Langebaan is best known for the following: • biggest oyster shell deposits in the world • ornithological capital of RSA – home to the Cape Gannet, Jackass (African) Penguin, Flamingo's, Waders, Black Harriers • Postberg Peninsula • West Coast National Park • a healthy climate with bracing air and sunny days

The Langebaan Lagoon
The Langebaan lagoon is home to the West Coast National Park, and is a wetland of international importance. The lagoon was shaped by the rise and fall of sea levels during prehistoric times (this is quite unlike typical lagoons, which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea). The result is a purely saltwater lagoon.

The lagoon reaches southwards for 17km behind the Atlantic Coast, from Saldanha Bay in the north to Geelbek in the south. It is 4km wide in places and is well known for its white mussels, birds. The basis of its ecosystem originates from the depths of the ocean with the ocean currents, wind and sun, all working together. The cold Benguela current that flows up the West Coast brings nutrient rich water from the Antarctic. A combination of the ocean current and prevailing south-easterly winds, results in a phenomenon known as 'upwelling'. This upwelling forces nutrients (consisting of decomposed matter from the seabed) to be brought up to the surface along the shoreline. The daily change in the tides brings this nutrient rich water into the lagoon.

In the lagoon, the filter feeders like mussels, mud prawns and bloodworms, rely on these nutrients from the decomposition cycle. In turn, these organisms then provide a food source for fish and birds. The thousands of resident and migrant birds feed off the nutrients generated from the salt marshes as well as the sea creatures that live off these nutrients. The guano from these birds is returned to the lagoon and thus provides vital nutrients back to the salt marshes. Since this ecosystem is like a chain, if any of the links are removed, the entire system may stop functioning. No matter how small or insignificant, every little piece of the ecosystem is in place for a reason and is critical to its existence.

The scrubland surrounding Langebaan and its beautiful lagoon is a prime example of Strandveld Fynbos (Coastal Fynbos) and forms part of the Cape Fynbos Floral Kingdom. The visitor can enjoy an all year round spectacular display of our floral splendour. The Strandveld also provides a home for various Fauna species that are even active in built up areas.

Birders’ Paradise
The tidal mudflats of the Langebaan lagoon offer a summer stop-over for thousands of migratory birds each year. And while some might be hard to identify when they are on the move, their names certainly stand out. Look for the delicate greenshanks with their spindly yellow legs, of the frenetic little stints that dart around in search of food. And then there’s also the less common bar-tailed godwit with its delicate long bill.

Since the late 1960’s, the Western Cape Wader Study Group has been ringing the large numbers of curlew sandpipers that touch down in the park each year. Birds form an integral part of the ecology in the region providing a paradise to birding enthusiasts.

West CoastNational Park
A pristine slice of nature nestling on the shores of the lagoon, this park is the pride of Langebaan. The stunning lagoon, which is a protected wetland, provides a safe haven for thousands of birds and thus the park is aptly referred to as a ‘birding paradise’ and forms part of the Flamingo Bird Route. Apart from birding, the area comes alive during the Flower Season when the Postberg Section of the park is open to the public (August and September) and the flower display is breathtaking. Whale watching is also possible from Tsaarsbank and swimming and picnicking are popular activities at Kraal Bay. The park also houses the historic Geelbek building, where today an award-winning restaurant serves delicious food to visitors. There is an information centre and curio shop at Geelbek. Important fossil deposits are to be found in the park, with ‘Eve's Footprint’ near Kraal Bay estimated to be 117 000 years old. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the cycling routes and for those who wish to stay longer, there are unique overnight accommodation options such as Duinepos or even a houseboat. This park is a definite ‘must visit’.

West Coast Fossil Park
The West Coast Fossil Park lies just outside Langebaan on the R45 and offers daily tours of the digging sites with professional and well-informed guides. The many thousands of fossil bones from the digging sites continue to attract world-wide attention and a fascinating array of mammals are represented, including The African bear, sabre-tooth cats, giraffe, horses and even extinct elephant! Apart from the excellent tours, the Park also boasts a visitor centre, tearoom and small shop. Horse riding trails and bird watching are other popular ways of spending time at the Fossil Park.

More: http://www.iziko.org.za/iziko/partners/wcfp.html

Elandsfontein Private Nature Reserve
This 6000-hectare private reserve is best described as raw nature, encompassing huge vistas. It showcases a rich and diverse display of indigenous flora and fauna as well as fossil deposits. A recent introduction is the 12 new game species that form part of an ongoing conservation project. Visitors will experience warm West Coast hospitality and can choose from three-hour nature drives, walks or visits to the fossil sites, including refreshments on the way. The reserve lies adjacent to the West Coast National Park, just off the R27 road.

More:  http://www.elandsfontein.co.za

Bokkoms/Harders (wind dried fish)
The bokkom or harder industry plays an integral part in the West Coast economy and drying racks line the bank of the Berg River where you can buy a batch to take home with you.

Fishing for harders is not new. As early as the 17th century, Dutch settlers were using beach-seines or trek nets to catch the shoals of fish that moved through Table Bay. The catch they were after is the southern mullet which makes up the bokkom or harder industry on the West Coast. According to an ichthyologist, the southern mullet is the most abundant of the 15 species found in South African waters and is endemic to our waters. Harders grow quickly and can reach around 20 cm in three years.

How to make bokkoms: • Gut and wash the harders thoroughly - it’s not necessary to scale them • Salt the fish very well with coarse salt and layer them in a large container in a cool place overnight • Next day remove the fish from the salt and thread a length of strong twine through the heads of around 10 fish • Hang out to dry in a windy place.

Remember to bring them in at night, as moisture will rot the fish