The West Coast National Park is a protected area located 88 km north of Cape Town in South Africa’s Western Cape province. It is situated within the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme. The park spans from Yzerfontein in the south to the Langebaan Lagoon and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the R27 coastal road. Known for its diverse birdlife and spectacular spring flowers, especially in the Postberg flower reserve section, the park covers 36,259.8 hectares. 

History and Protection 

The park’s history dates back to 1973 when the Langebaan Lagoon was declared a marine reserve. In response to environmental concerns, efforts were made to establish a nature reserve encompassing the lagoon, peninsula, islands, and surrounding land. The park was officially proclaimed in 1985 as the Langebaan National Park and later expanded and renamed as the West Coast National Park in 1987. It became part of the UNESCO Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve in 2000. 

Fauna 

The West Coast National Park boasts a variety of wildlife, including large antelope species like eland, red hartebeest, bontebok, kudu, gemsbok, and more. The Postberg section is home to ostriches, mountain zebras, bat-eared foxes, caracals, and Cape gray mongooses. The park serves as a critical habitat for numerous Palearctic migrant birds during different seasons. Species like red knot, sanderling, curlew sandpipers, flamingoes, pelicans, egrets, gulls, cormorants, penguins, and terns can be observed in their natural environment. 

Flora 

Apart from its rich birdlife and fauna diversity, the park is renowned for its stunning floral displays during spring. The landscape comes alive with vibrant blooms of various flower species such as rain daisies, gousblom, magriet, livingstone daisies, wild sorrel among others. Postberg area within the park offers a unique opportunity to witness carpets of spring flowers between August and September.