Langebaan Tourism Information

Langebaan is situated 120 km north of Cape Town, just off the R27.

It was founded in 1922 and used as a whaling station until the 1960's. The white Caribbean like beaches surrounding the crystal clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of Langebaan.

The first impression this stylish town reflects, is the feel of tranquility, relaxation and endless summers on the beach. Nature-lovers from all over the world come to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park, as well as the magnificent array of flowers during the Spring season.

The town has turned into a mecca for water sports enthusiasts. Langebaan offers numerous excellent holiday facilities for the water sport enthusiasts who favour a weekend visit or holiday in Langebaan to enjoy the host of water sport and fishing opportunities this vibrant holiday resort town offers. With it's protected lagoon it's the perfect place for sailing, kayaking and kitesurfing.

Langebaan is about 28km from Vredenburg and 20km from Saldanha. The town developed on the easthern shore of the Langebaan Lagoon. The Lagoon streches for 17km from Saldanha Bay, past Langebaan up to Geelbek and in places it is up to 4km wide.

To protect it's culture as a fishing, holiday and retirement village, the town allows no industries. The mild climate, beautiful surroundings and calm waters provide a constant stream of visitors.

Club Mykonos Resort hosts a number of annual events, festivals and exhibitions. Able to accommodate large numbers, the well-known artists are regular performers at this venue. Popular competitions and fundraising events are hosted at the resort.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

The West Coast National Park is a hive of activity during flower season when visitors enjoy the spectacle of wild flowers in all their splendour. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

History of Langebaan:

The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. This is unlike most lagoons which form where fresh water rivers enter the sea. As a result, Langebaan Lagoon is a purely salt water lagoon.

As far back as 500 000 years ago, early Homo sapiens were probably present in the area, living in groups and hunting small game, displacing carnivores, such as lions, from their kills and gathering plant foods.

They made fire as protection and for cooking and probably made simple shelters from branches. They probably used animal skins for warmth and clothing. They made wooden and stone tools.

The area is rich in historical events from thefirst inhabitants, the 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 Peninsula in 1497.

Antonia de Saldanha, after whom the bay is named, did not enter those waters at all. Juris van Spilbergen mistakenly named it in 1601 as Saldanha Bay; he thought that he had reached Cape Town – originally named Agoada de Saldanha. Although the Dutch were the first to claim ownership of the area, the French were frequent visitors.

Countries would claim ownership by planting a post in the ground and formally declaring ownership. One of these ‘posts’ may be seen today near Geelbek claiming the land on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. European settlement was very limited because of the lack of water for 8 months of the year.

Many stirring events have occurred in the region over the centuries including two sea battles and a visit by the Confederate States of America’s, Alabama, in 1863, the most feared warship of its day. Even the 5 islands in the area, which are administered by the Park have a history of their own, including battles for ownership, use as smallpox quarantine hospitals, exploits for guano, sealing centres and other activities.

The French used Schaapeneiland (situated a stone's throw from Langebaan beach) as a storage place for whale oil and seal hides (they called it "Isle à la Biche"). More recently, the whaling station was situated at Donkergat and is still visible from the town.

A reminder of Langebaan's whaling history is the harpoon gun outside the Municipal Buildings. The Langebaan Lagoon was formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times.

Info Courtesy of http://www.langebaan.biz

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