Category Archives: National Park

Kite Surfing, kitesurf, National Park, where to stay

A Visit to the West Coast National Park

On the 8th of March, 2008 I visited the West Coast National Park with the Sonmerset West Bird Club. The first great sighting was not however a bird but rather a Caracal. This was my first sighting of this shy & not often seen cat. Unfortunately no photos, though we had quite good but fleeting views.

We visited all of the bird hides in search of waders with some success, though the tides were not ideal; as well as Abrahamskraal waterhole (one of the parks few sources of fresh water).

My bird list for the day totalled 62 species–four of them lifers: Grey-winged Francolin (Scleroptila africanus) which was a target sopecies for me in the park; Lesser Honeyguides (Indicator minor) which were hanging around the nest of a pair of Acacia Pied Barbet (Tricholaema leucomelas) (The Lersser Honeyguide is a parasitic species, laying its eggs in the nest of other species.); Little Stint (Calidris minuta); and Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris).

Male and female Yellow Canaries (Crithagra flaviventris) drinking at Abrahamskraal.

Grey-winged Francolin (Scleroptila africanus) near the Seeburg hide.

Southern Black Korhaan (Eupodotis afraoides)

I also took the opportunity to photograph a few butterflies for submission to the South African Butterfly Conservation Assessment’s Virtual Museum. This is a Cape Black-eye (Leptomyrina lara).

All in all a fantastic day’s outing & the park is highly recommended for all birders–and anyone who enjoys apending time in the great outdoors.

Thank you to http://zanature.wordpress.com for the story.

Accommodation in and around the West Coast National Park

Flower Season, National Park, where to stay

West Coast National Park opens its gates.

By Craig McKune

SA National Parks is encouraging a nationwide free-for-all at their parks this week.

This is a major part of National Parks Week, which was launched on Monday in the West Coast National Park.

The concept was first launched in 2006 with “the realisation that the majority of the country’s citizens were not accessing parks”, stated a SANParks press release.

‘This year we are focusing on involving young people and communities’

“The survival of the SA national parks system and our natural and cultural heritage lies in the people of South Africa,” said SANParks CEO David Mabunda.

This year we are focusing on involving young people and communities, to cultivate knowledge of the importance of conservation and an appreciation for the country’s natural heritage,” he said.
Until Friday, access to most parks is free if you are carrying an official South African identity document. Children under the age of 16 will be allowed entry without identification.

The launch at the West Coast Park celebrated in particular the role of women in conservation, said SANParks communications officer Wanda Mkutshulwa.

“Today we are launching the Duinepos chalets, which are being run by three very dynamic women,” she said.

‘It has proven to be a very successful community project’

“It has proven to be a very successful community project, with the chalets running at full capacity over weekends.”

Duinepos has been running for nearly two years since the completion of the first chalets, but the full complement of 11 was recently completed, said Mkutshulwa.

Activities include a rangers’ anti-poaching roadshow at the Camdeboo Park. Tsitsikamma is hosting an evening fireside debate on moral responsibility with local youth.

Knysna National Park is holding a fishing expedition for children. And Kruger National Park will hold a “Walk in the Wild” project.

Accommodation in Langebaan

Lagoon, Land, National Park

Langebaan Tourism Information

Langebaan Tourism Information

Black Oyster Catcher - LangebaanLangebaan is situated 120 km north of Cape Town, just off the R27.

It was founded in 1922 and used as a whaling station until the 1960’s. The white Caribbean like beaches surrounding the crystal clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of Langebaan.

The first impression this stylish town reflects, is the feel of tranquility, relaxation and endless summers on the beach. Nature-lovers from all over the world come to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park, as well as the magnificent array of flowers during the Spring season.

The town has turned into a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Langebaan offers numerous excellent holiday facilities for the water sport enthusiasts who favour a weekend visit or holiday in Langebaan to enjoy the host of water sport and fishing opportunities this vibrant holiday resort town offers. With it’s protected lagoon it’s the perfect place for sailing, kayaking and kitesurfing.

Langebaan is about 28km from Vredenburg and 20km from Saldanha. The town developed on the easthern shore of the Langebaan Lagoon. The Lagoon streches for 17km from Saldanha Bay, past Langebaan up to Geelbek and in places it is up to 4km wide.

To protect it’s culture as a fishing, holiday and retirement village, the town allows no industries. The mild climate, beautiful surroundings and calm waters provide a constant stream of visitors.

Club Mykonos Resort hosts a number of annual events, festivals and exhibitions. Able to accommodate large numbers, the well-known artists are regular performers at this venue. Popular competitions and fundraising events are hosted at the resort.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

The West Coast National Park is a hive of activity during flower season when visitors enjoy the spectacle of wild flowers in all their splendour. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

Flowers, Lagoon and Tortoise in Langebaan

History of Langebaan:

The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. This is unlike most lagoons which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea. As a result, Langebaan Lagoon is a purely salt water lagoon.

As far back as 500 000 years ago, early Homo sapiens were probably present in the area, living in groups and hunting small game, displacing carnivores, such as lions, from their kills and gathering plant foods.

They made fire as protection and for cooking and probably made simple shelters from branches. They probably used animal skins for warmth and clothing. They made wooden and stone tools.

The area is rich in historical events from thefirst inhabitants, the Khoikhoi and San to the arrival of the Europeans. The first European to set foot on land was Vasco da Gama at St Helena Bay on the West Coast Peninsula in 1497.

Antonia de Saldanha, after whom the bay is named, did not enter those waters at all. Juris van Spilbergen mistakenly named it in 1601 as Saldanha Bay; he thought that he had reached Cape Town – originally named Agoada de Saldanha. Although the Dutch were the first to claim ownership of the area, the French were frequent visitors.

Countries would claim ownership by planting a post in the ground and formally declaring ownership. One of these ‘posts’ may be seen today near Geelbek claiming the land on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. European settlement was very limited because of the lack of water for 8 months of the year.

Many stirring events have occurred in the region over the centuries including two sea battles and a visit by the Confederate States of America’s, Alabama, in 1863, the most feared warship of its day. Even the 5 islands in the area, which are administered by the Park have a history of their own, including battles for ownership, use as smallpox quarantine hospitals, exploits for guano, sealing centres and other activities.

The French used Schaapeneiland (situated a stone’s throw from Langebaan beach) as a storage place for whale oil and seal hides (they called it “Isle à la Biche”). More recently, the whaling station was situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the town.

A reminder of Langebaan’s whaling history is the harpoon gun outside the Municipal Buildings. The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times.

Info Courtesy of http://www.langebaan.biz

Accommodation in Langebaan