Langebaan Area Info

Langebaan at a glance

OVERVIEW OF THE PICTURESQUE LANGEBAAN

Langebaan, often referred to as the "Jewel of the West Coast', the fast developing picturesque town, hugs the shores of the Langebaan Lagoon.

The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling sea levels during pre-historic times.  Unlike most lagoons, Langebaan Lagoon is purely a salt water Lagoon.The area is rich in historical events from the first inhabitants, th Khoikhoi and San, to the arrival of the Europeans.  The first European to set foot on land was Vasco da Gama at St Helena Bay on the West Coast in 1497. Foreign nations would claim ownership by planting a post in the ground and formally declaring ownership.  One of these posts may be seen today near Geelbek.  Such a marker was also found by Gert Hendrik van Wyk on Schaapeneiland.  European settlement was very limited because of lack of water for 8 months of the year. The Frenc used Schaapeneiland(close to Langebaan beach) as a storage place for whale oil and seal hides, calling it "Isle a la  Biche". More recently, the whaling station was situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the town.

The town Langebaan was founded in 1922 and used as a Whaling Station until the 1960's.

The town is of Langebaan itself is situated 124km north of Cape Town, just off the R27.

Neighbouring towns are:

Hopefield 39 km

Vredenburg 32 km

Paternoster 45km

St Helena Bay 45 km

Saldahna Bay 23 km

West Coast National Park 2km

The Lagoon stretches for 17km from Saldahna Bay, past Langebaan to Geelbek in the south.

The lagoon has channels of different depths and this leads to different shades of turquoise, blues and greens with soft white sandy beaches.

What to do in Langebaan?

Bird- watchers visit the area to view over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park. The flower season starts in August through to September when the West Coast National Park is open up to Postberg with abundance of wild flowers.  Flowers can be seen around the Langebaan town and the West Coast.

The white sandy beaches and clear water if the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attrations of Langebaan. It is popular for sailing, kitesurfing, skiing, fishing, kayacking, paddling and all watersports.  The Lagoon is safe for swimming.

Club Mykonos resort and casino is a popular holiday destination and hosts annual events, festivals and exhibitions.

Large scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held.  The West Coast marathon, mainly through the West Coast National Park is held annually. 42.2km/21.1km and 5km.

Lagoon cruises are a popular way to view the town from the water. Horse riding is also popular and of course gholf.  The Langebaan Country Estate is a 450 hectre estate with an 18 hole Gary Player Designs,  Black Knight, golf course.

Schools in the area:

Curro Langebaan double medium Private School

Topolino Private School

Seeskulpie Pre Primary School

Langebaan Primary School

Long Acres Private School

Langebaan offer plenty  restaurants eg: Pearlys on the Beach, Kokomos, Friday Island, Boesmanland Plaaskombuis, Marc Beach Bar, The Farmhouse, just to name a few.

Laguna Mall offers a Woolworths food store, CHeckers, Pick and Pay, Clicks etc.

VIsit Langebaan once and you will come back again!!