West Coast National Park
Facts and practical information
The West Coast National Park lies 88 km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is 36,259.8 hectares in size. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the R27 coastal road, and runs from the town of Yzerfontein in the south up to the Langebaan Lagoon. The park was proclaimed in 1985. The park is particularly well known for its bird life and for the spring flowers which occur in the months from August to September, especially in the Postberg flower reserve section of the park. The park, with the islands in Saldanha Bay, has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area. ()
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Secretarybird
The secretarybird is a captivating bird of prey native to Africa, easily recognized by its unique combination of an eagle-like body and long, crane-like legs. First described by John Frederick Miller in 1779, this species stands out with its striking red-orange face...
Birds
Martial eagle
The martial eagle, a majestic and formidable bird of prey, inhabits sub-Saharan Africa. It is the sole member of its genus, Polemaetus, and belongs to the booted eagle subfamily, distinguished by feathers that extend down their legs.
Birds
Steppe eagle
The steppe eagle, a majestic bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, boasts a captivating story. Initially thought to be closely related to the tawny eagle, it was later recognized as a distinct species due to significant differences in their physical...
Birds
African penguin
The African penguin, also known as the Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a captivating species found in the waters of southern Africa. These flightless birds are superbly adapted for swimming, with streamlined bodies and flippers that propel them gracefully...
Birds
Black crowned crane
The black crowned crane, also known as the black crested crane, is a captivating bird from the crane family, Gruidae. This striking species can be found in the dry savannas of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert, and occasionally in slightly wetter regions.
Birds
Western Cape