Langebaan Overview

Langebaan is an idyllic little seaside town on the South African West Coast. It is located at the edge of the tranquil Langebaan lagoon, 100km north of Cape Town. Founded in 1922, this historical town was once a whaling station and it has now been transformed into a holiday destination on the West Coast. It is a mecca for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The lagoon is part of a protected area, the West Coast National Park - a world-renowned birding spot with migratory birds from as far as Russia stopping here annually.

The jewel of the West Coast towns, Langebaan will leave you with memories of a startling blue sea, acres of spring flowers and the enticing smell of fish ‘braais’ (barbeques). Sunsets on the west-facing coast are legendary and you’ll experience plenty of enchanting moments. We are sure you will return again and again to this tranquil, magnificently beautiful place.

During the South African summer months, from November to April Langebaan is on the most wind sure location on the Planet. The climate at this time of year is perfect with temperatures in the high 20s. The lagoon offers a huge flat water area, with many shallow sections, making this an ideal beginner or improver destination. Most of the Lagoon is surrounded by a nature reserve making for stunning views from the water back across the surrounding area.

Other compelling reasons to consider a holiday to Langebaan is the amazing and very cheap eating out, the world-class service (and always with a genuine smile), the huge range of off-water activities, and incredible value for money we enjoy with the relatively strong Pound.

It is best to have a car in Langebaan so as part of your holiday quote we would normally include this. There are also lots of add-on options for a holiday to Langebaan to include extra nights in Cape Town, wildlife safaris or even combine your stay in South Africa with a visit to Mauritius! Please call and speak to an expert advisor so we can put together the right trip for your budget, duration and specific requirements.

On The Water At Langebaan Lagoon

The Langebaan lagoon is one of the biggest lagoons in the world, with bright blue waters and a large waist deep section, ideal for learning the basics of all watersports. The wind is very reliable as it is channelled between the hills around, picking up mostly at the end of the morning. Some parts have perfectly flat water, ideal for a SUP session in the morning to deserted white beaches. Windsurfers and kitesurfers have the choice between flat, bumpy and wavy waters, all in very close proximity to the hotel and centre. A 3 mm wetsuit or shorty is recommended.

When To Travel To Langebaan

The high season in Langebaan runs from October until the end of April, as this is the summer season. Though in spring (August / September) it’s actually very worthwhile to visit too, since it is the season for flowers and also for whales. The Western Cape has a Mediterranean climate.



The months to catch the best winds are from November until the end of March. The Langebaan lagoon has good wind reliability for watersports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. Its strength varies from very rough to just a breeze. It’s recommended to wear a shorty in the lagoon and a full wetsuit in the open ocean.

In And Around The Region

This picturesque, modern town borders onto the scenic West Coast National Park, which may not have the Big Five but does have the Slow Five: tortoises, whales, sand sharks, porcupines and dune moles. Eland, wildebeest, hartebeest, bontebok, springbok, kudu and mountain zebra can also be seen, mostly in the Postberg section of the park. During spring, Langebaan shows off its rainbow coloured spring flower carpets, often with wildlife grazing amongst them. Game viewing in the West Coast National Park on bicycle is a popular activity too. The oldest known footprint of a modern human – Eve’s Footprint – was also discovered in the park on the banks of the Langebaan Lagoon in 1995. The fossil footprint is dated at about 117 000 years old.



Called the ‘Jewel of the West Coast’, Langebaan is an easy hour’s drive from Cape Town and the bustling town has attractions for the whole family. The natural attractions lure outdoor lovers in droves, while unique beach restaurants, abundant seafood and shopping for curios, crafts or clothing entice others. Adults can also be entertained at the casino at Club Mykonos, while there is also lots on offer for children. There is golf at the Country Club and horse riding on the beach is also on offer.



Close to the town is the West Coast Fossil Park – the only fossil park in South Africa. The remains of Africa’s only bear have also been discovered here, along with the fossils of 200 other species. Visitors can enjoy an informative tour of a fossil dig and hunt for their own fossils, and there is biking, hiking and horse riding through the park.



Relaxed or adrenaline fueled, all extremes of entertainment and activity are easily found in Langebaan, where nature lives in harmony with modern life.