Knysna, but not the Knysna you think
Locals help us uncover the hidden treasures of this Garden Route gem
Welcome to the West Coast National Park
Spot the wildflowers and dine alongside a flock of wading birds at the West Coast National Park
The West Coast National Park offers up more than just overwhelming natural beauty. There are new discoveries around every corner: you could spot the Angulate tortoise or the elusive African wildcat, watch whales breach and play in the ocean, or spend the day seeking out the wildflowers that blanket the park during springtime. Plus, the Geelbek Restaurant is open and ready to welcome you back for sit-down meals.
WILDFLOWER SEASON IS AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
The Postberg section of the park is where the flowers are best, and it is now open to visitors. Wildflowers are the park’s biggest drawing card. If you time your visit right, you’ll see blooms in orange, yellow, purple, and white carpeting the landscape in a vibrant display of colour. Pro-tip: flowers face the sun, so you’ll see more of them when driving south.
SELF-DRIVE GAME TOURS
The park is home to hundreds of game species, which you can view from the safety of your vehicle. Keep your eyes peeled for anything from the smallest angulate tortoise to the giant eland. If you're lucky, you might even see an African wildcat, which is most active during the early mornings and afternoons.
WHALE-WATCHING AT THE WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK
Whale season is from August to November, and with 180-degree views of the ocean, the Atlantic Lookout Point is the perfect spot to stop your car, roll down the windows, and enjoy a packed lunch while you keep an eye out for these marine mammals. You’re pretty much guaranteed to spot the tell-tale spray of a blowhole from up here if you visit during the season, and if you’re lucky, you may even see them frolicking and breaching just offshore.
DINE AT A HERITAGE SITE FLOCKED BY BIRDS
The Geelbek Restaurant sits right at the end of the Langebaan Lagoon where hundreds of diverse bird species flock to wade in its still waters. Settle in at tables spaced out over the expansive lawns to dine alongside hundreds of pelicans, pink flamingos, cormorants, gannets, and a few rare and endangered species that are only found in this area. It’s a spectacular display almost any time you visit.
The restaurant building dates back to the 1700s and is a heritage site. The Smoked Snoek Balls are a real crowd-pleaser, and the Cape Malay Chicken Curry is a classic. For something a little different, try the pumpkin pie or their Ostrich Burger with tangy onion marmalade.
WEST COAST NATIONAL PARK COVID-19 REGULATIONS
The West Coast National Park has introduced a few measures to ensure the safety of visitors during this unprecedented time.
-
You may not exit your vehicle except to visit the restaurant and toilets.
-
No braais and picnics are permitted (although you may enjoy your snacks in your car, overlooking the Atlantic).
-
All bird hides are closed.
-
Walking and hiking is not allowed until further notice.
THERE IS A SMALL CONSERVATION FEE
|
Outside flower season (October to July) |
|
|
South African citizens and residents (with ID) |
R64 per adult, per day R32 per child, per day |
|
Standard conservation fee |
R96 per adult, per day R48 per adult, per day |
|
In flower season (August to September) |
|
|
South African citizens and residents (with ID) |
R90 per adult, per day R45 per child, per day |
|
SADC Nationals (with passport) |
R136 per adult, per day R68 per child, per day |
|
Standard conservation fee |
R198 per adult, per day R99 per adult, per day |
---
Get your tickets to the all NEW West Coast Saldanha Bay Air Show.
Discover a hike with idyllic views and picnics at Cape Point Vineyards.
Cape Town is known for its incredible hiking routes.
Ever wondered what it’s like to hike along, next to and above Sandy Bay?
For the ultimate West Coast wild flower experience: glamp on a private game reserve at this luxury Wild Flower Camp.
---
