West Coast National Park

Thanks to its proximity to Cape Town, the national park is host to plenty of day trips departing from the city, including quad-bike tours over sandy dunes and kayaking trips in the calm waters of Langebaan lagoon. West Coast National Park is ideal for those who want to experience South African nature without the bustle of a big game park. For a proper holiday, there are several guest cottages scattered around the park.

• Be prepared to pay a conservation fee on arrival at the park—rates are higher in wildflower season.

• It can cool off quickly in the evening, so pack layers if you stay overnight.

• Be sure to follow all posted signage when it comes to animal viewing, and seek out a ranger if you have any questions.

It’s a 1-hour drive north from Cape Town along the R27 highway; then, turn left at West Coast Gate Road, where the road turns into gravel. You can purchase your park pass at the Geelbek Visitors Centre, located at the lagoon's southern end. If you don’t have your own transportation, opt for a tour that departs from Cape Town and offers roundtrip transportation.

It’s flower season in West Coast National Park from August to September. Delicate purple elandsvy, cheerful gousblom, and tiny blue sporrie fill the fields, making the park a popular destination for visitors and locals. To beat the crowds, stay overnight at one of the several cottages or rest camps on the park grounds and get an early start—frolic in the flowers when no one’s around and capture the perfect photo.

In 1995, a set of fossilized footprints were discovered in West Coast National Park and found to belong to a woman who lived 117,000 years ago. Today, this long-ago woman’s path can be followed on Eve’s Trail—an 18-mile hike that winds through the park. The park offers options for fully catered and ported trips, allowing you to explore in comfort as you trace the footsteps of a distant ancestor.