Away from the mountains of the Karoo and the Garden Route, the town of Langebaan shows a different side of the Western Cape’s natural beauty. Golden beaches surround lagoons of brilliant turquoise and fields where diverse flora bursts into a thousand colors. Come to Langebaan to witness this stunning scenery and stay here to take part in a wide array of activities, from watersports to golfing.
Trace the origins of humanity in the landscape around Langebaan. Fossils found on a farm nearby suggest that this part of the Western Cape has been occupied for some 10,000 years. Visit the Geelbek Information Centre to see a replica of “Eve’s Footprints,” some prehistoric human footprints discovered near the lagoon.
Explore West Coast National ParkOpens in a new window, following parts of Eve’s Trail through the wilderness to see more of early humanity. The park is also remarkable for the biodiversity of its plant life. Marvel at the multicolored fynbos, a type of shrubland that consists of several different species of plant. The park is also inhabited by animals, including elands, caracals and red hartebeests.
Try a range of watersports in Langebaan Lagoon, which is about 11 miles (17 kilometers) long. The calm waters of the lagoon are ideal for beginners to attempt new sports such as kitesurfing and dinghy sailing. Visit a colony of pink flamingos that live in the lagoon.
Tee off in Langebaan Country Estate, which features an immaculately maintained golf course. Look for local wildlife while playing all 18 holes and take a moment to admire the natural rock formations on the course. Practice your swing on driving ranges and putting greens.
Join residents from Cape TownOpens in a new window traveling north for their escape to Langebaan. The coastal town is located about 90 minutes north of the Western Cape capital by car. Summer in Langebaan, between December and February, has the best weather for watersports. Come in the wetter months of August and September to see the flowers of the national park in bloom.