a young woman who lived in these places 117,000 years ago. But the most amazing find at the moment is an exhibit in the South African National Museum Iziko in Cape Town.

Routes of 30 km are organized along the "Eve trails", which takes 2.5 days. So you can go not only in the footsteps of an ancient man, but also perfectly explore the park.

It is also possible to rent a mountain bike and ride it on mountain trails, which are laid out special for this sport by professional instructors. And in August and September, you can observe the flocks of whales, which will entice everyone - from the child to the adult.

How to get to the park?

The park is two hours drive from the center of Cape Town. You should go to the M65, and then follow the road signs.