  West
Coast National Park, Western Cape: Just inland from the secluded harbour of
Saldanha Bay one finds the azure waters of the Langebaan Lagoon, focal point of the West
Coast National Park. Thousands of seabirds roost on sheltered islands, pristine golden
beaches stretch endlessly into the early morning mist and brooding salt marshes are home
to vast concentrations of migrant waders from the northern hemisphere. During the spring
the strandveld is embroidered with a tapestry of multi-hued flowers, while in the Postberg
section many antelope are to be seen in a setting that is as unique as it is idyllic.
West Coast National Park: The largest
concentration of mammals is in the Postberg Reserve, but this is only open to public
during flower season. However mammals are found throughout the rest of the reserve. Eland,
red hartebeest, Cape grysbok, caracal and rock hyrax are some of the species to look out
for. Visitors should also keep an eye on the Atlantic Ocean for passing whales and
dolphins.
 The park
surrounds the Langebaan Lagoon, which is a world Ramsar site (site’s deemed to
be of global significance to wetland bird species). Many of the wader species are
Palearctic migrants, so summer is the best time to visit the lagoon, particularly in
September as species return fatigued from their transcontinental travel, and March when
they congregate in large numbers to feed heavily prior to undertaking the reverse journey.
In such times, the birds are often changing into or out of their Northern Hemisphere
breeding plumage. The best time to observe the lagoon waders is to visit the Geelbek hide
from low tide as the tide is coming in.
As the water level rises the waders are forced closer to the hide until eventually they
must fly off until the tide has receded once more. The smaller species depart first, with
the more long-legged godwits, whimbrels and curlews the last to leave. Knot, Sanderling,
Little Stint, Ruff, Marsh, Terek and Curlew Sandpiper, Turnstone, Ringed and Grey Plover,
Greenshank, Whimbrel, Curlew and Bartailed Godwit are present on most occasions, while
there is always the possibility of seeing rarer species.
 Little Egret and South African Shelduck may be seen alongside the
waders. Flamingoes and White Pelican frequent deeper water, and there is chance of seeing
Osprey. Another isolated hide west of the Geelbek educational centre overlooks a salt pan
that is an excellent place to see Chestnut banded Plover. The reserve’s fynbos
surrounding the lagoon hosts Black Korhaan, Cape and Greywinged Francolin, Southern Grey
and Cape Penduline Tit, Anteating Chat, Whitethroated and Yellow Canary, Karoo Lark,
Titbabbler, Bokmakierie and Cape Bunting are all easily seen. African Marsh and Black
Harrier can often be seen quartering the ground. The coastal islands at the mouth of the
lagoon are breeding havens for a number of species such as Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gull,
Cape Gannet, and African Penguin. Cormorants and terns are present too. |
Holiday Accommodation
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