Despite living near the West Coast for over 11 years, we can count on the fingers of one hand, how often we actually explored the area properly. Aside from the annual visit to Darling (for the spring flowers) and the occasional trip to Saldanha Bay, we really only got to know the surrounding areas when we spent the weekend at Blue Bay Lodge a few years back. In fact, it was only thanks to us getting lost that we actually explored the West Coast National Park, in detail.
Langebaan makes a great base for anyone who wants to slow down and recharge. There is WAY more to the West Coast than time share resorts, and you owe it to yourself to get to know this little town (and the surrounding areas) a bit better.
At risk of sounding cliché, there is something for everyone on the West Coast. If you love nature and the outdoors, pack your mountain bike and hiking shoes and head on over to West Coast National Park. If you are more of a beach person, choose from one of the many beaches between Blaauwberg and Cape Columbine. While for some, the beach is synonymous with water sports and sailing, others might would enjoy a horse ride on the beach as a special treat, while others would prefer to chase a little white ball into equally small holes on the golf course. All these awesome opportunities are available just a short drive from Langebaan.
Keen to try some great food, why not pop in to Oep ve Koep and learn about foraging? More of an eat out kind of foodie, then The Strandloper is an experience you don’t want to miss. (Just remember to bring your own drinks).
There is a lovely square near Tietie’s Baai that often has a market running on Saturday mornings where you can buy anything from home bakes and honey, to hand made toys. And, if home made décor items and quirky furnishings are your “thing”, find The Wille Magrietjie and go wild. There just happens to be a lovely restaurant within walking distance of the shop so that you can fuel up, before you shop until you drop. You will probably be too full for dessert after your meal but it’s worth grabbing a giant slice of their delicious cake for around R20/slice before you leave.
The reality is that the West Coast seems to be a very long drive, for us Capetonians. We are well aware of what is on our doorstep and yet, we just never seem to make it out there. I’ve found that no matter how much I love road trips, I am more keen to drive long distances when I know there is a bed, waiting for me on the other side. In today’s economy, wasting fuel just to “go for a drive” seems like well, a waste. But I find that I don’t really switch off and recharge unless I change locations for a few days. A change may be as good as a holiday but is a holiday as good as a change?
Invest in yourself this year and choose to travel more. One day is one day, but today is a good day to make a booking and commit to taking some leave, so that you can go on holiday. Just think, there is no need to book tickets or calculate how much (or little) your Rand can get you. You’ll be exploring your own backyard and boosting the local economy while you do so. It’s easy to put things off and find yourself waking up this time next year, wondering why you are feeling so tired and worn out. Once you’ve applied for leave and booked your accommodation, you’ve made a point of setting aside time for yourself. Which everyone knows is good, for your health.
AccomoDirect has great accommodation options in Langebaan itself, as well as in the neighbouring areas. You are sure to find something that matches your budget and accommodation needs. If you’re thinking about seeing the West Coast flowers in a few months time, now would be a great time to secure a place to stay before all the good venues are taken.
Disclaimer: This post was brought to you in collaboration with Accommodation Direct, however, we only work with companies we find useful and believe you would benefit from too. All thoughts, words and pictures are our own.
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