Drive just an hour and a half from Cape Town along South Africa’s wild West Coast and you will found the tiny town of Langebaan.
Today my guest blogger, Janine, shares some of her favourite things to do in Langebaan.
With its roots as a quaint fishing village, today Langebaan is somewhat of a tourist haven with locals and foreigners alike flocking to this holiday town over the summer. Its turquoise waters and pristine beaches are no doubt the calling card for many a sun-seeker, but there is so much to do in Langebaan all year round!
Keep reading to find out our top 10 things to do in the lovely little town of Langebaan…
Things to do in Langebaan
1. Learn to Kite surf
Langebaan is a kitesurfing mecca. With its shallow waters and consistent wind it attracts kitesurfers from all over the world. Unlike Blouberg and Big Bay in Cape Town, Langebaan offers a protected lagoon with no waves making it a great place for learning how to kitesurf. However, be warned – we don’t recommend trying this activity on your own!
Be sure to hook up with a reputable kitesurf specialist tour company like Planet Kitesurf Holidays. They can recommend the best place to stay and most importantly what school to book your equipment and lessons through.
I did my lessons through Windtown which is located just a short walk up the main street and has a friendly gaggle of young instructors that are eager to assist. Having the right instructor can really make or break the learning experience and the right equipment ensures your safety! Windtown also has a safety boat on hand for all their clients so you can rest assured that you will never get into too much trouble!
2. Go on safari
While not your big five safari experience, Thali Thali Game Lodge, just outside of Langebaan, offers a unique introduction into the world of wildlife.
This small private game reserve gives first time safari goers the opportunity to see ostriches, eland, zebra, sable and giraffe while bumbling along on an open safari vehicle.
Their restaurant is an awesome spot to stop for a hearty lunch and I firmly recommend one of their massive burgers. They have recently upgraded and added some safari tents to the reserve if you are looking for somewhere different to lay down your head for the night.
3. Mountain biking in a nature reserve
While the waters of Langebaan may be a haven for kitesurfing enthusiasts, mountain bikers flock to the area for the trails on offer at West Coast National Park.
This national park offers a host of mountain biking trails from novice to the more advanced. The 10km cycle we did provided us with spectacular views over the turquoise lagoon and a rest stop at the bird eye saw us taking pictures of hundreds of pink flamingos.
While cycling through the reserve you may even get to see tortoises, a myriad of bird species or even a caracal if you are really lucky!
4. Go on a stand up paddle board tour
Langebaan’s lagoon offers a variety of nooks and crannies which are perfect for exploring on a stand up paddle board. You can rent these from Windtown and spend a couple of hours paddling around the island or exploring some of the hidden beaches along the coastline.
For those looking for a full day affair do a tour to Kraalbaai, located within the national park. Here you will be forgiven for thinking you are on a paradise island as you see sand sharks in the crystal clear waters beneath your board or marvel at the cute houseboats moored in the bay.
Kraalbaai is also where Eve’s Footprint was discovered. This footprint is said to be the oldest known footprint of modern humankind.
5. Eat your heart out
A trip to Langebaan wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Die Strandloper.
Lunch lazily rolls into dinner here with a ten course menu made fresh on the fires. Traditional South African cuisine is served right off the coals as you sit with your toes in the sand on the beach.
You can look forward to mussels, fish curry and braaied snoek while a cleaned mussel shell is your eating utensil. This is not fine dining – it’s about relaxing and whiling the day away with friends and family in the sun.
Come hungry but try not to indulge too much in the delicious breads on offer, the real good stuff comes closer to the end. You have to try the lamb bredie and West Coast rock lobster – you will not be dissapointed.