Langebaan: Experience Life on the Lagoon
Nestled in a bay along South Africa’s Western Cape, the small town of Langebaan offers one of the country’s more unique beach holidays. Set beside a saltwater lagoon, the town is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. White sand beaches, nature reserves, and hiking trails take pride of place, while friendly locals and visitors alike add to what is already a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re hoping to find a quiet spot on the beach or looking to feel the wind gusting through your hair, Langebaan is sure to deliver.
Life’s a Beach
Langebaan is home to a selection of white, sandy beaches, each leading into the gorgeous, azure waters of Langebaan Lagoon or Saldanha Bay. Towards the quieter parts of town, the soft sands are perfect for sunbathing, strolling, and generally unwinding. Meanwhile, busier beaches offer a glut of activities to enjoy.
In addition to sandcastles and sun loungers, it’s not uncommon to see kites flying whilst you’re on the beach. Langebaan is famed for its kite surfers, who have been known to take over the lagoon, but even landlubbers can enjoy an afternoon of regular kite flying. Those a little more daring may want to try out kite buggying – where your buggy is dragged along the beach or nearby sand dunes by a kite.
Many of the town’s restaurants, shops and hotels are within close proximity to the beaches, making it easy to take a break from the beach life for an hour or two, should you so desire.
Fun Out on the Water
Whilst kite surfing is all the craze in Langebaan, there are plenty of other water-based activities to get involved in. Kayaking and canoeing prove particularly popular, with many travellers using their water-based transport to explore the lagoon’s islands and shorelines.
Adrenaline junkies will get a kick out of jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing, all of which are popular pursuits in the region. Meanwhile, a number of dive operators offer diving classes and excursions, both out on the lagoon and further afield.
Life on the water doesn’t have to be all adrenaline and excitement either. Travellers can board a charter boat and head out onto the Atlantic Ocean for a spot of fishing or simply to take in the picturesque shoreline. Visit the region in October and November and you may even spot a whale or two.
Exploring the Natural World
The area around Langebaan is rich with flora, fauna, and peaceful getaways. Travellers looking to explore the region should head for Saldanha Nature Reserve or the West Coast National Park. Both feature trails for walking, as well as routes for cycling and horse riding. With more than 300 species of bird native to the area, these locations are also a utopia for birdwatchers. From gannets and flamingos to raptors and oystercatchers, serious birdwatchers can spend days cataloguing their findings.
Undeniably one of the most interesting attractions in the region, the West Coast Fossil Park is a must-see for any visitor to Langebaan. The park, which was discovered during mining operations back in the 1990s, features well-preserved fossils dating back some five million years. Visitors can explore some of the findings or take part in a mock dig at the museum. Meanwhile, walking and horse riding trails make this another great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Langebaan’s Other Offerings
Langebaan town centre offers plenty of other activities to keep you busy, including shopping, golfing, and luxury spas.
Laguna Mall is a recommended destination for those travellers seeking a spot of retail therapy, while numerous smaller shops and boutiques can be found in the town centre, with Bree Street being a noteworthy destination.
The Langebaan Country Estate houses an 18-hole golf course that’s open to the public, as well as a health spa. You’ll also find a spa at the Club Mykonos resort. Each of these spas offer a series of therapeutic treatments that are sure to have you feeling better than ever. Club Mykonos is also home to an on-site casino, popular with adult visitors to the region.
For families, Sunny Park has plenty of child-friendly activities on offer. Outdoor swimming pools, go-karts, bouncy castles, mini-golf, jungle gyms, and much more are available, making this a high priority for those travelling with younger children.
Dining and Accommodation
Langebaan offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dining. Numerous restaurants can be found in town, with just about every type of cuisine on offer. From steaks and South African classics to Italian and sushi, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The local region is well-known for its oysters, so stopping by a seafood restaurant is highly recommended.
The town’s reputation as a vacation destination also means you’ll find plenty of accommodation options ready and available. Langebaan houses one major beach resort, offering luxury hotel rooms and suites, as well as top-class amenities. Elsewhere around town you’ll find a varied selection of traditional hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, holiday cottages, serviced apartments, and even a caravan park. These accommodations stretch the entire length of the town, from Calypso Beach in the north to Shark Bay in the south, and offer quick and easy access to all that Langebaan has to offer.